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Power Vent Water Heater Repair and Installation in Birmingham

While most water heaters are designed to vent combustion gases directly into a chimney, a power vent hot water heater can be put just about anywhere! Are you curious if power vent water heater installation is right for you?

The Basics of Power Vent Water Heaters

A power vent water heater is essentially the same as today’s modern water heaters, using a combustible fuel source to generate heat for ample hot water. One important difference is where the exhaust is ventilated. A power vent water heater utilizes a separate fan or blower to vent any gases produced through the heating cycle. Unlike traditional water heaters that depend on natural airflow to send exhaust gases through the chimney, power vent water heaters take control and push the gases out through a dedicated vent pipe. When water is heated, it creates exhaust gases that must be properly ventilated out and away from your home. This is where the power vent system comes in. The fan pumps the exhaust gases through a vent pipe, often running horizontally along a side wall or vertically through the roof. As you don’t have to link this piping to the chimney, you can put a power vent water heater almost wherever you want. Such a larger degree of flexibility makes power vent water heaters more convenient to install in general, most often in homes without basements or ample utility space.
Not only do power vent water heaters open up more installation options, but they also tend to run more energy efficiently. These systems even out the combustion process, saving energy costs. That being said, don’t forget that this also means you must have an electrical outlet close enough to power the fan. Before you ask for a quote from our installers, verify if any electrical work is needed before installation begins.
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Benefits of Installing a Power Vent Water Heater

Some homeowners are anxious that a dedicated ventilation fan is an unnecessary addition that raises the likelihood of needing water heater repair service. But they could be surprised at the several advantages this design offers compared to direct vent water heaters.

With experienced water heater installation, you can look forward to:

  • Reliable and consistent energy efficiency: Power vent water heaters are usually more energy efficient than traditional models, because of the forced air system’s steady combustion. When combined with routine water heater maintenance, you have an extremely precise source of hot water prepared to provide years of service.
  • Much more versatile for installation: One of the biggest advantages is the adaptable installation options. Regular water heaters are required to be close to vertical vent, but power vent models can be installed just about anywhere. You can also select the right size, like a 50-gallon power vent water heater.
  • Increased safety: When the exhaust gases are proactively pushed out by a fan, there’s less risk of back-drafting—where hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide come back into your home. Modern homes have a strong seal between the indoors and outdoors, so guaranteeing that exhaust gases stay outside is always important.
  • No chimney required: For homes that don’t have a chimney (or if it’s old and failing), a power vent water heater will still provide a reliable supply of hot water.
  • A smaller environmental footprint: The performance of these units often means they let off fewer greenhouse gases when compared to standard models.

FAQs about Power Vent Water Heaters

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