Can you add a power vent to a water heater?

Category: home and garden home appliances
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NO NO NO! Unless the water heater originally was manufactured with a power vent assembly and you are replacing it. Power vent water heaters are manufactured differently from the ground up. Extremely dangerous and will void water heater warranty and any homeowners insurance claims related to the water heater.



Correspondingly, can you install a power vent on an existing water heater?

Natural gas or propane hot water heaters are generally less expensive to operate than electric heaters, but installing a standard vent in a house without an existing chimney is expensive. It's easier to run the vent if you install a “power-vented” type of natural gas (or propane) water heater.

Furthermore, is a power vent water heater worth it? Another benefit offered by a powervent water heater is lower energy consumption. They're more efficient, so they use less fuel… but not a lot less. Because they don't use a vent that runs up through the middle of the house, powervent water heaters give a lot more flexibility when it comes to locating the unit.

In this way, how much does it cost to install a power vent water heater?

Power Vent Water Heaters. Power venting a water heater costs about $500 to $1,000 more than a passive or direct vent system. Power venting: Adds $300-$600 to the unit's price. Plus, you'll add an additional $300-$500 for wiring and electrical.

What does a power vent do on a water heater?

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.

31 Related Question Answers Found

How long do power vent water heaters last?

While statistics show the average lifespan of a water heater is 8-12 years for a traditional tank water heater, there are many factors involved in the actual lifespan and what you are considering the term lifespan to mean.

Can I use PVC to vent gas water heater?

PVC is fine. As Jason mentioned, plastic (PVC or ABS) is ok to use as a venting material on powervented hot water heaters. They work by sending a huge amount of air in with the flue gases that it decreases the temperature of the exhaust going through the vent enough that it will not comprimise the vent.

Can a direct vent water heater be vented horizontally?

Direct vent or horizontally vented water heaters are designed for installation where vertical chimneys or flues are not available or would be more expensive to install. The vents go directly through an outside wall, and can also bring in combustion air to the gas burner.

How do you troubleshoot a power vent water heater?

Check blower assembly: Turn off power to water heater. Remove vent from top of blower. Disconnect pressure tube going to pressure switch, and attach a manometer to the pressure tap. Turn on power to the blower.

How much should I pay for a water heater installation?

Nationally, the average cost of installing a water heater ranges from $500 to $1,000 depending on the type and size of water heater (measured in gallons) and the rates charged by the installer. Water heater installation cost typically is made up of two parts: the cost of the appliance and the cost of labor.

Is Rheem or AO Smith better?

Rheem is a good, mid-level water heater brand that's not too costly. Its reputation for manufacturing durable, reliable water heaters makes it a good choice for most homes. Overall, AO Smith is probably the better choice for gas water heaters, but only by a fraction.

How much does Lowes charge for water heater installation?

$ 325 basic installation fee on top of the $ 40 estimate fee.

Is a power vent water heater more efficient?

Power venting heaters are more energy-efficient because all the fuel that is used goes to heating the water. The use of the fan allows for a more consistent pressure to push the dangerous gases out of your home, so there is less chance of something going wrong to cause an explosion.

What are the signs your hot water heater is going out?

7 Signs Your Water Heater is Going Out
  • The Water is Gritty or Discolored.
  • An Unusual Smell in the Hot Water.
  • The Age of Your Water Heater.
  • Insufficient Hot Water.
  • Unusual Sounds Coming From Your Water Heater.
  • Faulty or Leaking TPR Valve.
  • The Tank Leaks.

How long of a shower can you take with a 40 gallon water heater?

A 40-gallon water heater can provide up to 2 showers in an hour (if you're not using any other water appliances).

What brand of water heater is the most reliable?

The Most Reliable Water Heater Brands On The Market
  • Rinnai Water Heater.
  • Ecosmart Tankless Water Heater.
  • GE GeoSpring Water Heater.
  • Stiebel Eltron Water Heater.
  • Bosch Water Heater.
  • Takagi.
  • Kenmore Water Heater.
  • American Standard Water Heater.

How much should a 50 gallon water heater cost installed?

A 50-gallon tank averages between $795 and $2,800 for the unit and installation, depending on different variables. Is your water heater failing or leaking? There's more to consider beyond water heater prices. Installing a new water heater can be dangerous, so it's best to hire a licensed plumber.

Can you install your own water heater?

Can you replace a water heater yourself? The short answer is yes, most of the time. If there needs to be electrical modifications, many building jurisdictions will allow you to do the modifications yourself if its your own home, but a few jurisdictions may require a license electrician to do the work.

What is the best power vent gas water heater?

Top Three Money-Saving Power Vent Water Heaters That You Need To Know
  • Rheem RTG-64DVLN Prestige Low NOx Indoor Direct Vent Water Heater.
  • A.O. Smith GPVX-75L ProMax SL Water Heater.
  • Bradford White M1TW50S6FBN-337 50 Gallon Power Vent Water Heater.

What does direct vent water heater mean?

Lingo > Direct-Vent Water Heater. Direct-vent heaters typically are adjacent to an outside wall and vent through that wall. They have a double-walled vent that permits combustion air to be drawn from outside the space where the heater is located, unlike atmospheric-vent heaters.

Does a gas water heater need a chimney liner?

Water vapor is a byproduct of the combustion of natural gas. It's best to use a stainless steel chimney liner if you're high-efficiency water heater or furnace exhausts into a masonry chimney. This is a kit that allows you to install a stainless-steel liner inside a larger masonry chimney clay flue.