What is an outdoor tankless water heater? 🤔
It is an efficient way to supply hot water for your outdoor needs. Tankless water heaters provide instant hot water and last longer than traditional tank-style units, saving you energy and money.
Features 🧩
Outdoor tankless water heaters offer a variety of features to meet the needs of different users. Here’s a look at some of their most popular features:
📝 Efficient Heating: Most water heaters can provide hot water on demand, meaning they only need to heat the amount of water that will be used instead of constantly keeping a large tank full. This helps save energy and reduce costs. |
📝 Space-Saving Design: They are much smaller than traditional tanks, allowing them to fit in tighter spaces or even outdoors. In addition, many models don’t require additional venting as some tank-type models do. |
📝 Long Life Span: Tankless heaters generally last longer than their traditional counterparts because there is no lining or anode rod inside the unit which can corrode over time due to hard water deposits. |
📝 Easy Installation: Many heaters are easy to install and require no special tools or expertise. They can often be mounted directly on an outside wall or in the garage. |
📝 Temperature Control: Most models have adjustable temperature settings, allowing users to set their desired temperature for hot water usage throughout the home. This helps make sure everyone gets the perfect shower experience every time! |
Benefits 🤩
Outdoor tankless water heaters offer an array of benefits for homeowners looking to upgrade their heating systems.
- 💥 These types of water heaters are compact and efficient, meaning they can be easily installed in areas with limited space.
- 💥 Additionally, since they only heat water on demand, tankless models can reduce energy costs significantly when compared to traditional tank-style units.
- 💥 These systems also boast a much longer lifespan than their competition as well, typically clocking in at around 20 years while a standard tank-style heater may only last half that time.
- 💥 Finally, these systems are much safer than traditional units because there is no standing water sitting in the tanks waiting for use – meaning that the risk of contamination or accidental scalding from hot tap water is drastically reduced.
Important to know ⚡
➡️ First, it’s important to understand how tankless water heaters work.
- ⚙️ Basically, they utilize a natural gas burner or electric element to rapidly heat incoming cold water as it passes through a series of internal heating coils or elements. As the hot water rises up and out of the unit, fresh cold water is continually entering through the supply line and being quickly heated by the burner or elements. The result is continuous hot water with no waiting for a tank to fill up and reheat.
🔍 When selecting the heater, there are three main components you should consider: power or energy source, flow rate (how much water can be heated at once), and efficiency rating.
- 🔥 Electric models are typically more affordable than gas models but require higher flow rates for efficient operation.
- 🔥 Gas models generally have higher flow rates and offer better overall performance, but they cost more upfront and use natural gas which may not be available in all areas.
TOP 12 Outdoor Tankless Water Heaters
1# Rinnai V Series HE Tankless Hot Water Heater
There is a good choice for big cottages or mobile houses. A heater is for outdoor installation only. It can provide a big area with hot water. Good is fully eco-friendly. Only natural gas is used for boiling. There is an innovative technology, that doesn’t harm the environment. Also, you can forget about limits. Even if you are a part of a big family, be sure, that you have as much time for a shower as you need! Put off the fighting for the bath! You are an owner of the endless hot water now! There is quite a high flow rate. Of course, it depends on the grounded temp, location, the size of the area, etc., but on average it is 6.5 GPM. I also highlight the option of mobile app control. You can create a schedule throughout the day. There is also a vacation mood if you want to minimize electricity billing. You also have a digital control pod to manage the water temperature. A manufacturer takes care of the reputation and offers a 120-month warranty. For ten years you can keep calm about the heater service.
2# Camplux Enjoy Outdoor Life CM264-NG
It is a popular heater all over the world. My parents use it for a long time for their travel bus. It is easy to manage. There are two buttons to choose the rate of temperature and mood. Even old people can cope with it. Thanks to the small size, the device is perfect for little houses or apartments. Modern construction fits every design. The digital pod is enough bright for simply reading. You can get the ideal water temperature because of using eco gas. It also can minimize electricity costs. Your safety is very important. Take notes and pay attention to some important device features. There is flameout protection that prevents fire. The anti-freezing provides a long use of good. The one-year warranty comes in the kit.
3# Rheem RTG-84XLN-1 Tankless Water Heater
The device fits both outdoor and indoor use. It is a great choice for summer cottages and city apartments. There are a lot of helpful features. Firstly, it saves water. Nowadays, when the prices are so high, it is very important. Secondly, gas costs are also low. The exclusive hot start program allows not waiting for hot water. It is always ready. There is freeze protection, if you want to put the heater outside. It can withstand up to -30 degrees Celsius. By the way, the device is fully eco-friendly, because it works with natural gas. The good is crafted with high-qualitative stainless steel. It means that the product can serve you for a long time. Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t suggest any warranty after buying a service. As for me, there is only one disadvantage.
4# Hugo Battery Backup for Tankless Water Heaters and Gas Appliances
The product is made in the USA. It means that the manufacturer takes note of all production requirements and recommendations – you can be sure of the high rate of quality. The device uses the pure sine wave and minimizes electricity costs. This battery was specially created for tankless water heaters if you need a replacement. Also, the good can raise the power of your boiler. The accumulator is good both for indoor and outdoor use. The lightweight allows installing the battery in any place. The compact sizes fit every kind of heater.
5# Stiebel Eltron Tempra 12 Plus Tankless Heater
There is one more example of a qualitative heater. It prevents continuous flow. The German automatic mechanism takes care of the preference for permanent hot water. This heater is a good choice if you are an owner of small mobile apartments or bunker. Thanks to the compact size it can save a lot of places. Innovation technologies save electricity because of auto mood turning. You even have an opportunity to watch how much money you economized on the LED display. The way of use is simple. By the way, there is no noise during the operation. You can manage the device with the control pod that is located on the front side. A body is made with qualitative steel and finished with a top that protects the good from damage. Be sure, you will use the good for a long time. The 7-year warranty guarantees the fulfillment of these promises. As for me, it is a great value for this money.
6# Ridgeyard Digital Display Natural Gas Tankless Instant Hot Water Heater
I like this heater because of the full safety. It is equipped with a system of over-fire protection. Thanks to it you will not cause any emergencies even if there are some technical troubles. The function of water pressure provides a strong flow. The hi-tech design fits all kinds of apartments and houses. It takes a few places because of its lightweight and compact size. The system controls the preference for hot water and if the temperature goes down it starts to heat automatically. This good is a nice way if you want to minimize your electricity costs. The device is easy to use. However, you can find some tutorials in the kit, if you have any questions.
7# Rinnai RL Series HE+ Tankless Hot Water Heater
There is one more model from Rinnai. It is quite a popular manufacturer with a good reputation. This heater is for outdoor installation only. The good has enough power to provide the whole house with hot water. You also get a strong flow in your faucet. There is no need to adjust your schedule for hot water. Feel free to take a shower any time you need it. Forget about limits. You can spend even a full day in your bathroom and enjoy a comfortable water temperature. The manufacturer promises long-term use. He confirms his words with a 10-year warranty and a big quantity of good customers feedbacks.
8# Eccotemp fvi12-NG FVI-12 Natural Gas 3.5 GPM
There is a classic example of an outdoor heater. It perfectly fits different travel buses, apartments, and small houses. It uses natural gas to boil the water. I want to highlife the automatic turning on. It helps to save electricity. I like this feature because you can pay less money and take care of nature at the same time. The safe ventilation system makes impossible all emergencies or probabilities of fire. The easy-read digital display is comfortable to use for everyone. It is enough bright, so you can see the text without any problems. The heater is equipped with manual water controls that help to manage the temperature. The rate of quality is enough high. The manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty but assures that you will not need to use it.
9# Rheem RTG-95XLN 9.5 GPM Low NOx Outdoor Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater
This heater is as simple to use as you can imagine, it has a universal design and fits anywhere. The device provides an endless limit of hot water – spend as much time in the shower as you wish. The device is eco-friendly because it uses only natural gas without any additional chemicals. It can boil 9,5 gal. per minute which is enough for a strong flow. Despite it, there is no noise during the operation. As for me, it is very important because I can’t sleep with a preference for any extraneous sounds. You can manage a heater with a control pod. The quality of the product is confirmed by international certification. The manufacturer offers a warranty, but you should discuss the personal service conditions before buying it.
10# Noritz NR98SVNG Indoor Only Tankless Hot Water Heater
This lot surprised me with a promise of a really strong flow up to 9.8 GPM. Only modern innovation technologies can provide such results. By the way, the heater is safe. It is equipped with a fire protection system that can automatically turn off the device in emergencies. The manufacturer takes care of the environment and produces eco-friendly products. All heaters work only with natural gas. A durable steel and thick piping provide a long use without any troubles. The manufacturer wants to make sure that this lot is a good choice and offers a 2-years warranty. There is a tutorial in the kit, but for me, there is no need for it.
11# Ecosmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless Water Heater
If you are searching for a heater at a low price, you got it. The manufacturer promises the durability of materials and high quality in general. The whole body is covered with a rustproof finish. The construction is fully eco-friendly and works with natural gas. You can save money thanks to an automatic system that turns off when you don’t use it. There are a lifetime warranty and a tutorial on how to use it in the kit. Put off all your doubts and feel free to order!
12# Gasland Outdoors BE158 1.58GPM 6L Outdoor Portable Gas Water Heater
This heater is good for outdoor use. You can take it to the family camping if you like a hot bath. There is no need for any additional details because the showerhead comes in the kit. The process of installation is easy both for beginners and professionals, but the manufacturer also sends a helping tutorial. The good has a compact size and is lightweight. It allows taking a minimum place. A multiple-protection system takes care of customers’ safety. The hot water is always under your hand with this device. It is a perfect decision for all outdoor activities, summer cottages, small flats, or washing animals in the background. The innovative technologies save electricity and minimize your costs. The manufacturer offers great customer service that is always ready to solve all your problems.
How to protect it from freezing? ❄️
Outdoor tankless water heaters are at risk of freezing in winter months.
- 🔷 To protect your water heater from freeze damage, you should make sure it is insulated properly and has adequate drain line protection.
- 🔷 You can also install a recirculation loop to keep the water inside the pipes warm, or a freeze-sensing thermostat that will turn on when the temperature drops below a certain level.
- 🔷 Additionally, you can use foam insulation to cover the exposed piping and add an extra layer of protection against cold weather.
👍 By following these steps, you can ensure your heater is protected from freeze damage throughout the year.
FAQ ❓
Conclusion 🙂
Choosing the right outdoor tankless water heater for your needs can be a daunting task. We hope this article has given you insight into what types of things need to be considered when selecting an outdoor water heater so that you can find one perfect for your home’s specific needs. Thanks for reading! 🥰❤️🔥
That is why it is important for me to find good items that will help me and my family have a good time without too much hassle. I like to look for stuff for myself or gifts for my loved ones. We also share the high-quality products we find with each other, and I think it is really important to transfer your opinion and knowledge, that is why I am pleased to share the useful information I find with other people. I'm so happy that my family helps me in this matter. We hope that someone really finds this helpful and interesting enough!
Read more about our team of expert authors.
Affiliate Disclosure: Rotorm.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Optics Planet, Lucky Gunner, Brownells, Cabelas, Rainier Arms, 5.11 Tactical, Bass Pro Shop, etс. Clicking a link helps keep Rotorm.com free, at no extra cost to you!
About the author: Each article on our site is written by experts in survival and tactical equipment, gun enthusiasts, extreme travelers, military, law enforcement and desperate professionals, read about the author at the bottom of the article or visit "About Us" page.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency.
I’m seeking advice on how to properly care for my outdoor tankless water heater during this freeze. Last year, I made sure to drain the unit since I anticipated a prolonged period of freezing temperatures. However, this time around, it seemed like the freeze would last for less than 24 hours each day, so I didn’t empty the tank. Instead, I took measures to insulate it by wrapping it with fabrics and plastic. I’m unsure if I should periodically turn on the hot water to prevent the coils from freezing completely. I’m also wondering if keeping the pilot light on is sufficient to keep the water in the coils from freezing. Perhaps it’s still a good idea to drain the tankless water heater altogether?
I have come up with a solution. We are scheduling our dishwasher and washing machine to run overnight using a delay feature, ensuring a continuous flow of hot water throughout the house. However, I still worry about the times when we cannot trigger hot water every hour or so. This anxiety has been causing sleepless nights, so I’ve decided to get up periodically to run the hot water during those intervals. It may disrupt my sleep, but it gives me peace of mind and helps alleviate the concern of potential issues with the tankless water heater.
To provide additional insulation, I wrapped a blanket around the unit, making sure to leave the top vent uncovered. Furthermore, I’ve taken extra precautions by running a slow stream of warm water from a faucet located at the farthest side of my house. While I understand that it’s unlikely for the weather to get cold enough to impact the unit, I prefer to be overly cautious, especially after having it replaced last February.
I want to clarify that I’m not a professional plumber, but I do have firsthand experience with an outdoor tankless water heater. During freezing temperatures, one effective method to prevent freezing and bursting is to keep the hot water tap running. Having a constant flow of water through the heater unit helps maintain enough warmth to prevent freezing. To start, you can try dripping the hot water tap, and if you notice the drips slowing down, increase the flow by opening the tap further. Before going to bed, it’s important to check if the water is still dripping or streaming. Some sources suggest using the faucet that is farthest from the incoming pipe for this purpose. It’s worth noting that the flowing water may not be enough to ignite the heater, which is perfectly fine. The objective is to ensure that water continues to flow through the unit and avoid freezing. The water flowing from the main pipe, which is usually warm enough, helps prevent freezing in the unit. As long as this flow is maintained, the tankless water heater should remain unaffected during this period.
I’m interested in hearing about others’ experiences with outdoor tankless water heaters. I currently reside in Houston and I’m considering the idea of relocating my traditional tank water heater outside and replacing it with an outdoor tankless unit. My main objective is to free up space within the house. I would greatly appreciate any opinions or insights from those who have already made this switch.
I would like to offer a reminder to you. Once you have it installed, it’s important to flush it out on a semi-regular basis. This helps prevent scale buildup that could potentially enter the water lines and lead to faucet clogs. By implementing a flushing routine, you can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your tankless water heater while keeping your water lines clear and free from any potential obstructions.
I own a Camplux Enjoy Outdoor Life CM264-NG and find the idea of installing exterior-mounted tankless units rather than indoor units to be fantastic. It offers significant space-saving benefits by eliminating the need for a traditional tank water heater within the floor plan. Another advantage is that exterior tankless water heaters can be vented directly into the atmosphere, eliminating the need for extensive vent piping and making the installation process easier. However, it’s important to note that one potential drawback is that the proposed location for the tankless water heater may not have the necessary utilities readily available, such as hot water lines, cold water lines, gas lines, and dedicated electrical plugs. As a result, there will be additional costs involved in installing these essential components.
What water heaters brand is most reliable?
I have been using a Rinnai V Series HE Tankless Hot Water Heater for the past 8 years without experiencing any issues. The frequency of cleaning or decalcifying the unit depends on the quality of your water. In my case, I didn’t have a recirculating feature at the time of installation, but I do wish I had chosen a model with that feature. The dealer needs to understand your specific needs to recommend the correct size of the tankless water heater. One reason I would prefer a recirculating feature is for those occasional times when I need hot water for the washing machine. Since newer clothes washers use water in small bursts, it doesn’t trigger enough flow or move enough volume to get hot water to our laundry room, which is located farthest away from the heater.
I have personally found that Rinnai RL Series HE+ Tankless Hot Water Heater would be a good choice. Overall, considering factors such as cost, ease of installation, and long-term performance, I recommend this tankless water heater.
In my opinion, the Rheem RTG-84XLN-1 Tankless Water Heater is a high-quality product. Overall, it’s important to carefully consider the cost, warranty options, and potential installation requirements when choosing between different options for your water heater.