In a “natural draft” furnace a chimney creates suction and pulls hot gases through the furnace’s heat exchanger . However, if you don’t have a chimney you need to use a fan to pull those gases through the furnace and out of the building — such a furnace is called a “power vented” furnace.
What is power venting?
“Power vent” is simply a term used to describe the way your water heater pushes out harmful combustion gases out your home . For some residences, depending on where your water heater is located, a power vent may be your only option.
What’s the difference between power vent and power direct vent?
The difference is that a power vent water heater pulls in combustion air from the space around the appliance, then uses a fan to propel the exhaust through the vent . A direct vent system pulls in air from outside and then vents the exhaust through a horizontal pipe.
What is the advantage of a power vent water heater?
Since a power vent water heater eliminates the potential for backdraft , they greatly lower the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, although it is not totally eliminated. Energy savings is another benefit. Power vent water heaters are more energy efficient, so they require less gas to operate.
What is a power vented boiler?
Power vent boilers are meant for homes without a chimney . They use a blower to pull fresh air into the boiler, while pushing the spent gasses outside. Shop our selection of power vent boilers and find the perfect one for your home.
What is power direct vent?
Power Direct Vent
Power direct vents are used when the space in which you are installing a water heater lacks sufficient air for combustion and requires flexibility around the installation. ... The same blower is also used to release the combustion exhaust gases back outside of your home.
How long does a power vent water heater last?
Based on the manufacturer’s suggested service life, the life expectancy of a water heater is about eight to 12 years . That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.
Can you convert a direct vent water heater to a power vent?
you could install a power venter, fields makes one and use a pressure switch off the gas valve to turn on the motor. Keep in mind you may have to keep clearances off the grade and windows. Also this type of work would involve permits and licensed contractors. Danger !
Can a water heater be vented out a sidewall?
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. ... The vents go directly through an outside wall, and can also bring in combustion air to the gas burner.
What is the difference between direct vent and atmospheric vent?
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.
How much does it cost to replace a power vent water heater?
Power Vent Water Heater Installation Cost
An installed power vent water heater averages $1,050 to $5,000 . They have more moving parts and require electricity to vent. Even if you use gas to heat your water, your water heater requires electricity to work.
Does a power vent water heater need a dedicated circuit?
It’s not required by code to be on a dedicated circuit but the manual may suggest otherwise. That brings up another point..... you will need to GFI protect this circuit or use a GFI receptacle.
Do water heaters need to be vented?
All water heaters that burn natural gas or liquid propane (LP) gas require a venting system . The process of burning of the gas is called combustion and it creates heat, exhaust gases (including highly poisonous carbon monoxide), and moisture.
How does a power Venter work?
The thermostat (wall thermostat, or aquastat) calls for heat and energizes a relay, which activates the power venter. After the venter motor has come up to speed, the pressure switch closes. This completes the circuit to the burner and allows the burner to fire.
How does a direct vent boiler work?
The direct vent boiler tries to strip away any extraneous hardware to heat a home in the simplest manner, through flame and hot water. Direct vent systems do not use long chimney lengths rising through a home, but instead install near an exterior wall and vent directly to the outside.
