Power Vent Versus Atmospheric Vent in Gas Hot Water Heaters To Power Vent or Not to Power Vent Gas water heaters work with either a power vent or an atmospheric vent. The main difference between these two is that a power vent removes combustion gases from the atmosphere using a power vented fan and an atmospheric vent vents the gases into the outdoor atmosphere via a chimney or an exhaust pipe. Let’s take a closer look. Atmospheric Vent This is more commonly called a “direct vent” water heater. The water is heated by fuel combustion heat and the direct vent or atmospheric vent system produces lower heating costs. This is because the exhaust gases do not require extra power since they are vented vertically as compared to power vent water heaters. The way it works is that the warm air rises and the hot gases from the combustion are pulled by a natural convection vertically through the roof to the outside. The air around its base is pulled into a burner chamber for combustion which uses the same convection flow. It doesn’t require electric power or any moving parts. It is designed with a large flexible pipe that runs from the heater through a nearby wall to the exterior. There is also no chance of negative air pressure created inside the home. They are easier to install because they vent through an adjacent exterior wall. Power Vent Power vent for hot water heater A power vent type of gas water heater on the other hand, uses a fan or a blower to exhaust gases by blowing them through horizontal vent pipes. Sometimes, these types of water heaters are the only option especially when the place doesn’t have access to a chimney or a vertical vent. The most notable advantage of a power vent compared to a direct vent is that the water heater can be placed in any area in your home. It doesn’t require a chimney or vertical vent like a direct vent model does. It can be vented by simply running a pipe horizontally and it doesn’t have to be expensive. A disadvantage to a power vent is that the blower or fan requires electricity to operate so you need to consider the total operating cost. There might also be some noise when the blower or fan runs as it heats the water. Though this noise may be quite tolerable. Obviously, a power vent will result in higher operating costs but it may be the only solution when you don’t have access to a chimney or a vertical vent. For more info on: Power Vent Vs Atmospheric Vent Gas Water Heaters – See these links: https://haleymechanical.com/differences-between-direct-vent-and-power-vent-water-heaters/ http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/community/forum/mechanicals/58486/direct-vent-vs-power-vent-gas-water-heaters http://www.mcgarryandmadsen.com/inspection/Blog/Entries/2015/2/21_What_is_the_difference_between_a_regular_water_heater_and_a_direct_vent_water_heater.html When you need a new gas hot water heater be sure to call on WaterHeatersNow.com for low cost, professional installation. Photo Credit http://s3.supplyhouse.com/images/products/zoom/w2-1.jpg The post Power Vent Versus Atmospheric Vent in Gas Hot Water Heaters appeared first on Water Heaters Now | Same Day Hot Water Heater Replacement Minneapolis, St Paul, Metro.