When winter hits across North America—whether it’s sub-zero nights in the Midwest or unpredictable cold snaps along the coast—one of the most common (and costly) home issues is a frozen gas water heater. A frozen heat exchanger or burst water line can lead to major damage, expensive repairs, and days without hot water.
The good news? With proper freeze protection—and with the built-in technology of ThermoMate gas tankless water heaters—you can avoid these risks entirely.
This guide explains why freeze protection matters, when you need it, and how ThermoMate makes winter protection simple and reliable.
Why Freeze Protection Matters for Gas Water Heaters
Even if your gas water heater is installed indoors, it is not automatically safe from freezing. Anytime the temperature around the unit or its external piping drops below 32°F (0°C), water inside the system can freeze.
Frozen water expands, which can cause:
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Cracked heat exchangers
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Burst internal water lines
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Damaged fittings or valves
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Permanent system failure
These repairs often cost hundreds to thousands of dollars, and damage from leaks may not be covered by home insurance if caused by neglect.
When Do Indoor Gas Water Heaters Need Freeze Protection?
1. Installed in unheated spaces
Many North American homes place their gas water heaters in locations like:
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Garages
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Utility rooms
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Basements
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Outdoor closets or side rooms
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Attics
These areas can easily drop below freezing during the winter.
2. Located on exterior walls
Even when indoors, cold backdraft through the venting system or heat loss through an exterior wall may create freeze risk.
3. When the home is vacant
If you're traveling or using the property seasonally, temperatures indoors can fall rapidly if the heating system shuts off.
4. During power outages
Most tankless gas water heaters rely on electricity for freeze protection. Without power, the unit becomes vulnerable unless manually drained.
ThermoMate Gas Tankless Water Heaters: Built-In Freeze Protection Down to –15°C (5°F)
Many homeowners worry about freeze protection because traditional tankless units require extra steps, insulation, or drain-down procedures.
ThermoMate makes it easier.
### 🔒 Advanced Freeze-Resistant Design
All ThermoMate indoor gas tankless water heaters come equipped with built-in electric freeze protection heaters, designed to safeguard the internal water pathways.
❄ Freeze Protection Range: –15°C to +4°C (5°F to 40°F)
As long as the unit remains connected to power, ThermoMate systems automatically activate internal heating elements when temperatures drop, preventing the heat exchanger and water channels from freezing.
👌 No Extra Installation Required
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No additional external heating wrap
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No manual intervention
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Fully automatic winter protection
This gives homeowners peace of mind during cold nights or unexpected temperature drops.
⚠ Important: Power Must Be On
ThermoMate’s freeze protection works when the unit has electrical power.
If you expect a long power outage or extended vacancy, a quick manual drain-down is recommended.
How to Protect Your Gas Water Heater During Winter
Whether you use ThermoMate or another brand, here are the best practices for freeze protection:
1. Keep the unit powered on
For ThermoMate systems, this ensures the built-in heaters activate automatically.
2. Insulate exposed water pipes
Use foam insulation or heat tape on:
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Cold and hot water lines
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Pipes running through garages, basements, or exterior walls
3. Maintain indoor temperatures
If you travel, keep your thermostat set to at least 50°F (10°C).
4. If severe cold or long absences are expected: drain the unit
ThermoMate systems include a simple drain-down method to prevent freeze damage if power will be off.
Why ThermoMate Is a Smart Choice for Cold-Climate Homes
If you live in a region with winter lows, freeze protection should be a top priority when choosing a tankless gas water heater. ThermoMate offers:
✔ Built-in freeze protection to –15°C (5°F)
Ensures reliable operation even in harsh winter climates.
✔ Compact indoor design with sealed combustion
Reduces cold drafts and improves efficiency.
✔ Stable performance with propane or natural gas
Perfect for rural homes, cabins, or areas with shared propane storage.
✔ Safety certifications & low-NOx compliance
Meets North American safety standards and environmental regulations.
✔ Great for garages, basements, or utility rooms
Automatic temperature-sensing heaters provide peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Freeze damage is one of the most preventable causes of water heater failure—yet it happens every winter across North America. Whether you’re upgrading an older unit or installing a new one, choosing a system with built-in freeze protection is the easiest way to protect your home.
With ThermoMate gas tankless water heaters, homeowners get reliable winter protection down to –15°C (5°F) simply by keeping the unit powered on. No extra accessories, no complicated setup—just dependable hot water all winter long.