The tankless water heater is an era-defining innovation for its low operating costs and energy efficiency. Additionally, it features a compact design and an environmentally friendly system.
It is easy to install because of its modest size. You can install it anywhere since it is so small. How about a tankless heater in the attic? Let’s get this going.
Can you install a tankless water heater in the attic?
You can install a tankless water heater in your attic. Tankless heaters are quite small in size. They are also lighter in weight because they do not store any water. For this reason, they are fitting for any kind of place. Whether you have a closed or open space, a tankless heater will fit it.
The most common fuels for tankless water heaters are electric, gas, and propane. Currently, most tankless heaters run on electricity. They are suitable for enclosed spaces since they run on electricity.
Heating the water does not require any ventilation. Even if the attic is very small, tankless heaters can easily be installed here.
Hot water heaters like these do not store water. It is therefore much smaller in size and much lighter in weight. This makes installation much easier. As a rule, the attic cannot handle too much weight, but it can easily support the weight of the tankless heater.
As far as safety is concerned, installing a water heater in the attic is completely safe. Many people install water heaters in the attic every day.
Conventional tank-style water heaters frequently leak. Fortunately, tankless heaters don’t have this problem. There is very little chance of water leakage since it doesn’t store water.
Installing a tankless heater cost more than installing an ordinary heater. Installing it in the attic may cost more as well. However, once it is installed it will cost several times less in terms of daily and annual use than a standard heater.
Is it ok to put a tankless water heater in the attic? What is the tankless water heater in the attic code?
You can put a tankless water heater in your attic as long as it does not pose any threat. There are no major risks involved in installing a water heater in the attic.
There are typically no restrictions on the installation of water heaters in the attic. You can therefore put this water heater in the attic.
Experts say that tankless water heaters perform best if they are located at the highest point of the house. Because the attic is located highest place of the house, it can accommodate a heater perfectly
There is no specific code for installing a tankless water heater in an attic. It is, however, required to add a vent. Select an area where you can drill a hole for a vent. Avoid installing the heater in the direct path of the sun.
Make sure it is not near materials with a high tolerance. Setting it up on a specific structure. Keep it ventilated without installing it in an enclosed space.
4 reasons why you can install a tankless water heater in the attic
There can be multiple reason why you can install a tankless water heater in your attic. Let’s get to know them.
Safe to use:
In any type of installation process, safety must be a top priority. Heaters produce high temperatures, which makes them a safety concern.
Moreover, tankless water heaters are made in a very compact design. It does not leak and does not emit any excess heat. Installing it in the attic poses no security risks.
Increases efficiency:
Since tankless water heaters do not store water in a hot state, supplying hot water takes longer. Nonetheless, it will not take much time if it can be placed in the attic. Putting it in an attic or on top of a building will allow it to deliver hot water quickly.
Utilize as much space as possible:
It is common for people to leave their attics unoccupied. Installing a water heater will provide two benefits. The first is that you will make use of unused space. You will also be able to save some space within a normal room.
With an attic heater, however, it is necessary to go up in the attic to check on its condition. This will force you to keep the attic clean.
Perfect for the tankless heater:
The success of a tankless heater depends on a limited number of factors. The attic must be kept away from direct sunlight; the sun does not come directly into the attic.
You cannot keep them in an area where rainwater collects, and we know that rainwater does not collect in the attic. Attic seems like the perfect place, doesn’t it?
What is required when a water heater is installed in an attic?
The tankless water heater only requires a few accessories to be installed in the attic. Firstly, you need to construct a frame.
The heater should not be left on the attic floor and should be installed on the roof. You need a frame where you can install it for it to work properly.
A vent hole is required on the roof to allow the excess temperature of the tankless water heater to escape. This will allow the heat to exit the room.
A third requirement is an automatic shutoff switch and a sensor. Sensors are crucial for this type of installation.
The shutoff switch will automatically switch off all the systems if excess heat is generated in the heater and water leaks. In addition, heaters such as inlet and outlet pipelines and electrical connections are required.
How to install a tankless water heater in the attic?
To install a tankless water heater in your attic efficiently, you need to make sure that you follow the steps properly. Make sure you follow the given steps accordingly.
Making structures:
Tankless heaters have small sizes, but they can’t just be left in the attic. They will need a separate structure. You can use a wooden plank for this purpose. Set up the plank firmly on the attic floor and roof at a 90-degree angle.
Attach the heater with screws to the board and tighten it. Place the heater at least one foot above the attic floor. And keep it at least one foot below the roof.
Vent Hole fitting:
In the roof, cut a hole parallel to the water heater. Attach a vent pipe to the roof, and then attach the other end of the pipe to the heater. Add a rainproof cap to the top of the vent pipe.
Sensor and electrical connection:
Ensure that the safety sensor is properly connected to the circuit. Ensure that the electrical connections are secure.
Automatic shutoff switch installation:
Attach the auto-shutoff switch at the water entrance. If excess heat is generated in the heater, it will instantly shut it down. If you wish to install a filter, attach it to the water inlet.
Setup water lines:
Once you’ve completed the above steps, disconnect the mainline of water and connect it to the heater. Add the output edge to several rooms that will be of use.
How much does it cost to install the water heater in the attic?
Installing a new water heater involves several types of costs. First, there is the price of the heater. Gas and propane heaters are relatively expensive. They start at $ 1000. But an electric tankless heater costs around $ 500.
You’ll need an additional $300 for installation accessories, which include pipes, vent kits, fittings, and hardware.
An electrician will charge you $ 50- $ 80 an hour for an electrical connection. He will be able to complete the work in an hour. Plumbers charge 70- $100 per hour. And it’ll take them at least 4 hours to install the heater in the attic.
Where should a tankless water heater not be installed?
You can install a tankless water heater anywhere in the house. However, vents must be installed with these heaters. They cannot be installed in spaces that cannot accommodate vents.
Water heaters cannot be installed directly outside. They must be protected from rain. This means that water heaters cannot be installed in areas where direct rainwater or any kind of water is likely to fall.
However, it is better not to install water heaters near water lines or air conditioning lines. You should keep it away from any heat-sensitive materials.
Final Thought
The attic is an ideal place to install a tankless heater. Here, it is relatively simple to install a vent pipe. The attic heaters are small enough to easily fit in an attic space due to their size. Additionally, due to its elevation, it is possible to get a quick supply of hot water.