How do you protect a tankless water heater from freezing weather?

By Robert Flores / October 26, 2022

How to Prevent Your Tankless Water Heater from Freezing 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. Feb 9, 2017

How do you drain a tankless hot water heater?

Steps to Drain a Tankless Water Heater Turn off the tankless water heater power source. … Close and turn off the water valves connected to your tankless water heater. … On each of the cold and hot water valves you’ll see purge valves. … Attach the hosing lines to each water valve. More items…

Will a tankless water heater freeze?

Still, the tankless hot water heater can freeze if certain precautions are not taken when the temperatures drop below a certain level. Most indoor and outdoor tankless water heaters have built-in freeze protection against temporary winter temperatures ranging from -5 degrees Fahrenheit to -22 degrees Fahrenheit. Dec 30, 2014

How often should a tankless water heater be serviced?

once a year It is best to get your hot water heater serviced at least once a year. If you are living in an area where you have hard water or you keep the water temperature set up high, Tankless Hot Water Heater Maintenance should be done twice a year.

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Why are tankless water heaters installed 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. May 9, 2019

What is the cold water sandwich effect?

What is the cold water sandwich effect? A cold water sandwich effect refers to the phenomenon where the water from a heater is warm for first few minutes, then there is a burst of cold water, and then the water quickly returns to being warm again. This is a common phenomenon with tankless water heaters. Dec 20, 2014

Where is the best place to put a tankless 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.

Do tankless water heaters need to be winterized?

You have to make sure that your tankless water heater is prepared for winter. As with basic HVAC maintenance, you should turn off the unit first and unplug it from the power source. After that, turn off the water supply and drain the unit’s water. Reduce the water pressure and disconnect the heater’s pipes. Jan 7, 2022

How long does it take for a tankless water heater to pay for itself?

Tankless water heaters can eventually pay for themselves with energy bill savings, but the payback period may be long: 22-27 years for a gas tankless heater, 12-20 years for an electric. Tankless water heaters tend to last longer than storage heaters: 20 to 25 years in many cases.

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How long do tankless water heaters last?

Some people hesitate to decide on a tankless water heater because they can be a slightly higher cost; however, you get significantly more life out of one. A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!

Can my breaker panel handle a tankless water heater?

Do not use the same calculated amperage as your final size breaker for tankless water heater. Otherwise, you’ll risk accidents because there’ll be no protection for a power surge. The National Electric Code (NEC) states that a circuit breaker should only handle 80% or less of its total capacity. Oct 3, 2022

Do tankless water heaters require 220?

Requirements for electric tankless water heaters: Voltage — Many retailers sell units that will accommodate 110V, 120V, 208V, 220V, 240V, and 277V.

What is most efficient water heater?

A hybrid water heater or a heat pump water heater is one of the most energy-efficient electric water heaters available nowadays. Such units do require electricity to move heat. Mar 30, 2022

Do tankless water heaters have unlimited hot water?

Tankless water heaters — also known as instantaneous or demand systems — provide hot water only when necessary. They heat water directly without using a storage tank, avoiding standby heat losses associated with long periods of storage. Jan 1, 2009

How long does it take a tankless water heater to heat up?

Instant Hot Water Tankless units take about 15 seconds to bring water up to temperature, but you still have to wait for that hot water to arrive at your shower head or faucet, just as you do with a tank-type heater.

Can you replace a water heater with a tankless water heater?

Yes. The initial cost of converting your tank water heater to a tankless is expensive. Tankless water heaters are 3x more expensive than your average tank water heater. However, the energy savings and supply of endless hot water can outweigh the cost for many. Feb 18, 2021

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How big of a tankless water heater do I need for a family of 5?

In short, a family of 5 would need a 10 GPM gas tankless heater or 27 kW electric tankless heater if you live in the northern part of the USA, where the input water has a lower temperature. The tankless heater has to work extra hard to bring the water temperature up to 110˚F or 120˚F.

Do tankless water heaters need a vent?

Tankless hot water heaters require special venting to blow hot exhaust gas outside, where it dissipates. Unlike traditional tank-style water heaters, gas tankless hot water heaters offer far more versatile venting options. Oct 15, 2012

How do I convert my gas water heater to tankless?

This includes: Mounting the tankless water heater. Running the water heater’s vent to meet local code regulations (for gas models) Installing the gas line (for gas models) Installing new water lines. Installing the pressure relief valve. Connecting the electrical supply to the water heater. More items…

Which is better tank or tankless water heater?

According to Energy.gov, “For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand (or tankless) water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.” Tankless water heaters (if gas-fired) will save homeowners over $100 annually the longer they remain in service.

Resources

How to Prevent Your Tankless Water Heater from Freezing

How to Drain a Water Heater (Updated Step by Step for Tank and Tankless) 

When It’s Cold Outside, Will My Outdoor Tankless Hot Water Heater Still Work?


https://theoriginalplumber.com/plumbing-tips/tankless-water-heater-maintenance/

Indoor vs. Outdoor Tankless Water Heaters

Solutions To Cold Water Sandwich Effect

Where to Put Your Tankless Water Heater


https://billreynoldsheating.com/blog/hvac/can-tankless-water-heaters-freeze-in-the-winter/
https://www.ragsdaleair.com/help-guides/will-a-tankless-water-heater-save-me-money

The Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater

What Size Breaker for Electric Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless Water Heater Buying Guide

What Type of Water Heater Is Most Energy Efficient?


https://www.facilitiesnet.com/hvac/article/Tankless-Water-Heaters-Provide-Unlimited-Hot-Water–10399
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/21019184/read-this-before-you-buy-a-tankless-water-heater
https://www.mgpmechanical.com/blog/converting-to-tankless-water-heater

What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need? (2,3,4,5,6 Family)


https://www.rinnai.us/announcements/7-tips-tankless-water-heater-venting
https://www.onehourheatandair.com/articles/expert-tips/home-life/how-to-make-the-tank-to-tankless-water-heater-co/
https://www.petro.com/resource-center/tankless-hot-water-heaters-vs-tank-storage-water-heaters

About the author

Robert Flores