How much room do you need for a tankless hot water heater?

The unit heats the water as long as this is open. When it is closed, the tankless unit stops heating the water. It is true that tankless water heaters do not require a lot of space. A large unit requires an area no larger than 24 inches square and ex- tends from the wall by about 8 to 10 inches.

How much ventilation does a tankless water heater need?

4. Outdoor tankless water heaters don't need venting. In warmer climates, it's easy to install a tankless water heater outdoors, with no additional venting required. Tankless units are designed to withstand below-freezing temperatures through self-warming capabilities that prevent freezing and cracking.

Can you install a tankless water heater anywhere?

Tankless water heaters can be installed anywhere inside your home. You can even have a tankless water heater in a bathroom! Some families with larger homes choose to install two, one for each floor, for example. Because of their small size, they fit in closets, cabinets, pantries or laundry rooms.

Can you put a tankless water heater in a closet?

Your tankless water heater can be installed just about anywhere! Due to the small size of your water heater, it can be mounted in many small spaces, including closets, under sinks, in pantries, or under stair storage areas.

Do tankless water heaters take up less space?

Tankless water heaters take up much less space than storage water heaters as they heat the water directly. When you turn on the hot water, the cold water travels through a pipe and into the tankless water heater unit where it is heated by a gas burner or an electric element.

3 Things They Don’t Tell You About Tankless

What is the most common problems with tankless water heaters?

Are tankless water heaters worth it 2021?

Energy Efficient

The U.S. Department of Energy reports a tankless water heater is 24% to 34% more energy-efficient than storage tank water heaters—as long as you use around 41 gallons per day. However, even if you double that amount, they are still 8% to 14% more efficient.

Where should I put my tankless water heater?

The ideal location for your water heater is inside the home. Most installations are small and unobtrusive so they will easily fit in a pantry, under the stairs, or under your sink. If you must place the water heater outside, make sure it's safe from direct sunlight, rain, and insects.

Can a tankless water heater be installed in a bedroom closet?

Electric tankless water heaters can be mounted in a closet as they do not require ventilation. Also, they can fit in these small spaces because they are about a third the size of a gas tankless water heater. Planning for the unit's electrical requirements is crucial before installation.

How close can a tankless water heater be to an electrical panel?

The only code requirements I've found regarding clearances around an electrical panel are allowing at least a 30" working space (side to side).

Does a tankless water heater have to be installed on an exterior wall?

It is possible to install a tankless water heater outside and free up indoor space. The roof or side wall can be used as a vent for the tankless water heaters. Venting through the roof is required for traditional gas tank water heaters.

Will a tankless water heater fill a tub?

Please remember that tankless water heaters also come in different sizes, and you need to get a unit that will deliver a strong flow to the tub. A small tankless water heater can take a long time to fill a large tub. Second, bite the bullet and just install a larger water heater in place of your present water heater.

Do electric tankless water heaters need a vent?

No. Unlike gas tankless water heaters and gas traditional tank style water heaters, electric tankless water heaters do not require any venting. This is often one of the deciding factors when choosing whether you should purchase a gas or electric tankless water heater.

How do you vent an indoor tankless water heater?

Tankless water heaters can be vented in two ways: power-vent or direct-vent. Power-vent units use indoor air for combustion and simply vent the exhaust to the outside. Direct-vent units pull in air from the outside, so they have two vents for intake and exhaust.

Can I use PVC to vent my tankless water heater?

In most cases, PVC makes a great venting material. It's the least expensive option and is easy to install. And it's a good reason to consider a high-efficiency condensing unit.

Can you vent a tankless water heater vertically?

On the other hand, tankless hot water heaters can use fans to blow the exhaust air vertically, or horizontally, depending on the buyer's preferences. This is because they use a combustion fan that can actually blow the hot exhaust air in any direction.

Can you take a shower with a tankless water heater?

With a tankless water heater, you can take a shower, use the dishwasher, and do laundry all at the same time without losing hot water. On top of saving, you from the dreaded cold shower, it can also save you money and energy.

Can you install a tankless water heater on an interior wall?

Electric tankless water heaters are designed to be installed indoors in the garage, basement, or interior wall. Both natural and propane gas tankless water heaters have indoor and outdoor models. Indoor models can also be installed in the garage, basement, or the exterior wall's interior side to provide venting.

How big of a tankless water heater do I need for a family of 5?

In short, a family of 5 would need a 10 GPM gas tankless heater or 27 kW electric tankless heater if you live in the northern part of the USA, where the input water has a lower temperature. The tankless heater has to work extra hard to bring the water temperature up to 110˚F or 120˚F.

How do I know what size tankless water heater I need?

Why is tankless water heater installation so expensive?

Tankless water heaters have a higher initial price compared to tank heaters, costing homeowners between $1,200–$3,500. The higher cost is a result of a more labor-intensive set-up, as new gas and water lines are required for installation. For electrical tankless heaters, new electric wiring will need to be installed.

What is the life span of a tankless water heater?

One of the most common questions asked by consumers about tankless water heaters is how long they will last. A tankless water heater can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and operation. In comparison, a standard tank water heater normally has a working life of 10 years or less.

Are tankless water systems worth it?

While these systems are more expensive, they are also more efficient. In fact, Consumer Reports indicates that tankless water heaters are 22% more efficient than standard models. The monthly savings might be nominal, but homeowners can expect to save hundreds of dollars annually.

Why does it take so long to get hot water from my tankless water heater?

The length of the delay can be determined by a few factors, including the distance between the water heater and the outlet. In other words, the longer the water has to travel, the more cold water will need to be discharged before the hot water appears.

How much space should be around an electric water heater?

Water heaters must be surrounded by a certain amount of clearance, or air space, to function properly and safely. A clearance area of 12 inches is required on all sides of a hot water heater. A certain amount of airflow is also required for proper combustion and ventilation.