Facts About Water Heaters
Find the Water Heater that’s Right for You!
Unscrupulous salespeople use misinformation to confuse and mislead homeowners, convincing them to sign contracts for products and services they don't need. Although the underlying technology is pretty simple, every house is unique so use this guide to get an idea of the water heater that is right for you.
Natural Gas - Conventional Vent
Venting
- Conventional water heaters vent to a brick-lined or metal chimney
Benefits
- Low purchase or rental cost
- Natural gas is economical to operate
- Reheats water quickly when hot water is used
- Hot water is ready and waiting when needed
Considerations
- Requires a natural gas pipe
- Requires proper venting
- Small “stand-by” heat loss
- Tank size is important; talk to your provider
Natural Gas - Powered Vent
Venting
- Power vented tanks vent through a metal or plastic pipe thru the side wall
Benefits
- Natural gas is economical to operate
- Reheats water quickly when hot water is used
- Hot water is ready and waiting when needed
Considerations
- Higher purchase or rental cost than conventional natural gas tanks
- Small “stand-by” heat loss
- Tank size is important; talk to your provider
Electric
Venting
- No venting required
- Does require 240 volt wiring, proper connection to the electrical panel, and sufficient electrical service
Benefits
- Easy to install
- Usually the least expensive to buy or rent
Considerations
- May require upgraded electrical wiring or installation
- Higher operating costs
- Slower to reheat water means a larger tank may be required (talk to your provider)
- Small “stand-by” heat loss
Tankless
Venting
- Metal or plastic pipe through the side wall
Benefits
- Continuous supply of hot water
- Higher energy efficiency rating
- No stand-by heat loss because no hot water is stored
Considerations
- Must be installed and vented through an outside wall
- Most expensive option to buy/rent
- May take a few minutes to deliver hot water to a faucet
- May only be able to serve 2-3 hot water uses at a time (e.g. showers, laundry)
- Unit heating capacity is important; talk to your provider
- Continuous hot water may mean your teenagers take longer showers, eliminating or reducing savings from higher efficiency
