Consequently, a tankless water heater should rarely be set above 115°-120°.

How high off the floor should a tankless water heater be?

Have a plumber install your water heater. The 18-inch ground clearance is just one of many important codes and best practices for water heater installation.

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.

How much room do you need for a tankless 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.

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.

3 Things They Don’t Tell You About Tankless

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.

Do tankless water heaters require a floor drain?

A tankless installed in a garage, outdoors, in a mechanical room with a floor drain, or unfinished basement, would not require one. However, those installed in interior closets, attics, utility rooms, or closets adjacent to finished spaces should always have one.

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.

Where should tankless water heater not be installed?

You should avoid installing your tankless water heater in a location prone to excessive humidity, moisture, or dust, or in an area where it may be splashed with water or other liquids. Do NOT install under water pipes or air conditioning lines that might leak or condense moisture that could then drip onto the heater.

Where should tankless water heaters be installed?

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.

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).

Can tankless water heater be in 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.

Are tankless water heaters worth the money?

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, a tankless water heater is more efficient and uses less energy than a conventional water heater, providing a $25 to $107 in annual savings. If your hot water use is low (less than 41 gallons per day), a tankless water heater will be 24% to 34% more efficient.

Does water heater height matter?

Short water heaters vary between 30 to 49 inches and hold up to 50 gallons of water. The nickname for tall water heaters is “short boy.” Tall water heaters range from 50 to 76 inches and can hold up to 100 gallons of water. They're ideal for basements or garages where height isn't an issue.

Why does a water heater need to be elevated?

The pilot light from your water heater is the flame that will ignite the fumes from any spilled flammable liquids. If your water heater is NOT a flammable vapor ignition resistance water heater, it must be raised to 18 inches if it is located in the garage where a car would be parked.

Can a water heater sit directly on the floor?

Gas water heaters can sit directly on the floor if they are FVIR(flammable vapor ignition-resistant). All gas 30, 40, and 50-gallon water heaters sold to the North American market after 2005 must comply with ANSI Z21. 10.1a-2002 standards and are FVIR.

Can a tankless water heater be installed in a laundry room?

These models all deliver continuous hot water anytime it's needed, and they can be easily installed in small spaces that could not accommodate tank water heaters, like closets, laundry rooms and bathrooms.

Can a tankless hot water heater be installed in a crawl space?

A tankless water heater can be powered by electricity, natural gas, or propane, and can be 8-34% more efficient than traditional water heaters. Plus, because of their small size (about the size of a small suitcase), they can be installed anywhere, even a crawl space or attic.

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.

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.

Can a tankless water heater flood a house?

But because tankless water heaters don't actually store water at all, the risk of flooding is tremendously reduced (although damaged pipes still pose a potential risk).

Do tankless water heaters need drip pans?

A: Drain pans are not required for tankless water heaters at all. They are required for tank type water heaters located where a leak will cause damage to the building.

How long does a tankless water heater last?

Some people hesitate to decide on a tankless water heater because they can be a slightly higher cost; however, you get significantly more life out of one. A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!

Can I use ABS pipe for tankless water heater?

The purpose of this technical bulletin is to clarify that ABS schedule 40 pipe is approved for use on the combustion air intake pipe and fittings for Rinnai Condensing Tankless Water heaters.

Can you vent tankless water heater down?

Tankless water heater design allows for multiple venting options. 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.