7 Things You Need to Know About Tankless Water Heater Venting in Irving, TX
Not only are tankless water heaters energy efficient in comparison to conventional water heaters, but they are also longer lasting, and hence more cost-effective in the long run. They cost less to repair and maintain as compared to conventional heaters.
Before installing one, make sure that your venting is functioning properly. They do not work properly if the venting is faulty, which makes it imperative that it is installed by a professional who is skilled at installing them in homes in Irving, TX. Proper venting of the water heater makes sure that it runs efficiently, and also decreases the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is fatal.
These are the seven things you need to know to ensure proper venting of tankless water heaters.
1. The Right Type of Venting
There are two types of venting that water heaters require: power venting or direct venting. In power venting, you need to install a large exhaust fan to ensure a sufficient amount of air required for combustion. In the latter, that is direct venting, two vents are used. One sucks-in the air from outside the house and uses it for combustion, while the other vent throws out the harmful gases produced in the process.
The biggest advantage of installing the direct vent system is that it allows the water heater to be installed in compact places. You don’t need to have an additional place to accommodate these vents; and you don’t need large rooms or louvers to assist proper ventilation. The direct vent tankless water heaters can be accommodated in small mechanical rooms, attics, or even closets.
While most of the direct vent heaters consist of two main ventilation pipes – one that takes the air in and one that throws the harmful gases out – some have only one pipe. Tankless water heaters with concentric vents have only one pipe, which has an inner exhaust vent and an outer intake vent.
There are some benefits of these water heaters with one pipe compared to other models. These heaters need only one indentation to be made in the ceiling or wall. Moreover, since the exhaust vent is on the inside of the pipe, these pipes are not hot to touch, thus making them safer. They also don’t require extra clearance in the wall owing to the fact that they are not hot. Even if the exhaust vent in these water heaters develops a leak, the harmful air will remain inside the pipe and will not be able to escape.
2. Ensure Proper Termination of the Vents
It is crucial to make sure that the vents are placed correctly when installing tankless water heaters. The vents should not go through the roof vertically as these heaters don’t work through the natural draft and so the hot air doesn’t rise up and escape outside the house, as is the case for traditional heaters.
Unlike traditional heaters, the vents of these water heaters should terminate on a sidewall. This is because the combustion fan blows the exhaust air horizontally instead of vertically. This setting provides more flexibility as to where the unit is positioned. Whereas in traditional water heaters, one has limited choice as to where to position the unit inside the house.
3. Condensing Water Heaters Do Not Require Metal Venting
As your condensing tankless water heaters do not require metal venting, they prove to be more cost-effective in the long run, especially when it comes to the installation costs of the heaters. They are also about 95% more energy-efficient compared to non-condensing units. Their exhaust gas is cooler than that of the non-condensing units, and so the vent pipes do not have to be made of metal. Instead, PVC or polypropylene pipes can be used. And since they lack metal venting, they are easier and cheaper to maintain as well.
4. Outdoor Tankless Heaters Don’t Need Venting
Outdoor tankless water heaters are preferred compared to indoor water heaters since they do not require any venting. In a warmer climate, like in Irving, TX, it is wiser to install an outdoor unit. This allows you to save costs by eliminating the need for venting. Some outdoor heaters come with self-warming technology and even anti-freeze. But if your area in known to have power outages , outdoor units are not the right choice, as they run on electricity and can freeze and crack when not running in the colder months.
5. Consider Installation of Pipe Covers
In order to hide the unappealing pipes from view, you can use pipe covers. These are more aesthetically pleasing. Adding termination points is also a good option to make the venting area more pleasing. While neither of these options is necessary, they hide unappealing pipes and connections effectively.
6. You Do Not Need to Install Multiple Vents
Having multiple water heaters eliminates the need for installing separate vents. Only one vent penetration is needed for all the units. If you do not have extra wads of cash lying around or a spacious place, you should install a single vent for all the units. One exhaust and intake vent can do for up to eight tankless water heaters.
7. Read the Manufacturer’s Venting Instructions
Lastly, you should always read the manufacturer’s venting instructions in order to prevent any malfunction and to ensure proper ventilation of the unit. Venting of the heater should be done with great care. If not, it can result in the damage of the heater and its components, the emanation of harmful gases, and other grave issues. It is better to be safe than sorry, and follow the recommended procedure for the installation process.
For further information on tankless water heaters, contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas at 469-327-8784. Our licensed team of professionals delivers quality and affordable services in the Irving, TX area, and makes sure that your plumbing needs are met.
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