Winter can wreak havoc on your water heater, especially if it's not installed inside your home. The freezing temperatures can cause a variety of problems. The last thing you want is to have freezing temperatures destroy your brand new tankless water heater. Here are four important steps you should take to protect your water heater this winter.

Give the Pipes a Layer of Insulation

If you've recently had a new tankless water heater installed, you need to make sure that the pipes were properly insulated. If they weren't, it's important for you to take care of that as soon as possible. If your water heater pipes are insulated against winter temperatures, the water inside them could freeze. Unfortunately, if that happens, the pipes will burst. To avoid that, be sure to insulate your tankless water heater pipes.

Check the Condensate Drain Tubing

Your tankless water heater has a condensate drain tube that removes condensation. If the drain tube is exposed, it could freeze. During the winter, it's important that you inspect the condensate drain tube on a regular basis. If the tube shows signs of damage, you should have it replaced as soon as possible. If the freezing temperatures become a problem, try wrapping a small amount of newspaper around the tube. That way, you'll provide a layer of protection against the cold weather.

Ensure That the Compartment Door is Closed

If your water heater storage compartment opens to the exterior of your home, you need to make sure that the door stays closed at all times. Leaving the door open can expose your water heater to the outside elements, which can be particularly detrimental during the winter months. Not only can snow and ice collect on your water heater when the door is left open, but pests can use the compartment as nesting space. Protect your water heater by keeping the compartment door securely shut all winter long.

Watch for Warning Signs

During the winter, you'll want to pay close attention to your water heater. Tankless water heaters provide water on demand, which means you should have a continual supply of hot water. If your water fails to heat up after a few seconds, you have sediment in the water, or your water heater begins making loud noises, you need to have it inspected as soon as possible. These signs could indicate a serious problem with your tankless unit.