Thank you for your input Alice! In your opinion, is it wrong to mount the remote outside or can it correctly be mounted outside? I'm asking in case the contractor says its a 'change order' and tries to charge me for it.

Mounting the remote outside makes absolutely no sense. The purpose of the "remote" is to allow changing the temp setting at one (or more if there are multiple remotes) of the hot water usage locations inside the house. I typically see them mounted in the master bathroom.

Tankless water heaters operate at best efficiency when the setpoint is AT the desired hot water temperature for a given task and only the hot water tap is run, for showering for example.

I don't have a remote but my tankless is in a broom closet in my laundry room adjacent to the kitchen so is easily accessible for adjustment. I keep it set at 103°F as the normal temp (for showering) and raise it temporarily for other tasks such as handwashing dishes or laundry.

Most people run a higher setpoint for "normal" use and perhaps would lower it for showering, thus having the remote in their bathroom.

This was plain laziness. Refer your contractor to page 31 of the installation manual for the water heater:

• The controller should be out of reach of small
children.
• Avoid locations where the controller may become
hot (near the oven or radiant heater).
• Avoid locations in direct sunlight. The digital
display may be difficult to read in direct sunlight.
• Avoid locations where the temperature controller
could be splashed with liquids.
• Do not install in locations where it can be adjusted
by the public.

I have a Rinnai tankless water. Mine is mounted in the interior of my home (In a closet) and I don't hear any noise at all. It is really quiet. I do have a recirculating pump and I do hear that. My remote is mounted in the hallway near my thermostat. It is a central location. I am getting a tub remote for the bathroom that has a soaking tub in it. I have never heard of the thermostat being installed on the exterior of the house and is against the manufacturer recommendation.

Good luck!

Thanks guys! It will be moved tomorrow.

Glad to hear Holly L!

Is there any reason not to run the wire for the remote along the outside of the house (instead of in the attic space) so that the remote can be located inside> The attic space in this part of the house in inaccessible and this looks like it may be the only option.

Yes, the wire is not supposed to be exposed. It is like an electrical wire, why can't it be run in the wall?

The GC was saying that they might not be able to get into the attic because of the cramped attic space and he 'may not be able to get his plumbers to cooperate". They were ultimately able to get up there and place the remote in the utility closet. Thank you for your input!

Glad you had the issue resolved!