Tankless water heaters in cold climates can perform exceptionally well. The key to their effectiveness isn’t the outside temperature, but rather selecting the appropriate size and adjusting the temperature settings correctly.
Do Tankless Water Heaters in Cold Climates Get Affected by Freezing Temperatures?
It’s a misconception that cold weather decreases the temperature of the groundwater used for heating. In reality, groundwater maintains a consistent temperature throughout the year, as it is located deep underground, making surface temperature changes irrelevant.
However, tankless water heaters can freeze under certain circumstances:
- Tankless water heaters are installed outdoors in regions prone to freezing temperatures (which is not advisable).
- Indoor tankless water heaters during power outages or when negative building pressure occurs due to back-drafting.
When compared to traditional water heaters, tankless units have a greater risk of freezing since they don’t hold a reservoir of hot water. To safeguard your tankless water heaters in cold climates, keep them plugged in so the built-in freeze protection feature can function, and insulate the water pipes that are connected to them.
While addressing heating and air quality solutions in colder climates, homeowners may consider pairing their tankless water heater system with a Hepa air cleaner rental. This not only ensures warm water but also improves indoor air quality, creating a more comfortable environment during the winter months. For businesses considering long-term heating solutions, evaluating options like boiler rental cost could provide a more cost-effective alternative.
Tankless water heaters aren’t just limited to residential use. Many businesses require hot water for various applications, from kitchens to restrooms. These businesses benefit from the convenience of modern commercial comfort solutions, ensuring that hot water is readily available, even in extreme temperatures, to meet high demands.
In cold climates, another effective way to maintain efficient heating is to integrate your tankless water heater with a heat pump system. Heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling solutions for your home or commercial space, offering energy-efficient comfort all year round.
Steps to Prevent a Frozen Tankless Water Heater
Although your system’s built-in protection isn’t completely reliable, taking proactive steps can help safeguard your tankless water heater in cold climates. Here are some effective strategies:
Install the Heater in a Warmer Location
To avoid freezing, consider placing your tankless water heater in a heated room. If outdoor installation is necessary, choose a sheltered spot away from prevailing winds, where the surrounding air tends to be warmer. Additionally, using vent terminations with wind-resistant features can help keep cold air from reaching the unit.
Ensure an Uninterrupted Power Supply
Maintaining a constant power supply is crucial for the freeze protection system to operate effectively. Connect your heater to a battery backup or generator to keep it powered during outages. If your unit lacks this capability, consider installing a drain-down solenoid valve that empties the water heater when the power goes out. This way, you can avoid emergencies that might otherwise require furnace repair services during extreme weather conditions.
Drain the Tankless Water Heater
Any remaining water can freeze and cause damage. If you plan to be away for more than 48 hours, it’s best to drain the unit completely to eliminate any standing water. Keeping it empty is a reliable way to prevent a tankless water heater from freezing.
For models without a solenoid valve, turn off the gas, cold water, and temperature controls. Disconnect the power source, and close the cold water, hot water, and main valves. Remove the purge port valve caps to relieve pressure, and attach hose lines to drain the unit. Make sure to isolate the heater by using the valves during shutdown to fully winterize it.
Insulate the Water Heater
To prevent freezing, insulate your tankless water heater and its connected pipes. Applying fibreglass or polyethylene insulation to the pipes can help retain heat. Heat tape is another option, but keep in mind it only works when there is power.
Keep Water Flowing
Keeping water in motion can help prevent freezing. Open a faucet slightly to create a trickle of about 0.1 to 0.2 gallons per minute. Do this only during extremely cold conditions to minimize water waste, and consider collecting the water in a bucket.
Consider a Hot Water Recirculation System
While a more expensive solution, a hot water recirculation system can effectively reduce the risk of freezing in very cold climates while providing instant hot water. This system creates a loop between the water heater and the faucet, ensuring that the water in your pipes remains warm.
What Temperature Should You Set for Tankless Water Heaters in Cold Climates?
For most residential tankless water heaters in cold climates, a setting of 120° to 125°F is ideal. This temperature is hot enough for household use and prevents the risk of scalding. While you can set it higher, remember that water at 140°F can cause burns in just a few seconds, especially for children.
For commercial applications with higher hot water demands, a temperature setting of 140°F is more appropriate.
Why Hot Water Demand Matters
A 140°F setting is too hot for showers, so if your residential tankless water heater is set at this temperature, the unit will mix hot and cold water to produce a comfortable shower temperature of 110°-115°F. However, since only a small amount of 140°F water is needed for this, the low flow could cause the heater to shut off, as tankless units require a minimum flow rate to keep the burner going.
Commercial buildings, such as gyms or apartment complexes, have much higher hot water demands, so maintaining the minimum flow rate is not an issue. Additionally, businesses with commercial kitchens or laundry facilities often need to meet OSHA’s recommended 140°F hot water setting.
For personalized advice on selecting or renting the right water heater or tankless water heater model and temperature setting, it’s best to contact us, we can also assess other systems like air conditioners to optimize indoor climate comfort year-round.
Conclusion
An ideal water heater for cold climates, especially a tankless model, can provide excellent performance as long as proper precautions are taken. While cold temperatures don’t impact groundwater, tankless units are more prone to freezing, particularly in outdoor setups or during power outages. To ensure your system functions optimally, install it in a warmer location, maintain a consistent power supply, insulate the pipes, and set the temperature correctly. By choosing the right size and configuration, your tankless ideal water heater can efficiently meet your hot water needs even in freezing conditions. For tailored recommendations, consult a certified installer to optimize your system.
