Water Heaters - WH in Closet?
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4thisguy
03-24-09, 09:22 PM
I am renovating a former garage where the water heater is currently located (next to a washer/dryer). We are planning to turn this area into a finished laundry/utility room and my wife would like the water heater out of sight...are there any codes concerning size for a closet, lighting, etc for placing a water heater in a closet? I am aware that I have to install a local disconnect as it will now be out of line of sight from the current breaker.
Thanks,
Guy
Thanks,
Guy
furd
03-25-09, 04:45 PM
I am aware that I have to install a local disconnect as it will now be out of line of sight from the current breaker.
From this statement I assume you have an electric water heater. If so, then no, there are no national model code requirements other than to allow room for eventually replacing the water heater and also for servicing the water heater while installed. You also have to follow any local code requirements as to the necessity of a drain pan, seismic (earthquake) strapping along with flexible or rigid piping requirements and routing the Temperature & Pressure valve (T&P) outlet piping to a safe discharge area or outside.
From this statement I assume you have an electric water heater. If so, then no, there are no national model code requirements other than to allow room for eventually replacing the water heater and also for servicing the water heater while installed. You also have to follow any local code requirements as to the necessity of a drain pan, seismic (earthquake) strapping along with flexible or rigid piping requirements and routing the Temperature & Pressure valve (T&P) outlet piping to a safe discharge area or outside.
4thisguy
03-25-09, 06:14 PM
Sorry...I meant to clarify that it is an electric WH. Might be interested in replacing it with a tankless...but one project at a time.
Thanks,
Guy
Thanks,
Guy
hvachelp
03-25-09, 06:26 PM
Sorry...I meant to clarify that it is an electric WH. Might be interested in replacing it with a tankless...but one project at a time.
Thanks,
Guy
I read consumer report comaparing tankless to regular water heater. On average you save about $70 to $80 per year, based on 2008 national energy costs. But because higher price of tankless water heater and higher cost of installation it takes up to 22 years to get even. Thats longer than the 20yr life of many models. Still want tankless?
Thanks,
Guy
I read consumer report comaparing tankless to regular water heater. On average you save about $70 to $80 per year, based on 2008 national energy costs. But because higher price of tankless water heater and higher cost of installation it takes up to 22 years to get even. Thats longer than the 20yr life of many models. Still want tankless?
ZL700
03-26-09, 07:40 AM
The twits at Consumer Reports and their study is a bit skewed. They don't mention that they expected the water tank to last the 22 years also with no addtional replacement costs factored for this tank replacement over the life of the two different units.