Outdoor Water Heater

[SDtoolgirl]

We had a 100gal gas water heater start leaking this week at a duplex. For 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, max 8-10 people 100gals seems oversized. I am debating putting in a 60 or 75gal unit. The duplex is at the beach and high season is summer, offseason not occupied full time, sometimes weekends or a snowbird for a month.

The unit is located outside behind the property in a narrow corridor. It doesn't have a shed or anything. This seems inefficient. Is it a problem having a water heater outside? We have a mild beach climate in San Diego, but I would think the corrosion and metal exposed would shorten the lifespand of the heater.

On the other hand, it seems the important part is insulating the water in the tank, and most tanks built these days do this, no blankets etc. Any comments from those in the know out there about the economy of building a shed or would it be a waste, it is a tight corridor, and I am not sure that a little plywood would help on corrosion since the sea air seems to eat away regardless.

 

[nate379]

I've never heard of that before, though I have always lived in places that got well below freezing in the winter time.

I would at least built a shed around it and insulate the pipes. I don't have my pipes insulated yet and it's a HUGE difference in how often the boiler runs for the water heater if the garage is at 45* vs 80*. Also going to insulate them in case the door is left open... will help keep them from freezing.

 

[VHF]

To answer the original question, I would think downsizing to a new 60-75 gal unit would be fine. Make sure to look at the first hour rating when comparing units--how many gallons of hot water you will get in the first hour you start using hot water.

However, I don't know of any residential tank-type water heaters designed to sit outside in the rain. I would think being under roof would be a minimum requirement.

This might be a good candidate to replace with a tankless gas heater. The tankless units can mount on a wall and take up very little space. And I think there are at least a couple models that permit outdoor installation. Plus you would be saving some dollars each month because there is no standby loss... it is costing you money to keep that tank of water hot (outdoors at that!) when no one is there to use it.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

I agree with the above.

I have heard of outdoor rated water heaters over the years, but here in Indiana, I've never actually seen one. I know that some of the tankless models are now rated for outdoor use and include features to make that work. I bet they aren't cheap.

That being said, 100 gallon water heaters aren't cheap either.

The downside of a tankless heater in a rental is the fact they never run out of hot water. If you get some yo-ho in there that wants to take a 2 hour shower...or a 24 hour shower...they'll never run out of hot water.

Somebody ought to market a tankless water heater with a timer. I'd buy one of those for sure! It runs 10 minutes and then no more hot water for the next 5. Quick...somone recommend a patent attorney. I'm on fire!

Phil