Out of hot water and tight on space? Tankless water heaters sound perfect, and a closet seems like a handy spot to hide it.
But can you really put a hot water heater in your closet?
It is possible, but there are some practical and safety considerations.
In this post, I’ll go over these aspects of installing a tankless water heater in closet.
Installing a tankless water heater in a closet can be safe, but there are important considerations:
Let me go over these:
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If you want to put a gas tankless water heater in a closet, it should get enough fresh air and proper ventilation.
These heaters need to vent exhaust gasses directly outside. Most manufacturers suggest running pipes for air intake and exhaust through an exterior wall or the roof.
Some models can use air from the closet, but you must carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes to ensure there’s enough airflow and to prevent dangerous gas buildup.
Another safety concern is the heat generated by tankless water heaters.
It’s important to keep some space around them to avoid fire risks and ensure proper airflow. This also makes maintenance easier.
Different models have specific clearance requirements, especially if you’re installing one in a closet.
If you don’t provide enough space, it could cause safety problems and might void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Gas and electrical requirements are also critical safety factors.
Gas tankless water heaters need more gas than traditional tank heaters to heat water quickly, which might mean upgrading to a larger gas line.
This can add to the installation cost and complexity.
Plus, most tankless models need their own dedicated electrical circuit with enough power to run the controls and ignition system.
There are practical aspects that you need to take into account when installing a tankless heater in a closet too:
Tankless water heaters are smaller than the old tank kind, but they still need a certain amount of space around them.
Before you even think about putting one in a closet, measure the space you have and compare it to what the manufacturer says you need for that specific model.
Don’t forget to include the extra space they recommend keeping clear around the sides and top.
You might have to get rid of some shelves or storage in the closet to make room for the tankless heater and keep everything the right distance away.
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Another thing to keep in mind with tankless water heaters is that they can be a bit noisy, especially when they’re running.
The sound level can really depend on the specific model you get.
But if you put one in a small, closed-off space like a closet, that noise might get amplified. If the closet is right next to rooms where people hang out or sleep, that extra noise could end up being a real disturbance.
You’ll want to think about that before deciding to install a tankless heater in a closet.
Maybe check out some reviews or ask the manufacturer about the noise level.
Some tankless water heaters can make a bit of condensation when they’re running, especially if the water coming in is really cold. This can create some extra moisture that needs to be drained away.
If you put one of these heaters in a closet, getting rid of that moisture can be a real challenge.
You don’t want water building up and causing damage to the closet or the heater itself.
So, before you install a tankless heater in a closet, make sure you’ve got a plan for how to drain away any extra moisture. You’ll also want to think about ventilation to keep the air moving and prevent moisture from building up.
Now it’s time for us to move on to installing the heater in a closet and maintaining it.
Installing a tankless water heater is a big job that requires a lot of know-how.
It’s super important to get a pro to do it for you, someone who’s licensed and has experience with these kinds of heaters.
They’ll make sure everything is hooked up right, from the venting to the gas lines to the electrical wiring. Plus, they know all about the local building codes and what the manufacturer recommends.
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If you try to do it yourself, you might end up with safety problems or issues that’ll cost you more in the long run.
Tankless water heaters need some TLC now and then to keep them working their best and lasting a long time.
If you’re thinking about putting one in a closet, make sure you can still get to it easily for maintenance.
Blocking it with shelves or stuff could make it a pain to do regular upkeep, and you might end up having to spend more money if you have to tear down walls or move things around just to reach it.
So, before you tuck that heater away in a closet, think about how you’ll keep it in tip-top shape without a lot of hassle.
If putting your tankless water heater in a closet just isn’t going to work, don’t worry – there are other places you can put it.
One popular option is mounting it on an outside wall and venting it straight out.
Basements and garages can work too, as long as they have the right ventilation and space around the heater.
But your best bet is to talk to a professional installer. They can look at your place and the heater you want and help you figure out the perfect spot.
FAQs
A tankless water heater should not be installed in locations prone to a lot of humidity, moisture, or dust, or where it may be splashed with water or other liquids.
Avoid installing it under water pipes or air conditioning lines that could leak or condense moisture onto the heater. And it should not be placed above electrical boxes or junctions.
There’s no maximum distance for installing a tankless water heater, but the distance affects how long it takes for hot water to reach the faucet. Plus, longer pipe runs can lose heat through radiation and reduce the efficiency.
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