Would someone explain to me...

My husband and I have a really small house, so every square foot matters. Would someone explain to me why we can't put the water heater about the ceiling like we installed the central heat unit? There is more than 8 foot clearance up there. I want a 50-gallon capacity unit.

Is there a half height unit we could get for a reasonable price? Otherwise, if we wanted to spend $3500, we could install a gas tankless heater to recover the space, but this house is not appreciating, so we would never recover the expense.

Thanks in advance,
Sharon

water heater

If you want to you can do it. There are no half height gas heaters but they do make a shorter one than standard, and electric ones come in various heights. The two problems are providing a way to get it up there, and then out again when it should leak, and protecting the house from damage when it leaks.

what about freezing???

I dont know where you live , if it is
in the warmer climates that never freeze you are
all set....

if not then putting a heater in an unheated attic
is not wise...

and you could almost add a garage or a large storage barn
for $3500



recently we winterized to a home where some jack leg
actually moved the well tank and most of the water lines
into the unheated attic......


how this passed the home inspection is beyond me......
when the house was sold to some dummie,,

but come this
winter it will all freeze up solid...

Thanks very much.

Making a convenient attic access (I plan to anyway) and waterproofing is doable. but freezing in winter is a reason I can accept as an idea killer.

Regards,
Sharon

It used to be done more often; In don't see it so much any more.

A 40 gallon tank, full, weighs probalby 400 pounds. Many ceilings are not built to support that weight. If it is gas, you will have possible issues with combustion air supply, and it you are in a very hot climate, you will have issues keeping the pilot lit in the summer. Also, today an inspector will insist on very good access for maintenance and replacement. Pushing it up through a hatch would not be accepted.