Can you put an electric water heater outside?
Electric and gas tank-style water heaters are not designed to be installed outside without shelter
. On the other hand, gas tankless water heaters have exterior models installed outside. You can also install electric tankless water heaters outside with some sheltering recommended to protect the unit from the weather.
Can electric water heaters be installed outside?
The Short Answer:
Absolutely
. Not only is it possible to put a water heater outside, but specific models are specifically designed to make it easy for homeowners to do just that.
Do electric water heaters need to be vented outside?
No. Unlike gas tankless water heaters and gas traditional tank style water heaters,
electric tankless water heaters do not require any venting
. This is often one of the deciding factors when choosing whether you should purchase a gas or electric tankless water heater.
What is the difference between an outdoor and indoor water heater?
How do I protect my outdoor water heater?
- Install Your Water Heater in a Warm Place. …
- Drain Your Water Heater. …
- Maintain a Power Source. …
- Consider a Recirculation System. …
- Insulate, Insulate, Insulate. …
- Run a Trickle of Water.
Where is the best place to put a water heater?
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.
Does a water heater need to be enclosed?
Water heaters must be surrounded by a certain amount of clearance, or air space, to function properly and safely
. A clearance area of 12 inches is required on all sides of a hot water heater. A certain amount of airflow is also required for proper combustion and ventilation.
Do electric water heaters need to be elevated?
It is not necessary for electric water heaters
, or 30 to 50-gallon gas water heaters manufactured after mid-2003. The code states that “appliances having an ignition source shall be elevated not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor in garages,” and the purpose of this stipulation is fire safety.
Do electric heaters need ventilation?
Since electric furnaces heat using a series of electric elements, with no combustion of gases,
no fresh air intake is required
.
Can you vent hot water heater out wall?
It can provide an aesthetic installation with a single wall or roof penetration
. Concentric venting may be used with several types of water heaters, including direct vent, power direct vent, and tankless water heaters. However, the material of the concentric venting may be different depending on the water heater.
Can I mount an electric tankless water heater outside?
A tankless water heater can be installed outside if it's designed to withstand harsh weather patterns
. There are specific models designed for indoor and outdoor usage, so you have to choose the correct type.
How do you install an outdoor water heater?
Is a water heater in a garage considered indoor or outdoor?
There are two basic fuel types of tankless water heaters – electric or gas (natural or propane).
Electric tankless water heaters are designed to be installed indoors in the garage, basement, or interior wall
. Both natural and propane gas tankless water heaters have indoor and outdoor models.
Can exterior water heaters freeze?
Most indoor and outdoor tankless water heaters have built-in freeze protection for when temperatures drop between -5 degrees and -22 degrees Fahrenheit
. However, you still run the risk of having your water heater freeze if you aren't taking the necessary precautions for when the temperatures drop below a certain level.
How do I keep my electric hot water heater from freezing?
Insulate Your Water Heater
Use fiberglass insulation or polyethylene wrap for the best results. By keeping your water heater warm, you can guarantee your unit will stay freeze-free this winter. Don't skim through these steps, make sure to utilize all of these methods to protect your tankless water heater.
How do I keep my outside water tank from freezing?
One of the best—and cheapest—ways to limit the risk of freezing is to
insulate the tank
. This involves wrapping the top and sides with blankets made from fiberglass, mineral wool, ceramic fiber, or some other cushioning material.
Can I put hot water heater in garage?
Because the garage typically isn't climate controlled,
any exposed plumbing to the water heater should be insulated to protect it from freezing
. As long as the unit is running and supplied with gas/electricity, the water heater produces enough heat to protect itself from freezing.
Does location of water heater matter?
Why Does Water Heater Placement Matter?
Water heater placement matters if you ever have a leak
. A leaking water heater that is placed in an incorrect spot can damage siding, ruin flooring, wreck personal belongings, and more.
Should a water heater be off of the floor?
According to the Uniform Plumbing Code, a natural gas tank water heater should be installed
at least 18 inches from the ground
.
Does an electric water heater need to be elevated in a garage?
Water heaters having an ignition source shall be elevated so that the source of ignition is not less than 18” above the garage floor
. An ignition source could be many things, including an open flame, electrical switch, open resistance heating coils, or an electrical igniter unit.
How much clearance is needed around an electric water heater?
Clearance to combustible materials:
0” top, bottom, sides, and back
. Heater must have room for service: 24” front, 6” top, and 6” sides are minimum recommended service clearances. (A combustible door or removable panel is acceptable front clearance.)
Why are water heaters outside in California?
California, like much of the West Coast, is
vulnerable to earthquakes
. For this reason, water heaters must be fitted with earthquake straps to keep the appliance safely in place in the event of an earthquake.
Do hot water heaters need to be on a stand?
In fact, you may be wondering if you should use a water heater stand. But do you really need one?
Some water heaters require the use of a stand
, but it's typically the building and plumbing codes in your area that have the final say on the matter.
Why do water heaters have to be on a stand?
The main reason you need to have your water heater placed on a hot water heater stands is
to prevent fire incidents
. Lifting your water heater prevents flammable fumes and vapors' from spilled gasoline or any other combustible fluid from lying on the floor in the garage.
Is it safe to use an electric heater in a garage?
If the heater is electric,
make sure it is at least three feet from combustibles
. The greatest danger comes, not from the glowing heating element, but from sparks from switches such as the thermostat.
What is better gas or electric water heater?
If you are comparing the efficiency of an electric water heater vs a gas unit,
electric heaters are more efficient
. Although gas hot water heaters are less expensive to run monthly due to the low cost of natural gas—a gas heater uses more energy to operate and releases waste into the environment.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from an electric heater?
Electrical space heaters pose no danger of carbon monoxide poisoning
, unlike those that burn fuels, such as kerosene. Do not start or leave cars, trucks, or other vehicles running in an enclosed area, such as a garage, even with the outside door open.
What is code for venting a hot water heater?
Clearance to combustibles: for gas fired water heater vents:
6′′ minimum clearance from single-wall vent pipe or flue-vent connector to any combustible material
. Single wall vent pipes cannot pass through a ceiling, floor, firewall, or wall.
Can I vent a hot water heater horizontally?
Can a tankless water heater be enclosed?
A tankless water heater is for indoor installation only
. In case you install it outside, get a suitable enclosure. This is to protect it from splashed water, rain, insects, direct sunlight and debris. Avoid installing it in locations that may subject it to freezing.
Can tankless water heaters be installed outside in cold climates?
Yes, gas tankless water heaters can work well, even in cold climates, as long as the unit has been sized correctly to meet the hot water needs of your particular household
.
Can you install a tankless water heater anywhere?
Can an outdoor tankless water heater be installed in a garage?
As long as enough combustion air is provided, tankless water heaters can be installed in place of your old water heater or anywhere in your home
. This includes utility rooms, garages, basements, attics, or mounted on outside walls. They can even be installed in locations where a storage water heater wouldn't fit.
Can a water heater sit on a concrete floor?
Electric water heaters can sit directly on the concrete floor
. There is no risk of accidental ignition of spilled flammable liquids with electric water heaters.
Are electric water heaters FVIR?
All water heaters now produced in North America are Flammable Vapor Ignition-Resistant (FVIR) types
. The ANSI Standard was introduced in July 2003. Existing water heaters that did not meet the standard do not have to be replaced, but all new heaters do have this feature.
Is it better to install tankless water heater inside or outside?
If you don't have room inside your home for a tankless water heater,
installing it outside will save you space
. This is the best option for homes that have a lack of wall space. How is the drainage point in your home? Having a good drainage point in your home can make an outdoor unit the best fit for you.
