Can a water heater be installed in a garage without excessive propane usage in cold weather conditions?
Asked by Ognyana Chalenko 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 30, 2024
Is there a way to have a water heater in the garage without it running more than usual because of the temperature? We don’t live in a freezing or snowy area, but it definitely gets cold here. Right now, ours is in the laundry room taking up a ton of space. I’m considering moving it to the garage, but I’m worried about using too much propane.
Consider installing a tankless water heater in the laundry room. It’s compact, about the size of a suitcase, and can be wall-mounted.
It’s crazy how much they’re charging me to move my regular tank now.
Keeping it in its current location is free if you’re really focused on costs.
If it’s a PV or atmospheric vent, it should still meet the length specifications if you move it to a different location. It might be better to wait until it reaches its life expectancy before making any changes…
There’s a great advantage to relocating it because my laundry room is already cramped. With the washer on one side and the dryer on the other, there’s hardly any space for proper clearance and fittings.
They’re replacing it at no cost. It’s also situated on the opposite side of where my baby’s crib is. We’ve had multiple concerns about it being a fire hazard, and even though the new one should theoretically eliminate that, I would just feel safer relocating it.
So, , this piece really sets the atmosphere and fits perfectly within the specifications. It’s located right by where it’s supposed to be moved to- on the opposite wall.
Yikes, .
It doesn’t cost anything extra if you do the work yourself. Installing it is quite simple. I’ve done it myself. If you opt for one that requires a stainless double-walled flue, that will be an additional cost, but it still won’t match the labor expenses of hiring someone for the job.
Hot water tanks are typically insulated. Your energy consumption is often influenced by the ground water temperature. Keep in mind that garage installations can be costly due to the necessary permits and proper venting requirements, potentially leading you to opt for a higher-priced unit.
Hot water tanks are usually insulated so there wouldn’t be a huge decrease in efficiency. You could also consider insulating the garage if you’d like.
Our heater used to be located in our garage in Oklahoma.
It is common to have heaters in the garage here. The temperature in my garage rarely drops below 40 degrees during most winters.
The insulation and efficiency of modern heaters make it a viable option. It may require a few extra seconds for hot water to reach the faucets.
Is it possible for it to reside in an insulated closet in the garage where it’s exposed to less cold air?
You might consider framing a small closet. Make sure to frame a floor so it’s insulated too. Install an exterior door (insulated with weatherstripping) on the garage side that’s big enough to move the w/h in and out of the closet if necessary. You could also add vents into the adjacent house space (assuming it’s a utility room), one high on the wall and the other low. This will facilitate heated air exchange and prevent water pipes from freezing.
It should be pretty consistent. Modern water heaters are highly efficient.
Water heater efficiencies are not great. Can you change my mind? They have improved, but they’re still not great, especially if they’re natural draft
Sure thing, Shaun. I’ll go with your suggestion.
A natural draft water heater is only going to be 80% efficient, if that. The heat needed to overcome the draft in a chimney means you lose 20% up the chimney. With a power vent, efficiency isn’t much better because you’re cycling the flue out the exhaust quickly, so condensation doesn’t occur. The most efficient water heater option is an on-demand unit.
They create blankets for them, providing additional insulation, but feel free to expand on that idea as much as you’d like.
If you work as a plumber and gasfitter, make sure to check with local authorities about garage regulations. They usually require a specific distance above the ground
My question is not related to yours. I’m simply inquiring about temperature and efficiency.
Are you thinking of using natural draft or power vent for your project?
If you’re already going through the trouble of rearranging pipelines and such, why not consider installing an on-demand unit to increase efficiency and save money?
I’m considering moving this tank because it would only cost me 800.
Hey , I don’t understand how it could only cost $800, especially considering we need a new chimney, gas line, waterlines, and permit.
Ours is a gas-powered tankless water heater, located in the garage. It’s a Rinaii brand and we reside near Richmond, Virginia. The heater only operates when hot water is needed, resulting in no problems at all. We had a similar model in an unheated basement in northern NY (near the Quebec, New York, Vermont border) and experienced no issues there either.
If you’re using gas or propane, you need to think about dangerous fumes coming from the exhaust. You can add extra insulation with water heater blankets. And if your water heater is already outside, consider building a cabinet to protect it from the wind chill. Another option is to have an electrician install two 240 receptacles in the garage – one for an extra electric heater and the other for charging future electric toys or vehicles.
The heater exhausts through the roof safely without any fumes being present.
If you decide to relocate the heater, you’ll also need to relocate the vent and ensure that rain doesn’t leak through the new opening in the roof. It’s important to seal the old vent properly to prevent water, snow, and pests from getting in.
This isn’t something you should try on your own. Can you tell me more about the temperature and efficiency for the group, please?
Most people in this group prefer to handle things on their own, but maybe the solution is tankless water heating since the water isn’t heated until it’s actually used. The exhaust system we installed for the restaurant was much more complex than a standard water heater, requiring careful sizing for horizontal travel, air intake, and rodent protection. Imagine having to open up walls to replace a clogged pipe because an old rat was seeking warmth in its final moments. In the 60s, the Air Force had to resort to dumping gasoline in vents to burn snakes seeking shelter from the cold.
The maximum temperature for your home is 140 degrees Fahrenheit. A 90-gallon heater will have a smaller surface area compared to a 40 or 50-gallon heater.
Place the water heater outside in a shed dedicated to water equipment.
Solar panels can be found at a great price on Amazon, with Renogy being less than $1 per watt delivered. They even perform well in cold weather (as long as they’re not covered in snow).
Can you explain how this will benefit my propane water heater?
I just want to make sure you’re safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s similar to when people forget to turn off their quiet hybrid cars. When the battery in the car reaches its low limit, the combustion engine turns on and fumes can seep into your home from an attached garage, causing potential harm. It’s better to be safe and use an electric heater, or hire a licensed plumber to avoid any risks.
Why the need to stray so far from the topic and adopt a condescending tone? The request was quite specific, and it seems unnecessary to go off on a tangent about keeping someone safe. 🙄
I’ve heard numerous accounts from my classmates about individuals who tampered with temperature and pressure valves on what could essentially be a bomb (as per ‘Mythbusters’ episodes about rockets). Some people either sealed off the valves or closed them shut when they noticed dripping. My neighbor, who claims to be an ‘engineer,’ was among those who took this risk. While it’s your home and your decision, if your actions put my safety or my mother’s safety at risk, we will definitely have a serious conversation.
Having experience working for a company that maintains and constructs power plants, it’s important to note that superheated water (as well as electricity) can be fatal in a matter of seconds. Setting your water heater to 180 degrees could result in a tragic accident before help arrives. Even a tiny opening can lead to dangerous spraying. I once dined at a restaurant that used the hot water from a commercial heater in the bathroom. The water temperature exceeded 140 degrees, and the faucet handles were incorrectly labeled with hot on the right. Many people, including myself, suffered burns until they made the necessary changes almost two years later. Solar water systems can also present risks. For instance, on military housing units, we had to replace the solar hot water systems installed during the Obama administration due to their lack of control. Despite initial plans to switch to photovoltaic technology, the base management had to reconsider after disconnecting the circulation pumps and sealing off the hot water returns to the existing solar panels. Even the high-rise building I worked on had individual heaters per unit, each with a piped temperature and pressure valve. This precaution was necessary because what may feel scalding to one person might not be hot enough for another. Major plumbing companies typically keep water heaters at the default factory setting of 120°F due to liability concerns.
Opt for a tankless water heater.
Chaz, I hope it’s expensive.
Certain things are valuable enough to justify the cost.
Consider installing a tankless water heater. It’s a compact unit that can be mounted on the wall, ensuring you never run out of hot water.
Quite pricey. Not willing to make that investment at the moment.
Copy that.
There are special blankets for water heaters, but they can cause sweating and rusting on the outer shell. However, this won’t affect the tank’s lifespan. New water heaters have improved R ratings thanks to EPA regulations. While you may not see significant savings over time, the real issue is the cost of new venting and gas. If you’re using electric, consider a tankless option like the Noritz EZ 40, 50, or 75, which can save money by utilizing existing venting as a sleeve. Gas and water connections don’t need much modification compared to a standard tankless unit.
Ny Ziegler the cost to relocate it is around $800, I don’t want to invest thousands in a tankless water heater right now.
It’s not expensive to relocate water, gas, and cut a hole for ventilation.
Hey there, !
Oh, ny Ziegler mentioned he’s receiving a substantial credit for relocating his water heater.
Hey, mentioned that he’s not aware of any federal or state credit for moving an existing water heater. Tankless heaters still qualify for a federal tax credit of 3,200, but he can’t remember the amount for a regular tank heater. However, he thinks the tax credit for tankless heaters won’t last long because there’s a push for heat pump heaters.
Ny Ziegler, what makes you think it’s a government incentive for switching?
Because it’s a major incentive for my clients to transition to tankless water heaters. With both federal and local gas company rebates.
Ny Ziegler, so it’s not tankless…. Why is that important?
WH insulating blankets exist for a purpose
Just so you know, the government doesn’t appear to consider it important for gas heaters https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-savings-project-insulate-water-heater-tank#:~:text=Most%20experts%20agree%20that%20heat,for%20these%20types%20of%20heaters.
I’ve come across many gas hot water tanks in unheated garages in Washington without insulation.
I remember seeing people wrapping their cars and pipes for the winter, so it crossed my mind. But I’m not naive to the fact that this is more common in places like Canada. We hardly get 5 snow days a year.
If you’re considering installing it in the garage, just make sure to build a stand for it at 18″ above the floor. Secure it to the wall halfway up the heater. Personally, I strongly prefer tankless water heaters. When we moved into our fourth house 18 years ago, the thump tube on the 12-year-old water heater in the garage broke off while we were cleaning up. I ended up spending $500 to replace it with a tankless water heater (a tanked one would have cost me around $200). After that, my gas bill dropped from an average of $70 per month to under $10. The tankless heater lasted for 17 years. When I needed to replace it, I got another tankless one. The old one paid for itself within a year. We’re currently purchasing our fifth tankless heater. It’s a no-brainer for me. I’m replacing the old unit with a tankless one before we move in. I might even install it in a closet between the two bathrooms. The new tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than the older versions, but the recovery time is longer. If you replace your old tanked heater with a new one, you’ll likely run out of hot water more frequently. With a tankless heater, you’ll never run out, even with a 16-year-old boy in the house
Hey , if I can work out a credit for this exchange that’s already been approved, I’ll go with the tankless option. It might not be possible, though, and we don’t have the extra money to get one right now.
Hey , it seems like getting a tankless water heater, even if it runs on propane, would save us a lot. We really need to be mindful of our propane usage, especially after how expensive it was this year. Dealing with a new house and propane has been a bit of a nightmare so far.
Wrap the blanket around the water heater and keep it in the garage. In California, most houses with attached garages have their water heaters located there. It’s important to follow building codes for safety reasons. A friend of mine had a scary incident where his water heater exploded in the garage because it wasn’t properly installed. Make sure it’s on a stand and the garage is vented to prevent any accidents. Stay safe!
The installation will be done professionally, just as I mentioned. It’s been a bit of a crazy ride with all the fire hazards, but everything is being taken care of properly.
We have a unit in a garage in Connecticut and it’s working well
Our generator is actually kept in the furnace room, which is located inside the garage, so it’s shielded a bit. And it’s been running smoothly in that spot.
I find it crazy how many comments just share personal opinions instead of answering your question. Yes, it’s safe to have it in the garage and you shouldn’t have efficiency issues. You can use a water heater blanket and insulate the hot water lines. Our natural gas water heater has been on the garage floor for 15 years (not raised) and we’re still alive 🤣
Russell same situation at my place.
Modern water heaters are equipped with FVIR (Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistance) and multiple codes acknowledge this, eliminating the necessity for the 18 inch elevation.
Russell key term is actually “yet”. I came across the images of the truck and scorch marks in the garage. Definitely convinced me. I’m picking up a 1979 model this week, the first thing I inspected was the water heater. It’s compliant, by the way.
Our system is compliant with the required codes. Thank you, .
Sure thing!
You might want to consider getting an on-demand water heater. It won’t use any propane unless you need hot water.
I find it funny how the most direct and best answer, without any unsolicited advice, came from a woman. Why do we always feel the need to explain things, even to men? Haha
From a heat loss perspective, you’re likely to lose more heat from the tank in a cold garage compared to a conditioned or semi-conditioned space (e.g. where heat from your boiler or furnace indirectly warms the mechanical room).
The heat loss should be minimal since water tanks are generally well-insulated, but check the tank insulation and ensure the pipes are also insulated.
The main concern might be the cold water line freezing if the space goes below freezing for long periods.
Consider going tankless with an electric or propane option. They are available in 110 or 220 volts. And don’t forget, you can purchase insulation wraps for water heaters.
If you decide to switch to an electric tankless unit, you’ll probably have to have a new line installed to your house.
There’s insulation already on it, and you can also use a blanket to cover them. Many water heaters are in garages here in Ohio, where pipes often freeze, but I haven’t noticed any issues so far.
I didn’t need a new line. The gas units require a specific amount of water pressure to function properly. We installed a 220 unit with 3 phases, which meant we had to upgrade our electric panel, but it was something we needed to do anyway. The 110 option is a good alternative if the higher voltage isn’t possible, but keep in mind that it may require a unit in each bathroom for larger houses. It’s still manageable, though.
Some of those electric water heaters can really cause a stir in the neighborhood with all the flickering lights. It just doesn’t make sense to have multiple point of use water heaters when you can just install a recirculating one.
Wow, , that’s wild! I actually live in a neighborhood where my neighbors aren’t too close either. The closest one is about 100 yards away. I never even thought about it being a problem since it’s not really a thing around here.
I assume you’re referring to 240v and single phase power, .
If you prefer, you could place it in the garage and use an insulation blanket, or opt for a more efficient on-demand heater like a Rinnai that doesn’t store water. We have Rinnai heaters and they work really well. You won’t experience any inefficiencies with one of those – you’ll likely see significant improvements.
We typically put water heaters in the garages of almost every home in Georgia. We haven’t had any issues with temperatures.
My water heater is in the garage with a timer, but it’s not a problem at all. Here’s a helpful tip that many are unaware of – some power companies offer free water heaters.
I reside in Louisiana and mine is situated in a small shed outdoors. It sits on a small slab and cinder blocks, running on natural gas. It has been like that since before I moved into my house 7 years ago. I have never encountered any issues other than when a hurricane knocked it over.
Absolutely, you can place it in the garage – just keep in mind the distance from your water source to the tap furthest away. I have a bathroom that takes a while to heat up, so the savings might not be significant.
Morris mentioned that it’s right next to its current location. They are planning to move it about 10 feet for safety, not for savings.
I’m currently in Arizona and our water heaters and laundry facilities are located in the garages here.
The garage keeps it safe, even when temperatures drop below freezing for a week or two each year.
I’m also in Arizona, but my name is not .
Hey Chris, since you already have the new one and dislike the space the old one occupies, are you willing to rerun the lines to the garage? $800 is a lot, maybe more than the heater itself. That alone would annoy me. I prefer copper, so my choice would be easy. I’m curious about Pex, but have no experience. Your situation is unique. We’re here to help, so take the advice for what it’s worth. Stay safe and take care.
The garage installation isn’t really a DIY project! I was hoping to get some insights on efficiency and temperature, not necessarily how to do the installation itself
Please, I don’t mean to offend. When it comes to DIY projects, your idea and mine are probably very different. I have years of experience in various trades and all the tools needed for finishing foundations. I’ve worked on countless roofs, full bathroom renovations, laundry rooms, and everything from designing to creating plans, getting permits, excavation, setting up forms, pouring the foundation, installing rebar, constructing, and finishing. I even built my own woodworking shop from scratch, including installing electrical subpanels, 220v and 110v outlets, and lights. All by myself, all DIY. Installing a water heater in the garage wouldn’t even take until lunchtime.
I’m assuming English isn’t your native language because I’m having trouble understanding where the confusion is coming from
No, born here, fluent in the language, just pointing out that a cutover probability isn’t beyond the reach of someone with the desire and determination. I’ve got the skills to calculate thermal efficiency, pressure drop, and energy change, plus I have a Masters in industrial technology. Honors student, thank you very much.
That’s awesome, my husband is an industrial engineer. We’re outsourcing the job for legal reasons, not because we can’t do it ourselves. I’m just wondering if it would be a financial burden for us due to the extra propane costs if we put the tank in the garage.
Yeah, those extra couple minutes probably won’t make a big difference in the long run. Just make sure they insulate and seal it properly. The extra space in the laundry room is insane. I replaced the water heater with a laundry tub. It has been so useful over the 18 years we’ve lived here. I’ve been missing it these past 6 months. We’re closing on our new home next week. Good luck!
Hey, do you need a sink? Our space is huge and the layout is just ridiculous in the middle.
I moved mine from under the stairs (terrible spot) to the garage. I constructed an insulated closet around it, so the losses are minimal. If your heater has a metal vent, you’re losing more heat than you think. Moving my heater increased the time to get hot water at the farthest point. It now takes about a minute and a half to have hot water in my upstairs shower. Just something to keep in mind.
It’s just ten feet away from its current spot so I’m not too concerned about that
I often see them in the garage. You could try insulating your water heater with a blanket. It might be a good idea to install on-demand recirculating pumps under your bathroom sinks and kitchen to reduce propane costs and save water.
If your water heater is located far from some of your faucets, think about installing a recirculating pump for instant hot water at all times.
Yup we’re going ahead with it. It’s just gonna be ten feet away from where it is now and the house is pretty small
I would never feel at ease with a gas appliance (heater/water heater) kept in the same area where I store my gas can and lawn mower.
You know , we don’t have lawn mowers around here. I personally don’t think it’s any less safe than having a laundry room with bleach, ammonia, and whatever else, right?
Mixing bleach and ammonia doesn’t cause an explosion from a flame.
Hey Mark, my main concern was about chemicals. There are plenty of other examples, haha. 👍🏻
Are you saying you prefer not to have a gas appliance near where you keep flammable fuels?
You probably wouldn’t want a flammable fuel stored close to an open flame, right?
I keep mine stored in the garage.
Consider going tankless. Opt for a tankless on-demand water heater, and yes, they are available for propane. Invest in a high-quality one, and avoid choosing cheaper options. Additionally, install AO Smith Pre-&-Post whole house water filters during the plumbing process.
Hey , are you considering buying it? It looks really nice!
I recently installed one of those in my previous house. It’s a great water heater, but I did notice that it has a temperature limiter which didn’t work well with a long stretch of copper pipes. Just a heads up, the homeowners have already purchased the tank and don’t want to return it. You might want to consider the Rennai tank, as it has a remote temperature adjustment feature. You can easily adjust the temperature while in the shower without having to step out.
Consider getting a tankless water heater. They are compact and efficient.
And pricey!
I live in Ohio, where winter temperatures can drop below zero – and our hot water heater is located in the garage. Also, our furnace and water softener are there. Although the garage is drywalled and likely insulated, it still gets chilly. But we manage just fine. The house was constructed in 2017.