How do I hide my outside water heater?

4 Ways to Hide Your Water Heater (& 3 Outdoor Options)

1. hide it behind a curtain.
2. install a decorative screen or room divider.
3. install your water heater in a closet.
4. build a cabinet enclosure.

Can you build a closet around hot water heater?

Water heaters can be installed in bedroom or bathroom closets, if necessary or preferred, but only if they’re an electric, direct vent or sealed combustion chamber unit. Other water heaters that use fuel combustion are not permitted to be installed in bedrooms, bathrooms or closets that open into these rooms.

Can a water heater be placed outside?

Electric and gas tank-style water heaters are not designed to be installed outside without shelter. On the other hand, gas tankless water heaters have exterior models installed outside. You can also install electric tankless water heaters outside with some sheltering recommended to protect the unit from the weather.

Can you enclose your water heater?

In most instances, a home’s water heater is placed in the basement. When the basement is finished so it can be used for another purpose, leaving the water heater in plain view can detract from the appearance of the room. You can enclose the water heater by building a wall around it and constructing a utility closet.

Can you enclose a furnace and water heater?

Post by A. Enclosing won’t be a problem, just take into account space to access the units for service and maintenance. A water heater doesn’t need much more than its own footprint, since its connections are on the front and top, though allowing at least 6″ around it will certainly ease any future work necessary.

How much clearance do you need around a water heater?

Minimum clearances between the water heater and combustible and noncombustible construction are 0” at the sides and rear, 4” at the front, and 6” from the vent pipe. Clearance from the top of the draft hood is 12”. Refer to the label on the water heater located adjacent to the gas control valve for all clearances.

How much ventilation does a water heater need?

As a general rule, water heaters need 50 cubic feet of air per 1,000 BTUs/hr. For example, a water heater with an input of 40,000 BTUs/hr should be in a room (often the garage) with at least 2,000 cubic feet of air.

Why are water heaters outside in California?

California, like much of the West Coast, is vulnerable to earthquakes. For this reason, water heaters must be fitted with earthquake straps to keep the appliance safely in place in the event of an earthquake.

Where is the best place to put a water heater?

The ideal location for your water heater is inside the home. Most installations are small and unobtrusive so they will easily fit in a pantry, under the stairs, or under your sink. If you must place the water heater outside, make sure it’s safe from direct sunlight, rain, and insects.

How much space do you need around a hot water heater?

Clearance to combustible materials: 0” top, bottom, sides, and back. Heater must have room for service: 24” front, 6” top, and 6” sides are minimum recommended service clearances.

Can a tankless water heater be enclosed?

Electric tankless water heaters are designed to be installed indoors in the garage, basement, or interior wall. Both natural and propane gas tankless water heaters have indoor and outdoor models. Indoor models can also be installed in the garage, basement, or the exterior wall’s interior side to provide venting.

How much space do you need around a water heater?

The water heater needs air space of at least 12 inches or 30 centimeters on every side of the heater. This is to ensure that the heater will be able to have proper ventilation and combustion.

Does a furnace closet need ventilation?

For safety, you need the required venting, but as long as you extend pipes to the roof or outside walls, you do not need to worry about the closet. Space and heating issues are much more important concerns in closet installation.

How do I hide my furnace and hot water heater?

Perhaps the simplest way to hide your furnace and water heater is to add a sliding curtain as a divider. You will need to measure the wall height to determine proper curtain length, as well as the needed width. Be sure to give a few inches of clearance so the curtain doesn’t touch your heater.

Does water heater closet need to be vented?

When a residential, gas fired water heater is installed in a closet, the heater combustion gases must be vented to the outside of the residence and the fresh air needed for combustion must be drawn in from outside the home using double wall metal pipe; single wall pipe is not permitted.

Should a water heater closet be vented?

Does electric water heater closet need to be vented?

On the other hand, unlike gas-powered water tanks that need venting, electric water tanks do not require even a minimal clearance space. This is because they do not release exhaust, unlike their gas-powered counterparts.

Does water heater location matter?

Why Does Water Heater Placement Matter? Water heater placement matters if you ever have a leak. A leaking water heater that is placed in an incorrect spot can damage siding, ruin flooring, wreck personal belongings, and more.