Simply put, as long as there is enough combustion air provided, tankless water heaters can be installed in any area of your home, from a utility room to a garage to, yes, even an old, dusty attic. … in general, most plumbers recommend simply installing it where your old water heater was located.

Can you put a tankless hot water heater in the attic?

Simply put, as long as there is enough combustion air provided, tankless water heaters can be installed in any area of your home, from a utility room to a garage to, yes, even an old, dusty attic. … in general, most plumbers recommend simply installing it where your old water heater was located.

Where is the best place to put a tankless water heater?

The best place to install the unit is on the second floor. This is assuming that your laundry room is in the basement or first floor. Ensure that the heater or outlet water pipe doesn’t touch the combustible materials. Keep a distance of 24″ between the combustibles, the water heater, and the output hot water pipe.

Is it common for a water heater to be in the attic?

In Texas homes, it’s common to find water heaters in the attic. Just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s a good idea, though. Water heaters that are installed in attics or elsewhere upstairs increase the risk of leaks and water damage.

Can tankless water heaters be installed anywhere?

As long as enough combustion air is provided, tankless water heaters can be installed in place of your old water heater or anywhere in your home. This includes utility rooms, garages, basements, attics, or mounted on outside walls. They can even be installed in locations where a storage water heater wouldn’t fit.

Can a heat pump water heater be installed in an attic?

Due to height restrictions, the water heaters would have to be installed in the middle of the attics. This means there will be a large moment in the truss members, so they will have to increase the size of the members.

Can an indoor tankless water heater be installed outside?

A tankless water heater can be installed outside if it’s designed to withstand harsh weather patterns. There are specific models designed for indoor and outdoor usage, so you have to choose the correct type.

What is required when a water heater is installed in an attic?

Attics containing a water heater shall be provided with an opening and unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the water heater. … A level service space not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in length and 30 inches (762 mm) in width shall be present at the front or service side of the water heater.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average. … they cannot provide hot water during a power outage.

Can tankless water heater be installed in crawl space?

Because it’s small — about the size of a carry-on suitcase — you can place a tankless water heater along any stretch of pipe: In the attic, basement, closet, or crawlspace. You can install two or three units to serve different parts of the house, or even dedicate a unit for a particular use — say, a washing machine.

Article first time published on

Can tankless water heater go 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.

How much room is needed for a tankless water heater?

As a general rule of thumb any gas tankless water heater that uses internal combustion air musts have at least 10,000 cu. ft. of space around the unit. Confined areas (such as a closet) may require air ducts or additional air inlets.

Can a tankless water heater be installed 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.

Can a water heater be installed inside the house?

Water heaters can be installed in bedroom or bathroom closets, if necessary or preferred, but only if they’re an electric, direct vent or sealed combustion chamber unit.

Can you vent a tankless water heater through the roof?

Tankless water heaters can vent through the roof or a side wall, creating more flexibility and options for placement. Traditional gas tank water heater require venting through the roof. Tankless water heaters use fans to blow exhaust from the unit horizontally, allowing vents to terminate on the side of a house.

Does a tankless water heater have to be outside?

Yes, a water heater can be installed outside in certain instances. Electric and gas tank-style water heaters are not designed to be installed outside without shelter. … Electric tankless water heaters can also be installed outside with some sheltering recommended to protect the unit from the weather.

Where should a water heater be placed in a house?

Most regulations are fairly simply, and require that water heaters be placed against an external wall of the house. This is why most hot water heaters are in garages or basements. You will want to place your water heater next to an outer wall to make room for the flue.

Does a tankless water heater need a drain line?

Every major brand of tankless requires a drain pan if the unit is installed where a leak can cause damage to the home or building. Architects and engineers understand that when a tankless water heater reaches the end of its life it will likely leak, just like a tank.

How do you heat an unfinished attic?

  1. Seal any drafts from windows and doors.
  2. Install a mini split with a heat pump.
  3. Extend ductwork from central furnace up to attic.
  4. Install an electric fireplace that can be used when needed.
  5. Use a space heater to warm up the room when needed.

Can mini split heat pump be installed in attic?

Putting your ductless mini split condenser in your attic is not recommended. … The mini split indoor units could still connect to the condenser, but the problem is where all that air will go. You see, heat rises. Thus, your home’s attic is likely the hottest space in the house, or at least one of them.

Is a tankless water heater worth the cost?

While month-to-month water heating costs are cheaper with a tankless unit, it could take years to make up for the high initial cost. Over time, a homeowner will likely come out ahead, but according to Consumer Reports, the energy savings for going tankless add up to $75 per year, on average.

What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4?

Number Of Family Members:Gas Tankless Heater Size (GPM)Electric Tankless Heater Size (kW)What size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 3?7-9 GPM15-23 kWWhat size tankless water heater do I need for a family of 4?8-10 GPM20-28 kW

What does water tank in attic do?

In a gravity hot and cold water system the cold water tank is usually situated in the attic or loft space. … In a pressurised plumbing system the cold water storage tank serves a pump, the pump then distributes the water throughout the buildings plumbing system.

Why do builders put hot water heaters in the attic?

WATER HEATERS IN THE ATTIC ARE EXTREMELY EFFICIENT IN THE WARMER MONTHS. … Your attic can easily reach temperatures of 120 – 140 degrees, which is optimum for keeping the water in your tank sufficiently hot, without using any energy.

Does tankless water heater use more electricity?

Tankless heaters can be 24-34% more energy-efficient than regular water heaters for households that use 41 gallons or fewer of hot water daily. Tankless heaters can be 8-14% more energy-efficient for households that use around 86 gallons daily.

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.

Can tankless water heater be installed in bedroom?

No, you cannot put a gas water heater in a bedroom. A malfunction of the water heater or flue can allow carbon monoxide to flow into a bedroom and accumulate at a fatal level. It’s odorless, so you would be slowly asphyxiated while sleeping without knowing what was happening.

Can I install an electric tankless water heater myself?

Installation. While it is possible to install your own tankless water heater, it’s not a job for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers. There are a number of different sizes and styles of tankless water heaters, including propane, natural gas and electric, along with single-room or whole-house sized models.

How close can a tankless water heater be to a gas meter?

Tankless Water Heaters Note: PG&E requires a minimum horizontal clearance of 36” between the gas meter and a tankless water heater when located on the same wall.

What is the code for venting a tankless water heater?

The water heater must be vented in accordance with the section “Venting of Equipment” of the latest edition of the National Fuel Gas Code: ANSI Z223. 1/NFPA 54 in the United States and/or Section 7 of the CAN/CSA B149.

How much does it cost to install a tankless water heater from Home Depot?

The Home Depot offers traditional water heater tanks and modern tankless units, both powered by either gas or electricity. Depending on your selection, the average cost for water heater installation is between $1,000 to $3,000.