When you’re planning to install the water heater, there are several aspects to consider. The type of water heater you’re installing (tankless or with tank), and the place you want to install it are very significant matters to address.
If your home isn’t new, it means you may need to replace the old water heater. The significant majority of people today go with the tankless models since they’re less bulky and don’t require much space. Concealing a tankless water heater is also more comfortable.
Why does the location matter when installing the water heater?
The location of the water heater is going to impact the delivery of hot water. A complicated system brings a high risk for water to cool while running through the installation. Not only that the water isn’t hot anymore by the time, it gets to you, but you also waste both water and energy.
There are also safety concerns about the place you’re installing the water heater. Due to the presence of flammable substances you keep in a garage, you shouldn’t install the water heater in the garage.
Another aspect to consider is the accessibility of the place. Is it difficult to get inside your attic? Should you or the professional find it challenging to access the water heater when placed in the attic? You must be able to check the water heater fast and comfortable all the time.
Even though it’s not fundamental, the aesthetics also matter when choosing the installation place for the water heater. It’s one of the reasons for which many install the water heaters in hidden rooms or spaces inside the home.
Be aware that there are also local building codes to consider when selecting the place of your water heater. You need to take a look at the local regulations when choosing the site for your water heater.
So you have your mind on the attic- Is it a good idea?
It may be surprising for some, but installing the tankless water heater in the attic isn’t the worst idea. Here are the benefits to consider:
It provides straightforward access
No matter where you’re planning to install the water heater, you always want to have easy access to it. The attic is both concealed and easy to access in most residence. Pull-down stairs are typical in most homes, providing fast and straightforward access to the attic.
If you’re installing the water heater in the attic, you may quickly go and check it for possible leaks or damages. It’s also easy for professionals to give it a look.
It ensures efficient water distribution
Many people like installing the water heater in the attic since it provides fast water distribution. Water is going to get to the plumbing fixtures way faster, so you may not have to wait a lot for the hot water to get to you.
It saves place
With the attic standing out as extra storage space for your home, it makes sense that you use it for saving space around the house. It helps you gain more storage space in the garage, but it’s only an example to name.
It’s concealed
For many residencies, the attic slowly turned into a storage space for all the things that you don’t use regularly. It’s where you store old clothes and furniture, nine times out of ten. The concealed design of the attic helps you give your home a better organized and cleaner feeling.
When installing the water heater in the attic, you no longer need to worry about the aesthetics (they don’t look beautiful). Truth be told, the attic may be the best place to hide your tankless water heater.
It’s safe
It’s almost always safe to place the tankless water heater in the attic. There are no flammable substances to worry about in the attic (there shouldn’t be, anyway) and the risk for any accidents is rather low.
Can you install it in any attic though?
Even if the attic is an excellent place to install the tankless water heater, you should be aware of some possible problems. For instance, the attic has to be very well made and able to handle the weight of the water heater.
The local building codes must allow you to install the water heater in the attic.
Are there any downsides when installing it in the attic?
The water heater with a tank poses more problems than the tankless models. However, there are issues to consider no matter the type of water heater:
Repairing and taking care of the unit may not be straightforward if the attic is narrow
You may have to pay a lot when replacing the unit
Some repairs/installation may cause significant damage to the ceiling in your home.
What are the best places to install tankless water heaters?
All manufacturers share their differences, but they all agree on something: the place of the tankless water heater is fundamental for their performance.
You need the water to remain hot even in the coldest months, and there’s a direct connection between the place and the performance of the water heater. When it’s close to the demand sources, the risk for water getting wasted is incredibly lower. Take your time when selecting the place for installation, as you want to get the best out of your tankless water heater.
Here are some excellent places to install a tankless water heater:
With tankless water heaters being rather small, it makes sense that they don’t require large spaces for installation. Closets, under-stair storage areas, under the sink, and even pantries make solid choices for installation. It’s fundamental, though, that the water heater is safe and easy to access for servicing and maintenance.
You can only install the tankless water heater inside your home. You need a proper and reliable enclosure when installing it outside. Fundamentally, you protect it against insects, rain, splashed water, debris, and direct sunlight. Don’t fix it in a place where there’s a risk for freezing (make sure that your attic is also heated!). If the water inside the tankless water heater freezes, the heater may be damaged for good, with the warranty not covering this sort of damage.
The final tips when selecting the place for your tankless water heater!
Even if choosing the place of the tankless water heater isn’t the most challenging job in the world, you shouldn’t rush into it. When you’re not choosing right, the risk for the system to develop variable water temperatures is quite high.
We can definitely connect you with a trusted provider in your area to repair, replace or maintain your heating and A/C systems. Why not let us find a professional for you?
It’s smart to put the tankless water heater in the same place as the old heater used to be. You may not need to make a lot of changes, keeping the spending under control. You get to use the hot water line, with the gas and water supplies being in place already. You only need to modify the venting for adjusting it to the tankless water heater.
Your wallet should use the current plumbing settings. You shouldn’t choose a place that requires you do to make essential alterations to the existing plumbing configuration. Relying on the new system may increase your spending.
Ideally, the location is close to the main electrical panel. Go with a place that is closed to all the areas inside the house that require hot water (kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area). If it’s close to the points of use, the hot water doesn’t need much time going from the heater to the fixture.
You may need to have a dedicated gas line. If the water heater and the furnace are in the same place, one gas line is going to be enough for both. However, there may be some issues whenever the two are running. The risk for the units not to obtain enough gas if the supply line isn’t considerable may also be significant. Most of the time, it’s the water heater that loses to the furnace, which means no more hot water for you. Therefore, you have to check the manufacturer’s installation manual. Don’t hesitate to talk to a plumber for professional help.
