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Do gas water heaters need to be vented?
Venting. All natural gas water heaters must be vented to the outdoors to remove the byproducts of combustion. Atmospherically venting gas water heaters is the most common type of venting option used.
Do all water heaters have to be vented?
In the US, it’s required by code to have an exhaust vent, or flue, connected to the top of the water heater. That flue has to take the exhaust gases up and out of the house. This type of water heater is called a “natural draft” water heater because it removes the exhaust gases without assistance by a fan.
How should a gas water heater be vented?
The venting must be vertical or upward sloping so that the hot exhaust rises up through the venting to exit your home. Making sure that your home has a properly working vent system is imperative when installing a standard atmospheric vent with your water heater.
Why do I need a power vent on my gas water heater?
Venting systems are necessary to prevent flue gases from accumulating in your water heater. These gases largely consist of water vapor and carbon dioxide. The vapor becomes acidic and needs to be released in order to relieve combustion pressure and prevent the water heater from exploding.
What are the advantages of indirect hot water system?
The greatest advantages of the indirect water heaters are the significant reduction of flue losses. Less maintenance – no additional burners to maintain. Less cost – no additional venting required or fuel lines to run. Better performance – more available hot water with quicker recoveries.
Can a gas water heater be vented out the side of the house?
With direct vent installations, there is a sealed combustion chamber and a flue pipe. They can vent separately or together through a double-wall pipe. Compared to atmospheric, direct-vent water heaters offer more installation flexibility because they can vent horizontally.
What is the difference between a direct vent and power vent water heater?
Basically, the difference between the two is that the power vent water heater removes combustion gases from the atmosphere via a powered venting fan, while a direct vent water heater vents these gases into the outdoor atmosphere using a chimney or exhaust pipe.
Can I vent a gas water heater through a wall?
Direct. With direct vent installations, there is a sealed combustion chamber and a flue pipe. They can vent separately or together through a double-wall pipe. Compared to atmospheric, direct-vent water heaters offer more installation flexibility because they can vent horizontally.