Things to Know Before Buying Outdoor Tankless Water Heater
Due to the rising cost of utilities, more American homeowners are looking for ways to save money on water and energy. A traditional tank style water heater holds a specific amount of heated water, typically an average of 40-50 gallons per household. Meanwhile, you're paying for energy usage to heat that water even when you don't even need it.
One of the smartest ways to cut utility costs is by investing in an outdoor tankless water heater. Whether you're in the planning stages of a new build or updating an older home that has an outdated or inefficient tank style water heater, this can be the ideal solution.
Here are some of the great things about owning an outdoor water heater:
* It will increase the resale value of your home.
* It's less expensive to install on the outside of the home than the inside.
* It doesn't require venting.
* An outside tankless model drains directly outside, so there is a significantly reduced risk of flooding than with an indoor traditional tank style.
Here are a few more benefits:
A tankless water heater cost for utilities is much lower because you're only using hot water as needed. It just makes more sense, since you're not wasting fuel on something you aren't using.
And, since you're not waiting a long time for your water to heat back up after taking a shower or between multiple loads of laundry, you're also saving money on water.
When it comes to purchasing an on demand hot water heater, many buyers find that a natural gas or liquid propane powered model more cost-efficient than electric.Although some will have a higher upfront cost than a traditional tank style water heater, it will save money on utility costs over the long run.
The Builder Series 7.0 GPM Outdoor Tankless Water Heater is budget-friendly and high performing rated at 180,000 BTUs. This ultra-efficient tankless hot water heater is the largest capacity model in the Eccotemp Builder Series and ideal for just about every size home.
Here are some important things you should know before buying an outdoor tankless water heater:
First let's get the obvious one out of the way: it should not be installed indoors.
* It is recommended that tankless water heater installation be performed by a professional.
* Installation and use of Eccotemp Tankless Water Heaters above 5000 feet is not recommended.
* Select an easily accessible location on the exterior wall of your home, one that is near the most frequently used outlet.
* Plumbing and electrical must be up to code.
* Keep it far away from anything flammable. This includes plants, storage spaces, cleaning solvents, etc.
* It's built to withstand harsh environments. However, just like with exposed pipes, it should be protected when temperatures dip to freezing and below freezing.
* Fuel types are not interchangeable. Never hook a gas-powered model to a propane line, and vice versa. Eccotemp's model numbers make it easy to identify which type of fuel it uses. A natural gas-powered model number will include "NG" and a liquid propane model number will include "LP."
* Make sure you have the right size water heater for your needs. Eccotemp's outdoor models are suitable for most standard size homes, cabins, condos, and offices.
* It should be regularly flushed every 12 months or less, depending on water hardness, etc. We recommend the Eccotemp EZ-Flush System Descaler Kit if you're doing your own routine maintenance.
* Unlike traditional tank style water heaters that last about 8-10 years, a tankless hot water heater will last about 15-20 years. With regular maintenance, you'll enjoy hot water on demand for many years to come.