Water heaters are traditionally placed in garages and basements because regulations stipulate installation next to external walls. Whether you’re building a house from the ground up and must determine water heater placement or are having your current one replaced by a plumber, the location of the appliance matters for efficiency and utility costs. Here’s what to know.

How Placement Impacts Efficiency & Water Costs

When it comes to water heater placement, the location has significant implications for efficiency. The farther the heater is from water-using appliances, the more water that gets wasted. For example, if your water heater is located in your garage and you’re using a shower on the second floor at the other end of your home, gallons of water will flow down the drain before the water gets hot.

Known as standby loss, it causes the appliance to work harder and increases your monthly water costs. Conversely, the closer the hot water heater is to fixtures and water-using appliances, the less energy and money it wastes.

How it Impacts the Type of Water Appliances You Can Have

If you’re considering dishwasher installation or adding a second or third bathroom to your home, your water heater will work extra hard to provide the appliances with hot water. Rather than affecting your home’s carbon footprint and monthly energy bills, consider a tankless model.

Unlike standard heaters with storage tanks requiring 18 inches of floor clearance for gas burner safety purposes, tankless heaters run on electricity and are much smaller. They provide hot water exclusively on-demand instead of heating the entire tank’s contents.

Since tankless models are much smaller, they can be installed in bathrooms, under sinks, in pantries and closets, and under stairs. Numerous placement possibilities eliminate wasted water issues because the liquid does not have to travel far to do its job.

If you have a large home with multiple bathrooms and numerous other water-using appliances, consider installing several tankless models without worrying about space and efficiency issues. A plumber can advise you on which model is the best fit for you.

If you need water heater installation, contact the plumbers at Do It Right Plumbing Sewer & Drain Services in Eagan, MN. The plumbers serve clients throughout the Twin Cities. They provide a variety of services, including drain cleaning, toilet repairs, and sewer cleaning. Call (612) 388-8524 to schedule an appointment, or visit the plumbers online for additional water heater information.