What is a direct vent water heater? It is a water heater powered by gas. It does suck air outdoors while it utilizes it to heat up water, handle combustion, and vent exhaust gasses out of a chimney.
It works simply by using discharge to burn propane fuel or natural gas. In effect, the combustion heats the water.
Indeed, this machine is helpful, especially in most spaces with insufficient ventilation. It draws the air outside your home rather than inside. And thus, it utilizes this air outside to allow combustion. So, read on further to understand the direct vent water heater.
Power Vent Versus Direct Vent
People often mistakenly take this heater as a power vent unit. The same is also valid with the latter. But then, both have a vent in them but with only essential and straightforward differences. The direct vent draws air for combustion outside the home. The power vent draws air for combustion right inside the house. In terms of the direction for venting, the direct vent directly vents the exhaust gasses out vertically. It goes straight to the chimney or vertical duct. This is what you know as the conventional vent water heater. The power vent unit does vent out an exhaust gas horizontally. It also requires extra power that does it.
You may ask where this power vent gets power. It is none other than a blower motor. It is also called a fan that pushes gasses in the horizontal vent pipes. This blower is suitable through the power vent water topmost part. The two have differences, especially regarding venting pipes. The power vent can exhaust fumes or gasses through plastic pipe venting or PVC, while this heater type does it by metal venting. So, what could be the reason why it is metal? A metal pipe handles an extreme gas temperature from a direct form of a vent unit. It does it better as compared to a plastic one.
Pros & Cons Of A Direct Vent Water Heater
Most homeowners are utilizing this water heater type. So, it’s up to you to consider this tradition. But then, I still believe the access of the water heater to a chimney. Think about where you will plan to install the direct vent water heater. Consider if there is a chimney set in place. It is right to know how this machine works with the properties involved in hot air. Hot air makes it lighter as compared to cold air. Thus, an exhaust gas heated rises naturally. It goes on vertically and exits through the chimney.
There lies the connection. That’s when you must have a device as such if your residence can best accommodate it. For one, there’s no need for additional power pushing the exhaust gasses out. In addition to that, the total heating costs may be lower in this way. If there is no chimney, it is never a requirement in the first place. The power vent unit blows and then horizontally pushes the exhaust gasses as this makes it helpful in any location. The blower of the power vent requires electricity for it to operate. It will rely much on your residential place as it could cut a hole in your budget.
If you want this device, the electric-powered vent water heater is essential instead. If you do not have a high water heating demand, you may choose this. People like a gas-powered water heater if they have no higher needs. That is true in the case of bigger households exceeding six people.
The Cost Of This Heater Type
What is a direct vent water heater also includes thinking of its cost. It can cost around 700 dollars. And, the better units can cost about1000 dollars. Plus, the price range may fluctuate from one time to another. The prices will rely mainly on the extra features and the capacity of a water heater.
Tips In Buying This Heater Type
Install an easily direct vent water heater. It is a favorite of all customers. The PVC pipes or steel pipes help handle the inflow and outflow of combustion gases. With only minimum turns in piping, it will be installed and fitted. The vertical pipe is functional when best facilitating exhaust gasses. The right choice should ensure no reverse in airflow will occur. It must never permit exhaust fumes from coming back inside the house. Place the water heater right through the exterior wall in a home. That is probably enough. It does not require electricity for it to work. So, use it even when there is a power cut. You may also want to read about how many Gpm for tankless water heater.
It’s A Wrap!
Now you learn what is a direct vent water heater. Don’t think about the cost when you install one. It is worth the money you pay for it. Also, follow the tips mentioned when buying the device. If you will only weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the direct vent water heater, you will realize that it’s worth your time and money. You may want to read related articles; know how to vent a water heater and how to turn off the water heater.