Natural gas and propane water heaters are available with several styles of vents, including atmospheric and power vents. As a water heater operates, the fuel burned to create heat releases moisture, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other gases that are potentially dangerous. These gases must be removed from the home to avoid contaminating the air, and that is done through the vent system, which is a series of pipes that carry the gases outside. An atmospheric venting system relies on convection to remove the gases, while a power vent relies on an electric fan.
How an Atmospheric Vent Works
An atmospheric vent on a water heater works similar to the chimney of a fireplace. As hot gases exit the combustion chamber in the water heater, they rise though the draft hood and flue, typically exiting through a roof opening. As the hot gas rises, cooler air is pulled into the water heater to replace it, providing fresh air for the combustion process.
With no fans necessary, atmospheric vents are reliable and require no electricity to expel the flue gases. However, problems with the draft hood or negative air pressure caused by a nearby furnace or dryer, could allow flue gases to escape into the home. Atmospheric venting water heaters also require a vertical metal flue and an opening on the roof, limiting the installation options, especially in an existing home that does not have a flue already installed.
How a Power Vent Works
In a water heater with a power vent, an electric fan is used to draw the gases from the combustion chamber and expel them through the vent system. The vent pipe is made from plastic PVC pipe and is typically routed horizontally to exit through an exterior wall. This makes it easier to install a power vent water heater than a typical atmospheric vent model, and the water heater can be located nearly anywhere, instead of being placed near an existing flue.
Power vent water heaters tend to be more expensive, however, typically 50 to 75 percent higher initially than atmospheric vent models. Because they require a fan to expel combustion gases, power vent water heaters will not operate during power outages, and the fan can also fail prematurely, requiring the water heater to be repaired or replaced sooner than a typical atmospheric vent model.
Which Is the Best Choice for Your Home?
If your home previously had an atmospheric vent water heater or a flue system can easily be installed for the chosen location, an atmospheric vent water heater may be a less costly, reliable option. If your installation location prevents atmospheric venting, requires horizontal venting, or if you would simply like to avoid adding a roof opening, a power vent water heater may be the best choice.
Water Heater Installation in Howard County & Montgomery County, MD
At Heil Plumbing, our experts can help you determine which type of water heater is the best option for your home, and we can provide a fast, professional installation. Since 1977, we have been offering quality plumbing services to homeowners throughout the Montgomery County and Howard County areas, and we are committed to providing the best possible customer service and workmanship.
Contact us today at (410) 921-0339 to schedule a water heater installation!
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