Trusted

5 Tips to Make the Right Choice Between Indoor and Outdoor Tankless Water Heaters in San Antonio, TX

5 Tips to Make the Right Choice Between Indoor and Outdoor Tankless Water Heaters in San Antonio, TX

Photo By Antonio Guillem at Shutterstock

The tankless water heaters in San Antonio, TX are small in size and can fit in small spaces. There is a dilemma that people are thrown into when purchasing tankless water heaters. People are often puzzled when given to choose between indoor and outdoor tankless water heaters in San Antonio, TX. In order to choose the best option for yourself as well as determine which unit will best suit you, you need to take into consideration the following five points.

You will need to understand the fundamental differences between the two kinds of heaters. Although they look similar, they have features that might be better suited for indoor or outdoor use, depending upon the filter. Learn about these differences to make the right decision.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Tankless Water Heaters

Both kinds of water heaters have different requirements. It can, at times, be more cost-effective to install a specific type of water heater out of the two, compared to its counterpart. This is because different tankless water heaters in San Antonio, TX, have different venting mechanisms and requirements. Other than that, there is also an evident difference between the costs of indoor and outdoor water heaters.

1.   Venting Requirements

Most of the models of indoor tankless water heaters in San Antonio, TX, require special, stainless steel venting. Thus, when installing indoor water heaters, you will have to cover the cost of installing the vents as the water cannot disappear up the flue. Even though the new models are very energy efficient and safe in that the exhaust doesn’t overheat, stainless vents are something you will need to invest in.

You need to make sure of the proper drainage of the condensate water when you install indoor tankless water heaters in San Antonio, TX. If proper drainage is not ensured, the water might drain back into the unit and cause damage to the heater. Since this condensate water is acidic, it can shorten the life span of the heater and also damage the heat exchanger inside the unit. In the case of backflow of the condensate water, the manufacturer’s warranty becomes nullified, since the damage is caused by inadequate drainage. To prevent this, a tee vent is installed that drains the water through a small tube.

There are two categories of indoor tankless water heaters in San Antonio, TX. One being fan assisted, and the other being atmospheric water heaters. The latter requires vertical vents to be installed. While fan-assisted heaters can have vents either horizontally or vertically installed.
You do not need special venting or condensate water drainage for outdoor tankless water heaters in San Antonio, TX. This is because the outdoor unit’s exhaust venting does not condensate. This saves you the cost of venting while installing the unit.

While you need not concern yourself with venting when it comes to outdoor units, you do need to think about the proper placement of the exhaust pipe. This pipe releases harmful air, which can even prove to be lethal. In order to prevent that, it is crucial that the pipe is not installed next to a window or door or any other place where it can be easily exhaled. The manual that accompanies the water heater unit will guide you about the clearance requirements of the exhaust. You should comply with these requirements and codes when installing an outdoor water heater unit.

2.   Space Required for Combustion

If you install tankless water heaters that use gas burners, you will have to supply more gas to the units in comparison to traditional heaters. This also means that the units will need considerably more air to facilitate combustion. To ensure this, you will need to leave adequate combustion space around the heater so that the fuel and air can mix easily.

Outdoor units are in this way better than indoor units, since they can allow for a larger space for combustion, preventing problems like carbon monoxide poisoning, poor heating, and incomplete combustion. An outdoor unit saves you from all these problems.

3.   Know the Space the Unit Will Need

Unlike outdoor units, indoor tankless water heaters in San Antonio, TX need proper space to accommodate the heaters, and for vent installation. This will cost you space that you otherwise do not need to spare if you install outdoor heaters.

4.   Weather Conditions

If you live in an area that is windy or frequented by storms, you should buy an indoor water heater unit. Otherwise, you can buy a sturdy outdoor water heater, and weather proof it to prevent it from cracking under low temperatures and other wear and tear. This will, however, add to the total cost of the water heater.

5.   Risk of Vandalism

If you live in an area which isn’t very well protected or where vandalism is common, you should buy an indoor water heater. For someone with the right skill set, it would not be hard to steal your water heater unit in less than five minutes. Nonetheless, this should not concern you if you live in a safe area.

 

In a Nutshell

Both indoor and outdoor water heaters are a better choice compared to the conventional heaters, owing to the fact that the former are extremely energy efficient. If you live in a secure area and can make a few modifications to accommodate the unit, you should buy an outdoor unit. In case you are at risk of vandalism, or face extreme weather conditions, an indoor water heater should be your choice. Keep in mind that weatherproofing the unit or theft protection will add up to the cost.

For further information regarding repairs, replacement and maintenance of both indoor as well as an outdoor tankless water heater in San Antonio, TX, contact Bluefrog plumbing services of San Antonio at (210) 876-1629.

Emergency Plumbing San Antonio, TX
Call Now!
bfpad Proactive Protection ProgramTM

Many of our customers are so happy with our service that they become a bfpad Proactive Protection Program™! Contact us to learn more.

  • Priority Service
  • Free Annual Plumbing Evaluation
  • 15% OFF Service