I recently bought a house and was told the tankless water heater was newly installed. However, I found out that it's actually an indoor model that's been placed outside. My husband was thinking of building an enclosure for it, leaving the top vent open, but the inspector mentioned it might not be necessary since we're in Southern California. I'm curious to know if it's truly safe to have an indoor tankless water heater outdoors, especially since it uses natural gas. Any insights would be appreciated!
3 Answers
It's a good idea to check with the manufacturer about having an indoor model used outside. They might have specific concerns or guidelines that you should follow. Reviewing the installation manual could also provide some useful insights!
I wouldn't recommend building an enclosure unless you're sure about the setup. Gas water heaters need a lot of fresh air to operate efficiently. If they don't get enough airflow, it could affect the heating performance or even cause safety issues.
I have outdoor models at my hunting spot and they've been in open boxes with proper ventilation for years without issues. Just make sure you follow the installation manual for your heater; it often specifies the necessary clearances for safety.