Having an instant or tankless water heater can be extremely convenient for providing hot water on demand. However, choosing the optimal location to install your tankless water heater is important for functionality and efficiency. There are several factors to consider when determining the best placement for your instant hot water heater.
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Proximity to Fixtures
One of the most important considerations is installing the tankless water heater close to the fixtures that will use the hot water. This helps ensure you get hot water as quickly as possible with minimal wait times. Placing the heater far away from bathrooms, kitchens, etc can result in much longer wait times for the hot water to travel through the pipes. Closer proximity means less lag time. Here are some ideal locations based on common fixtures:
- Near the kitchen – best for kitchen faucet and dishwasher
- Close to bathroom(s) – great for sink, shower and bath
- Near laundry room – perfect for washing machine hot water connection
Try to install the tankless heater centrally among the hot water fixtures in your home. This balanced approach helps optimize convenience and performance.
Accessibility
You also need to consider accessibility when determining tankless water heater placement. You want to ensure there is adequate space to access the unit for any required maintenance or repairs. Tight spaces like closets or cramped corners of the basement make serviceability difficult. Instead, choose an open area where the system can be easily reached from multiple angles. Other tips for accessibility include:
- Allow enough front clearance to open service panels – at least 24 inches is recommended
- Leave space above and around for ventilation requirements – check manufacturer specs
- Install at a height where the controls can be easily adjusted
- Don’t block with shelving, storage or other obstacles
Planning for service access helps keep your tankless in optimal condition over its lifetime.
Venting
Proper venting is crucial for tankless water heaters to operate safely and efficiently. The venting requirements depend on whether you have a direct vent or non-direct vent model. Direct vent units utilize sealed combustion with separate intake and exhaust vents. Non-direct use indoor air for combustion. Here are some key venting considerations by type:
Direct Vent
- Minimize length and elbows for optimal efficiency
- Vents can terminate through sidewalls, roof or chimney
- Roof terminations require vertical runs
- Proper clearance from windows, doors, and other openings
Non-Direct Vent
- Requires at least 50 cubic feet of indoor airspace
- Avoid tight spaces lacking ventilation
- Don’t install in furnace rooms or enclosed areas
- Consider supplemental ventilation needs
Consult manufacturer guidelines for exact venting requirements. Position the tankless unit in a location that accommodates proper exhaust and intake terminations.
Gas and Water Lines
The proximity to gas and water lines is another important logistical factor for tankless heater placement. You want to minimize the length of new pipe and connections needed for the install. Here are some pointers on optimizing placement with utility connections in mind:
- Install close to main water lines to minimize water piping
- Position near existing gas line to limit additional gas pipe
- Choose a central area to branch water lines in multiple directions
- Consider a location along the same wall as gas and water for simplest routing
Consult with your plumber on the ideal placement to integrate with your existing utility lines and home layout. This can help reduce complexity and costs for your install.
Climate Considerations
Your local climate is another variable when deciding on tankless water heater placement. Extreme cold temperatures can impact operation and efficiency. Make sure to choose an indoor location not prone to freezing. Here are some other tips based on climate:
- In cold climates, install on an interior wall
- Avoid uninsulated spaces like garages or attics
- Place in conditioned space like basement or utility room
- Maintain adequate distance from entry doors
Colder regions need to take extra precautions against freezing and cold air infiltration. A properly planned indoor location helps keep your system running reliably.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
One of the first decisions is whether to install your tankless water heater indoors or outdoors. Each approach has pros and cons to weigh. Here is a comparison:
| Location | Benefits | Downsides |
|---|---|---|
| Indoors |
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| Outdoors |
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Indoor installation has more flexibility in placement, while outdoor can simplify venting. Choose the approach that best suits your home layout, climate and maintenance preferences.
Garage Installation Considerations
The garage is a common location to consider for tankless water heater installation. Here are some of the pros and cons of placing your unit in the garage:
Potential Benefits
- Typically provides adequate space
- Allows for wall mounting out of the way
- Usually closer proximity to kitchen and laundry room
- Often near existing gas and water lines
- Can utilize direct venting through wall
Possible Drawbacks
- May be farther from bathrooms
- Subject to wide temperature fluctuations
- Need to protect against car exhaust fumes
- Risk of damage from vehicles
- Accessibility issues with storage in the way
Balance convenience of garage installation with potential drawbacks of exposure to fumes, vehicles and temperature swings.
Basement Installation Tips
The basement is often an ideal spot for a tankless water heater. Here are some tips for installing your unit in the basement:
- Choose an open area clear of obstruction
- Mount high enough to avoid flood risks
- Place near basement ceiling for shortest venting
- Make sure adequate drainage is nearby
- Allow room for condensate pump if needed
- Ensure the location is adequately heated
- Seal any openings for fumes from fuel appliances
Make sure to follow code requirements for combustion air and ventilation for basement tankless installation.
Important Safety Precautions
Any location you choose for your tankless water heater must allow for proper operation and conform to safety codes. Here are some key precautions to take:
- Maintain required clearances to combustibles
- Provide adequate air for combustion and ventilation
- Follow all manufacturer instructions
- Comply with applicable building, fire, and plumbing codes
- Allow full access for inspection and servicing
- Protect from water exposure risk with leak pan and drain
Choosing a tankless water heater location that allows for safe installation and maintenance should be your top priority.
Hiring a Professional
Determining the optimal placement for your tankless water heater involves many technical considerations. Work with qualified pros to ensure your system is properly sited and installed. Professional installation offers many benefits:
- Experts can best assess your home layout and requirements
- They properly size and site the system
- Professionals safely install to all codes
- Certified plumbers can connect gas and water lines
- You get support and service from the company after installation
Invest in professional tankless water heater installation to get the most efficient, convenient and reliable system for your home.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal place to install your tankless water heater involves important considerations like proximity to fixtures, accessibility, venting, utilities, climate and safety. Optimal placement provides convenience, efficient operation and reliability. Work closely with professionals to determine the best location that suits your home’s layout and requirements. With strategic planning and expert installation, you can enjoy the instant endless hot water convenience of a tankless system.