There's really nothing quite like an outdoor boiler; aside from being the source of hot water, it is also much more importantly the essential element in heating your home. Many people today are investing in an electric water heater with PEX piping for either an upgrade to an existing outdoor heating system or for a newly constructed one. Before you rush into the installation, there are some critical details that you need to know for everything to go smoothly.

Installing an electric water heater with PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) in your outdoors boiler system offers you many advantages, but there are some things you will need to know. By reading through this article, you should be able to discover how to consider the full benefits of installing an electric water heater with PEX as well as ensure that you set up your system appropriately.

1. What Is PEX and Why Should You Use It in Your Outdoor Boiler System?

Let's cover some basics prior to actual installation specifics. So first, what is PEX? As defined by Chambliss Plumbing Company, PEX is a flexible plastic pipe material most often used in residential plumbing systems. It is durable, versatile, and corrosion-resistant, making it particularly suitable for outdoor boiler systems. Such systems face exposure to variable temperatures and environmental conditions that can affect the materials used.

Why PEX?

PEX piping is perhaps the only kind of tubing that can really be called outdoor because it is also non-freezing. This is very important when talking about outdoor boilers for which pipes are exposed. Compared to old copper or steel pipes, PEX pipes are much easier to work with. Therefore installation becomes simpler and less time-consuming. Also, it can be bent to corners without connector usage, thus minimizing the risk of leakage.

Have you thought about whether the weather will affect your current piping? With traditional copper or steel, repair costs with freezing or corrosion may very well exceed the installation cost of a PEX-based system. If you're in colder climes, PEX provides long-term assurance.

2. The Compatibility of Electric Water Heaters with Outdoor Boilers

Are electric water heaters ideal for outdoor boiler systems? An important consideration when installing an electric water heater for boiler use with PEX is compatibility. Heating your home relies on circulating water, and the water heater is a major player in that scheme.

If you are considering eliminating gas or oil and using electricity for your hot water applications, electric water heaters can be an efficient choice, provided electric service is cheap or abundant where you are located. However, this does not mean electric water heaters can be fitted in all outdoor boiler systems, so you will have to check for compatibility as far as electric connection to your system is concerned.

Here are some things to think about:

• Heating Capacity: Does your electric water heater generate enough BTUs (British Thermal Units) to meet the requirements of your household? Outdoor boilers have specific heating needs, and if an electric heater doesn't provide adequate BTUs, it may not be a good fit.

• Power Supply: Electric heaters consume a large amount of power. Therefore, have you assessed if you have enough electrical capacity to support the installation of the new heater? In addition, your outdoor boiler setup must be capable of delivering adequate power input for the electric heater to operate efficiently.

• Power Source: What kind of power source currently drives your outdoor boiler? If your system is run strictly on electricity, then installing an electric water heater makes sense. If, on the other hand, gas or oil may be used, you'll want to make sure that the electric heater will integrate properly with that system. If you are still not clear, you may wish to read further in this blog about heat exchangers in outdoor boilers here.

3. Proper Sizing and Placement of the Electric Water Heater

One of the most widely made mistakes is when an electric water heater is sized incorrectly. Have you considered how much hot water you will require daily? The capacity of the water heater should correspond to the hot water requirement in your household. In the event that you have a larger house with multiple bathrooms, a more extensive requirement in general water will warrant that, you need a larger unit.

But there’s more to consider than just size:

• Placement: Where will the heater be installed? The placement of the electric water heater will affect both efficiency and life expectancy of that unit. Being part of your outdoor boiler system, the heater needs to be set in a position that allows easy access for maintenance away from extreme weather conditions. 

• Space: Make sure you have the proper space near the boiler for installation. PEX pipes run to the unit with ease, but service access and ventilation require considering the surrounding space around the heater.

Have you thought of the installation space concerning your system? Before you purchase anything, take measurements of the area around your boiler to ensure that the water heater will easily fit in and will be accessible for maintenance. 

Improper sizing or installation can lead to inefficiency, as discussed in this article. Check it out for more tips on troubleshooting and improving your heating system.

4. Importance of Proper Installation for Longevity

You want to employ an electrician to install an electric water heater with PEX piping or do it yourself. Well, it isn't as easy as it sounds: without proper installation, the system may malfunction in years to come. For instance, you will need to make proper and correct connections of the water heater to the outdoor boiler and also to PEX pipe to prevent any leakages, pressure problems, or destruction of the heater itself.

Besides, you must also cater to the installation of other necessary electrical components. Are you aware, then, of the electrical codes and safety regulations? Otherwise, it is very advisable to get a professional to do the electrical installation. This is because wrong wiring could lead to danger or damage caused by some inefficiency. 

Installation procedures taught by the manufacturer have to be followed when working with PEX piping. Flexible as PEX is, it must still be handled with care so that no bends and damages occur when being installed.

5. Insulation and Protection Against Freezing

Have you ever thought of securing your PEX system from the ravages of winter? Whereas PEX proves to be far more resistant to freezing than traditional piping, proper insulation is of paramount importance; in colder climates, it becomes even more critical for insulating the piping with foam and wraps. Insulation cuts down on the heat loss and will prevent these pipes from freezing at extreme temperatures.

If you should install PEX on an electric water heater, remember to insulate the water heater as well. This will keep the water inside at a steady temperature, reducing energy waste. Some water heaters are built with insulation, while others must be insulated according to your installation needs.

Are you also using the freeze protection valves or some other safety devices? A highly insulated system would, thus, avoid freezing resulting in savings from costs incurred in cold weather comforting headaches.

6. Ongoing Maintenance and Care

The last point to be made is that your electric water heater with PEX is due for frequent maintenance when linked to an indoor boiler system. When is it going to be your time to check on the system? A regular check-up for your heater will prolong the life of the unit while ensuring it works with maximum efficiency.

Here’s what you should monitor:

• PEX pipe inspection condition: Examine PEX piping for visible damage and cracks. PEX is tough material; however, it is not immune to deterioration related to time. 

• Water heater capability: Assure this heater works perfectly in heating water, and also observe leakages, corrosion, or inefficiency transfer. 

• Electrical connections: Check wiring periodically for signs of breakage and illegitimacy in the connection if using a powered system.

What is your maintenance schedule for the outdoor boiler and the water heater? A standard schedule that you can stick to in terms of checking in will save you down the line from the threat of some expensive repairs.

Conclusion

Heating water through external installation with PEX piping electrifyingly fits into your boiler system; that's only if you're considering an efficient, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly option. But, as discussed, there are several key considerations you need to take into account before diving in.

Thinking through the compatibility, sizing, installation, and maintenance needs? Are you ready to ensure that your outdoor heating system operates efficiently and safely for years to come?

A little extra time on the front end will buy time, money, and frustration on the back end. So, if you're thinking of upgrading your system, make sure you're stoked with preparation and informed. If you have any further questions, click HERE to Contact Us. You can also visit our online store to browse for more outdoor wood boiler parts!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you hook up a hot water heater with PEX?

As long as your local plumbing code doesn't prevent it, it's perfectly fine to connect PEX to an electric water heater.

2. Can you use PEX in a boiler system?

Yes, PEX tubing can be used for either in-floor or hydronic heating systems, provided that oxygen-resistant PEX is used to prevent rusting from ferrous components likely to be present within the system.

3. Can you use an electric water heater for hydronic heating?

An electric water heater is like a boiler. At the same time it is impossible to use an electric hot water heater as a safe and secure replacement. Especially when it comes to electric equipment, the safe duty cycle of electric water heaters does not cover the proper use of water heaters in hydronic heating applications.

4. How far does the PEX pipe need to be from the water heater?

18 inches, PEX shall not be installed within the first 18 inches (457 mm) of piping connected to a water heater.

5. IS PEX OKAY FOR HOT WATER? 

PEX is totally great at handling hot water!