Top 5 Tankless Water Heater Venting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Uncover the top tankless water heater venting mistakes -
and what you can do to avoid them.
To Work Effectively, All Tankless Water Heaters Must Be Properly Ventillated
You are making the plunge to the tankless system for your hot water needs, but not sure, you understand the importance of the tankless water heater venting requirements.
Switching to a tankless water heater after having a traditional water tank for years is like going from a standard transmission vehicle to an automatic.
There are definite differences, but don't be intimidated, knowing the common mistakes of venting can save you a lot headaches.
One thing to keep in mind, all tankless units must be properly ventilated.
Think of it as a full sized dryer in your home, you have to vent the dryer or you'll have a mess on your hands.
Tankless Water Heater Venting - You Have Several Options
First, with the tankless models, you have three options for venting; these include direct venting, non-direct venting, and outdoor models.
These three options are major decisions, because it determines where you place your tankless.
Using An Indoor Direct Vent
If you have a direct vent for indoor installation, you must have the proper area to place the unit so you can get the pipes installed correctly.
In other words, you can't just place the unit in the bathroom and plug it in, it has to have the proper ventilation and the direct venting can be a bit more time consuming depending on where you're installing.
Venting Through The Roof
If you choose to vent through the roof, you must have the correct length of vent, which is the first mistake to avoid.
This length must include the turns and elbows.
You may have your unit installed just perfectly but you have the wrong length (not enough) of vent, so you cannot begin using the unit until you have it properly ventilated.
Outdoor Venting Options
If you decide to install the unit outdoors, make sure the unit you purchase is compatible with outdoor installation.
If it is not, you have problem when you get home because then you must figure out where to place the unit in the home to vent it properly.
An Outdoor Tankless Unit Is Often Recommended For Warmer Climates
An outdoor tankless unit is recommended for warmer climates, so if you live in the north where it is very cold, the outdoor unit may not work for you.
This could be a disaster in a colder area because these outdoor units receive combustible air from the outdoor air and expels it the same way.
Tankless Water Heater Venting - The Bottom-Line
Lastly, many people that are replacing their traditional tank believe they can just stick the new tankless model where the old tank was.
This may actually be true, but if you had a gas traditional tank and are moving to an electric tankless, you may have a problem on your hands trying to find a way to vent it properly.
Finally, and most importantly, when you plan to purchase a tankless, make sure all your ducks are in a row, so to speak.
- When planning your tankless water heater venting project, you want to make sure the area you intend to install it has a way to vent it properly.
- In other words, if you have a four-story home and plan to install in the basement, roof ventilation may not be feasible.
Here's To Your Success With A Tankless Water Heater!
P.S. Here's A Few More Tips To Make Your Tankless Water Heater Experience A Success...
