The Ultimate Solution For All of Your Heating Needs

Tank heaters are the standard method for heating water, as they do their job well and have a much lower upfront installation cost. However, they have half the expected lifespan of a tankless heater and consume much more energy to run (mostly due to standby heat loss).

Although a conventional storage tank water heater is still an important and well-performing piece of equipment, it is good to know what else is out there on the market — especially if you’re looking to renovate or replace. 

Two Different Types of Water Heaters Direct & Power Vent

Direct Vent

Direct Vent

Direct vent water heaters are very popular in Canada. In a direct vent water heater, fuel is burned and the heat from the combustion process is used to heat the water. The exhaust gases are then transferred to the outside of the home via the exhaust pipe or chimney.

Direct venting works because the heated air is lighter than cool air and in turn, will rise naturally due to the difference in buoyancy between the hot and cold air. This is a simple system that works well when the exhaust gases can be vented vertically. No extra power is needed and in turn, the overall hot water heating costs are lower.

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Power Vent

Power Vent

A power vent water heater uses a fan or blower to assist in the removal of exhaust gases from the hot water heater. If the water heater is installed in a location that doesn’t have access to a vertical vent or chimney, a power vent water heater may be your only option. Exhaust gases can be pushed through horizontal exhaust pipes with the use of a fan or blower.

The main benefit of a power vent water heater is the ability to locate the water heater away from a chimney. If there is no chimney available, horizontally venting the water heater to the outside through inexpensive venting pipe instead will also benefit the homeowner by saving money. 

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Disadvantages Water Heaters

A power vent water heater will cost more initially due to extra equipment needed such as the fan and blower. Also, you will need to run a power line to the fan which will also add to the cost. Another downside to this is that the blower portion of the water heater will need electricity to operate and will increase your hot water heating costs throughout its lifetime.

Finally, it is known for some people to complain about the sound of the fan running when the hot water heater is operating. While it’s probably only a minor concern, it’s something that should be seriously considered. Proper installation can help to eliminate or minimize most of this.

Whichever water heater is right for you, depends on your situation with respect to access to a vertical vent (vent stack) path or chimney. To get more information about what type of water heater would be best suited in your home, call the Water Heater experts at Shift Heating & Cooling Services today at (587) 851-6003.

FAQs

1. What is a Direct Vent Water Heater?

Operation: A direct vent water heater uses the natural airflow to draw in fresh air from outside and expel exhaust gases through a venting system. It does not require an electric fan.

Venting System: This type of water heater typically uses a dual-pipe system (one for intake and one for exhaust) and is ideal for homes where it can be vented directly through an exterior wall.

2. What is a Power Vent Water Heater?

Operation: A power vent water heater uses an electric fan or blower to push exhaust gases through the venting system. This allows for more flexibility in installation as it can vent horizontally or vertically.

Venting System: Power vent water heaters typically use PVC pipes for venting and can be installed further away from an exterior wall due to the forced exhaust.

3. What are the advantages of a Direct Vent Water Heater?

Energy Efficiency: Direct vent water heaters are generally more energy-efficient as they rely on natural convection for airflow, reducing electrical usage.

Simplicity: With fewer mechanical components (no electric fan), direct vent systems tend to be simpler and have fewer parts that can fail.

4. What are the advantages of a Power Vent Water Heater?

Installation Flexibility: Power vent water heaters offer greater flexibility in placement since they can vent in any direction and over longer distances.

Improved Safety: The forced ventilation system ensures that all exhaust gases are effectively expelled from the home, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.

5. How do I choose between a Direct Vent and Power Vent Water Heater?

Location: If you have easy access to an exterior wall, a direct vent system might be more suitable. If your installation site is further from an exterior wall, a power vent system offers more flexibility.

Energy Source: Consider the availability of power sources. Direct vent water heaters do not require electricity, which can be an advantage in power outages.

Budget: Direct vent systems are generally less expensive to install and maintain, while power vent systems may have higher initial costs due to the additional components.

6. What maintenance is required for Direct Vent and Power Vent Water Heaters?

Direct Vent Maintenance: Regular maintenance includes checking the vent pipes for blockages, ensuring the air intake is clear, and inspecting the burner and pilot light.

Power Vent Maintenance: In addition to the tasks for direct vent systems, power vent heaters require regular inspection and cleaning of the electric fan and ensuring the vent pipes are free from obstructions.