What’s the Best Location to Put Your Tankless Water Heater?

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Where you put your tankless water heater affects how convenient and efficient it is to use. Finding the ideal location helps ensure you’ll have plenty of hot water even during the chilliest Portland winters.

Installing a Whole-House System

If you’re replacing a conventional storage tank water heater, the new tankless water heating system can usually be installed where the old system was. This is optimal because the gas and water pipes are already in place. In some cases, however, larger gas lines will have to be installed to meet the water heater’s demand.

The venting needs of a tankless system also affect its placement. If the system will be vented through the wall, the vent must be at least 3 feet from any operable window. If the system will be vented through the roof, you’ll need to make sure it’s possible to install a vent that’s long enough. For example, it may not be possible to place a large water heater in the basement of a two-story home and vent it through the roof.

Installing Point-of-Use Water Heaters

For a tankless system intended to supply only a few applications, the system is usually best placed as close as possible to the appliance or faucets it will supply. Keeping the water heater close ensures you’ll get hot water quickly and reduces the amount of heat lost from the water as it travels through the lines. That said, your home’s plumbing configuration and the location of the electrical panel also influence where you can install a tankless water heater.

For safety reasons, don’t place the water heater under pipes or air conditioning lines that could drip. Likewise, don’t put the water heater above an electrical box, which could catch fire if the water heater drips.

Get familiar with your local building codes as they pertain to water heaters. Systems installed on a second floor or in a finished attic may be subject to additional regulations.

For more tips on installing a new tankless water heater, get in touch with us at Roth Home & Cooling in the Portland area.

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Industry Affiliations
100 Best Companies Oregon
Happiness Award
Best Company Woman Badge
Best CEO Badge
Best Company Outlook
Bradford White - Water Heaters
GENERAC
Daikin - Air Intelligence
BBB Rating A+
Angie - Super Service Award 2023
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