What kind of ventilation does a hot water heater need?

Answer by  DavidS (1517)

This is dependent upon whether it is gas or electric. First you should check with your local building code official. For electric water heaters a clear space of 12-16 inches should be efficient for gas it should be further than that. Gas also needs to have an exhaust vent to the outside.

Answer by  JeremyM (10)

A hot water heater, with proper insulation, can be as close as a few inches from the wall. Of course, this could depend on your local building codes as well.