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Community and Q&A

Clearance for HPWH

John Ranson| Posted inMechanicalson

I’m considering putting a heat pump water heater into a bathroom/laundry room. The room has plenty of volume. I’m concerned about the clearances needed though. The Accelera models claim to need a 2′ clearance at the intake, and a 6′ clearance at the exhaust. That seems to limit the usage of this to rooms with a 10′ clear strip for the water heater. I know efficiency will suffer if it recycles air, but this seems excessive. Does anybody actually do this? If not, what are reasonable clearances?

It seems like the COP standards should spec minimum clearances. If you can’t get the COP with the unit installed 8″ from the wall in a corner with 4′ front clearance, it’s not real-world.

–John

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Replies

  1. Steve Knapp CZ 3A Georgia||#1

    The positioning diagrams make it look like you have some flexibility. But if there is no way to avoid obstacles, maybe you should consider a make that will accept a ventilation kit, such as an AO Smith.

  2. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay||#2

    John,
    If I were you, I would respect the clearances mandated by the water heater manufacturer. If you don't, your warranty will be voided.

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