| Although this article is specific to new construction | | | | utility room, closet or pantry. Also install them high up |
| the ideas are just as applicable to remodel | | | | on the wall. I like to be at least 6 feet above the |
| installations. The most user friendly and economical | | | | floor to the bottom of the unit. Another location is |
| hot water system to operate is that system wherein | | | | above the stool in a bathroom. This area is normally |
| the hot water heater is as close as possible to the | | | | utilized for a storage cabinet but makes an excellent |
| point of use. This allows quick access to hot water | | | | location. The unit can be covered with a cabinet |
| while limiting the amount of water heated and | | | | facade or can be left exposed as the units in general |
| wasted. The new efficient electric tankless units | | | | are aesthetically acceptable. A review of your |
| make it easy to design the system such that the | | | | individual situation with your plumbing contractor |
| heater is close to the point of use. | | | | should provide you the ultimate location. |
| To maximize the system you should consider the | | | | Another consideration in supplying hot water quickly is |
| frequency of use of a particular fixture. Two | | | | the size of the water line from the unit to the |
| frequently used water usage points in the home are | | | | fixture. I have had people indicate, " be sure and put |
| the kitchen sink and the bathroom lavatory in the | | | | in a big line so I get hot water quickly". This is not |
| general usage area. The most efficient installation will | | | | what you want to do. The time lapse between |
| have the water heater(s) close to these points. I can | | | | starting the water running and the arrival of the hot |
| hear it now, "but my washing machine uses a lot of | | | | water depends on the volume of "cold" water that |
| hot water". That is correct but only once a day or | | | | must be purged from the system. Increasing the line |
| every other day not multiple times per day. You may | | | | size one size, that is going from 1/2" inch line to ¾ |
| also think that I need hot water right now in the | | | | inch line doubles the time required to purge the line |
| master bedroom. Again the same logic applies. Of | | | | and wastes twice the amount of water. A ½" line |
| course you want hot water quickly but again this is, | | | | will adequately supply a kitchen sink faucet. So again |
| in general terms not many times a day. The number | | | | this highlights the need to get the heater as close as |
| of times you use hot water at a particular location | | | | possible to the point of use. |
| each day is a function of many things including | | | | Roman tubs or garden tubs require a large amount of |
| personal lifestyle, location of the fixture to the most | | | | hot water and the faucets on them will run a |
| heavily traveled areas, personal preference etc. Some | | | | tremendous stream of water. These will require the |
| thought on your part will help you to minimize the | | | | use of a larger line, usually ¾" but will only be used |
| amount of water heated and wasted. | | | | occasionally. Your properly sized tankless heater is |
| Electric tankless heaters are very small and if you can | | | | the absolute best when you also have one of these |
| run a water line and an electric line to a location you | | | | tubs. |
| can install the unit at that point. It's that simple. So | | | | To summarize, the location of your tankless electric |
| where is a good place to install the unit. First it should | | | | water heater is a major factor in the economical |
| be accessible for easy maintenance if need be. A 2 | | | | operation and use of the unit, and will ensure you get |
| foot by 2 foot space on a wall is adequate. An | | | | maximum benefit from your investment. |
| excellent place I have found is behind a door in a | | | | |