Trying to Find the Best Spot for Your Tankless Water Heater? Use These Tips

October 29, 2015

Atankless water heater is an energy-efficient alternative to the traditional tank-style heater. It also has a longer life expectancy. You'll only enjoy its benefits fully if you install it in the right location. Here are some guidelines to help you find the perfect spot.

Demand Source The best location for a tankless heater is close to the demand source. When your heater is close to the points of use, hot water will take less time to travel from the heater. There will also be less standing hot and cold water in the supply lines. As a result, you'll save water and energy. In an ideal situation, you would have a tankless water heater at each demand source. However, the cost of installing multiple heaters and maintaining them can be very costly. Therefore, the best thing to do is to install the heater close to the location with the highest demand such as the kitchen or master bedroom.

Outdoors or Indoors? The best place to install your tankless system is indoors. This is because the heater can get damaged by dust, moisture, excess humidity levels, insects, and temperature. If you choose to install it outdoors, you'll need to an appropriate enclosure to protect it from rain, splashing water, debris, and direct sunlight. To keep it safe from freezing temperatures, you'll need to install a freeze protection kit that will require constant power. Don't install your heater below A/C lines or water pipes. Leaking water and condensed moisture can drip from them to your heater.

CombustionAir For combustion to take place, your tankless water heater will require an oxygen source. To prevent the combustion air from backdrafting, your heater should be a direct-vent, sealed combustion system. Its location should be at least 24 inches away from combustible materials. By following these tips, you'll be sure to get the most out of your tankless water heater.

If you need more information on installation location or any other home comfort needs, contact us at Lozier Heating & Cooling. We serve the Greater Des Moines area. Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: "Accurate Shot/Shutterstock"