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Hiding Your Outdoor Water Heating System
A hot water system is integral to every person's home, but it can also be an expensive and inefficient energy guzzler. A more cost-effective way to heat water cheaper would be to install a solar, electric, or gas heater. Several models are available with good reviews online and are easy to assemble.
If you do not want to spend the time and effort to assemble a hot water heater, you can buy one already made. A pre-assembled solar hot water system will cost less and likely be in better working condition. With an already assembled system, all you need to do is connect it up to your home's existing electrical system.
If you have any plumbing experience, you can create your own DIY solar hot water system. The installations are straightforward, but if you are not confident in maintaining a safe environment for hot water storage, it's not a bad idea to hire a professional to do the job. Let's closely look at how to hide a hot water system outside.
Considerations For Outdoor Hot Water Systems
Before installing your hot water system outside, you must consider certain factors that directly impact the system's efficiency and effectiveness.
The area around your home
The area around your home will directly impact the location of your hot water heater. If you dwell in a very sunny climate, you will have no problem finding an ideal place for the solar hot water system. However, if you reside in an area far from the equator, or if it gets too much cloud cover or rain, you would be better off placing this energy-saving device inside.
The intensity of the sun
The sun's intensity in your area will also affect the efficiency of a solar hot water system. If you place it outside in an area that does not get a lot of sunlight, your system will not be able to heat as much water as it should and will be less efficient overall.
However, if you reside in a sunny climate and place the solar water heater outside, it can be very efficient at heating water because it receives direct sunlight during most hours of the day.
Water temperature
Water temperature is another important factor when placing your solar hot water system outside. If you are heating water for bathing and cleaning, then the temperature of the water can be warmer than that required for showering or bathing. You can adjust the temperature of your solar hot water tank according to how you will use the hot water.
Your budget
The budget is essential when deciding between a DIY installation or hiring a professional to do it. In the event you want to save additional money, you could try to put together your system at home and bypass paying a plumber for the installation. However, this depends on whether you have some essential experience in plumbing.
The size of your solar hot water system
The size of the solar PV hot water system you need will also impact your choice of DIY installation or hiring a professional to do it. If you need a lot of capacity and have plenty of space, it might be better to hire a professional for the installation. This will likely cost less than putting together and maintaining a DIY system.
Water pressure and heat
Do not install your solar hot water system on your roof if you have a home with low water pressure. If you do this, the system will be less efficient as it struggles to meet the water pressure requirements of your home. There are several fixes for this problem, but they require professional installation. Look for a hot water heater that matches the pressure of your home's plumbing before deciding where to install it.
Water quality
If your water quality is poor, you need to consider installing reverse osmosis or a water softening system before installing your solar hot water system. This will ensure that the water quality is good enough for use in your home, and it will also ensure maximum efficiency for your new solar hot water system.
If you plan to use your hot water heater from the outside, you should ensure plenty of shade and shelter in the area where you plan to install it. Ensure that the area surrounding your home has good drainage so that rainwater does not pool around the outdoor location where you place it.
Exterior Hot Water System Placement Ideas
Under porch
For an easy installation, you can build your system under your porch. Build a small storage tank with a drain valve (10-20 gallons or 45-90 litres) in your storage shed. Seal up the yard and dig a trench along the wall of your house to install the tubing. Assemble the rest of the system with pipes and valves and connect to existing plumbing in your home.
In basement
Another way to keep hot water hidden at home is to install the system under your basement floor or in a crawlspace if it has been built into the floor. Your hot water tank should be located near where you take a shower so it can be easily accessed when you need it. Since hot water heats up quickly, install a safety valve to avoid over-pressurizing your pipes.
In or around the deck
If your yard is spacious enough, you can build an outdoor shower with a hidden storage tank for hot water. You can connect it to the existing pipes in your home and place it in or around the deck. You should install the outdoor shower so it will not get hit by sunlight. You can also use heater covers to protect your hot water system from rain.
On or near the roof
If you have ever thought about installing PV panels, consider installing a solar panel for hot water on the roof. The installations are much simpler than you might imagine and do not take long. You can purchase a solar hot water system, and if you buy it online, it will be sent to your house pre-assembled.
Under or near your shed or barn
A system like this is better suited for storing hot water when you need it the most in the colder seasons. You can purchase a large tank (50-100 gallons or 227-454 litres) and install it in your shed or barn.
If your roofing is not suitable for solar panels, place a tank in the ground underneath the shed or barn. Remember to include an overflow valve so the tank does not overheat. For a cheaper alternative, place the hot water storage tank above the ground in your yard.
Under your patio
If you have a patio on top of your house, you can place a hot water tank below it. Be sure to include an overflow valve just in case the tank overfills. This installation allows you to heat water as needed during the day, and when used with solar panels, it can add up to huge savings for your home.
Under your carport
Place a hot water storage tank under your carport for easy installation. A deluxe solar hot water heater may require extra piping and connections; otherwise, it is just as easy as installing one above ground.
Near the porch
Install a system next to your front door so that you can heat up the water in the middle of winter. This way, you can save money on propane, and it is not as hard to install because you can do it during regular house renovations.
Under your yard
Your yard is an excellent place for a solar hot water system. You can buy a large storage tank (50-100 gallons or 227-454 litres) and lay it flat in the ground underneath your yard. You can connect it with pipes to an outdoor shower and valve so you will never have to go out in the weather just to use hot water again.
In your garage
Your garage is one of the most accessible spaces to install a solar hot water system. You can install the tank inside or under your carport. The only other thing you'll need is a hose outlet on the wall so that you can use the same water for both your washing machine and shower in your home.
Next to an outdoor shower
Install a system next to your outside shower so it can heat up while you take a shower. The water will be nice and hot, ready for you to use. You can purchase a small storage tank (10 gallons or 45 litres) and connect it with pipes outdoors or inside the home.
This is an ideal location, but only if your garage or carport is ideal too. A small solar heating system for showers may not be the most cost-effective investment, so choose wisely.
Why Place Your Hot Water System Outside?
Many homeowners prefer placing their hot water systems outside as it is less complicated and provides more benefits than placing them indoors. Below are the major reasons you might want to place your hot water system outside.
Cheaper to install
Your solar hot water system may be more expensive than an electric one, but it is cheaper to install. The manual work required when installing a solar hot water system outside is less complicated and requires less gas and pipes. The piping in your home can carry all of the water that you need (hot and cold), so there is no need to run a separate pipe that carries only hot water.
Allergies
Not everyone will have allergies, but if you have them, make sure to place your hot water system outside on your roof. This will keep your hot water system away from your house and reduce the dust in your home. Some homeowners also develop allergies after using solar hot water for some time.
Indoor placement is unsafe
Although there are many ways to make it safe, placing a hot water system in the home is more dangerous than placing it outdoors. If you dwell in a region that often experiences high winds, you can expect your hot water system to be damaged from time to time by flying debris and leaves.
This problem is less likely when you install it inside. Pilot lights in your water heater can also ignite combustible materials, like paper, which will produce toxic gases that can create a potentially hazardous situation.
Storage space is not needed
If you plan to install a hot water system, you should measure your home for the appropriate space to place your new tank. If you place your hot water system outdoors, you will not need extra space to store it.
Installation is less complicated
Placing your system outside also means that you will have to run fewer pipes and lines from your tank. If you have an indoor tank, it will be easier for the water to get into the home, but the most challenging part about placing these systems indoors is finding the right amount of piping for them to work correctly.
Easier temperature control
Placing a hot water system outside will allow for easier temperature control. The sun heats up hot water tanks throughout the day and night. With your solar hot water system placed on the outside of your house, you will be able to control the temperatures of the water by selecting a different day and time.
Energy saver
If you place your hot water system outdoors, you will have a deep tank that can store up to 200 gallons or 909 litres of hot water. These water tanks only heat up as needed, so you will see an immediate decrease in your bills after installing this type of system.
Expert Outdoor Hot Water System Installations
Many people choose to install hot water systems outdoors instead of indoors. This is because it is easier to control the temperature and safer than placing a system indoors. If you plan to install a new hot water system in your home, contact a professional specialising in outdoor hot water system installations.
