Tankless water heaters are more likely to freeze and have problems when the weather gets cold. To ensure comfortable temperatures and good indoor air quality, it’s best to give your tankless system a little extra attention during the winter. In this post, Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning discusses how you can properly take care of your tankless water heater in the colder months.
Can Tankless Water Heaters Freeze in Cold Weather?
Some manufacturers provide models with freeze protection, so the equipment will automatically protect itself when the temperature falls below freezing. Ceramic heaters, for example, are used on the heat exchanger and other internal parts of some water heaters. When temperatures continue to fall and reach around 30 degrees, these ceramic heaters ignite, preventing the internal components from freezing. Despite this, tankless water heaters are susceptible to freezing if certain precautions aren’t followed.
Tips for Maintaining Tankless Water Heaters in the Winter
You have to make sure that your tankless water heater is prepared for winter. As with basic HVAC maintenance, you should turn off the unit first and unplug it from the power source. After that, turn off the water supply and drain the unit’s water. Reduce the water pressure and disconnect the heater’s pipes. Don’t forget to cover the intake and exhaust vents to keep debris out.
To prevent freezing, install a dual-vent system with the vent pipes facing away from the wind. Then, install drain pipes in places where they won’t freeze, such as inside a wall. Allow enough combustion air for other gas-powered appliances so that the water in the tankless water heater unit doesn’t freeze. Alternatively, a backdraft damper can be used to prevent airflow in the opposite direction. Finally, to prevent freezing, you can run hot water continuously.
Your home needs to be well-prepared when the weather changes, so trust Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning to help you protect your home throughout the year. For HVAC maintenance and duct cleaning services, call us at (440) 946-7863 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
I’m putting a small unit inside my pop up camper. We will be camping on the weekends about every month or other month. Do I need to drain it when not in use?
Thank you.