I'm considering switching my existing 50 gallon electric water heater at my second home for a tankless system. The current heater is limited, as it doesn't have external temperature controls and is located under an interior stairway. It's a bit of a hassle to turn it off since I have to access the breaker panel every time. Our house runs on propane for minimal uses, like a pool heater and gas range, while everything else is electric, including HVAC. I've swapped an oil system for a tankless setup before, which worked well due to natural gas availability. I'm curious about the pros and cons of going tankless here. Also, the space under the stairs offers no vertical venting options, so any exhaust would need to go down into the crawl space and out. Would my electric panel handle the higher demand from a tankless unit?
3 Answers
Most modern tankless water heaters can be horizontally vented, which might work for your setup. Expect to spend around $5-6k for installation. There are propane options available too, so that's worth checking out. Just remember that venting will need to go down and out horizontally rather than straight up.
For the horizontal venting option, you'd want to ensure you're not too close to windows or other openings to avoid issues with exhaust safety.
It’s important to think outside the box when it comes to tankless setups. While you may not have many options for location, a tankless system could be perfect for a second home with infrequent use. If it's too cramped under the stairs, you might want to get creative with space management to find a better spot, though the crawl space could work if you enhance ventilation properly.
Unfortunately, there's no space to reconfigure without a ton of renovation. It's either under the stairs or not at all!
Switching to a tankless might not be worth the trouble and cost compared to just adjusting your existing heater before leaving. If you’re looking for more control, consider a smart breaker for your current heater so you can manage it remotely, saving you the hassle of going to the breaker box.
I had a propane Navien in my last house, and a Rinnai in my current one. Both worked great, even with their venting setups!