Categories: water heaters

4 Cold-Climate Tips for Tankless Water Heaters

When temperatures dip and the weather turns frosty, your tankless water heater is prone to freezing and having other weather-related problems. Keep these tips from your residential HVAC service provider in mind when maintaining your water heater in a cold climate. 

 

Choose a size that can handle the cold weather. In the winter months, when the incoming water temperature is a lot colder, a tankless unit can’t heat as much hot water. To make sure there’s sufficient hot water for your residence, the water heater should be sized based on winter temperatures in your area. Speak with a local contractor to determine the appropriate size of tankless water heater for your home.

 

Think about the venting. Proper venting is critical for the maintenance of tankless water heaters, especially in the cold. Make sure the heater is not vented into incoming freezing winds and the vent run is long enough to keep the heater working efficiently. For cold areas, HVAC installation contractors recommend a minimum of six feet. 

 

Be mindful of snow advisories. When vented out a wall, the vent is supposed to be 12 inches above ground. If it gets high enough, snow buildup can block the vent pipes, potentially forcing the unit to switch off. You need a couple feet of clearance around the vent for your water heater to work properly, so make sure to remove snow from around the vent before it accumulates and causes problems.

 

Have a backup power option. Many tankless water heaters require electricity for their freeze protection component to function. In the event of a power outage, having a battery backup system or standby generator will keep the hot water flowing.

 

For a fast response and efficient workmanship, trust only A-1 Comfort Care Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Our team offers plumbing and drain cleaning, heating and air conditioning repair services and more. Call us at (732) 993-3931 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. We work with homeowners in Freehold, Wall, and other nearby communities in NJ.

Frank Obrien

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Frank Obrien

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