What is a power vent water heater?
That black box on top is a fan. A power vent water heater burns gas like any tank, then the fan pushes the exhaust out through a plastic pipe, so it doesn’t need a chimney.
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From one of our jobs
A new power vent gas water heater in a basement
Right now: Check that the fan on top is plugged in and the outlet has power. No power to the fan means no hot water.
This one went into a finished basement in Chantilly. The white pipe rising from the fan is the exhaust, and it can run sideways out a wall instead of up a chimney. That’s why you see these in basements and in homes where the old flue went away when the furnace was changed.
The trade off is that the fan needs power. Lose electricity and you lose hot water, which a regular tank with a chimney flue doesn’t care about. You’ll also hear a hum when it fires. If the fan gets loud, rattles, or the heater keeps shutting off, have it looked at before it quits on a cold morning.
Quick answers
What people ask about power vent water heaters
Does a power vent water heater need electricity?
Yes. The fan on top plugs into a regular outlet. If the power goes out, the burner won’t light, so plan on cold showers until it’s back.
Why is my power vent water heater so loud?
A steady hum when it fires is normal. Grinding, rattling or a whine that keeps getting louder means the fan is wearing out, and the fan is a part we can replace.
Can a power vent water heater go in a basement?
Yes, that’s where they make the most sense. The vent can run sideways out a wall, so you don’t need a chimney above it.
How long does a power vent water heater last?
About as long as any gas tank, roughly 8 to 12 years. The tank wears out the same way, and the fan is one more part that can quit.
Who installs power vent water heaters in Northern Virginia?
Call SwiftPro at (703) 997-9757. Our own plumbers install and replace power vent, regular and tankless water heaters across Northern Virginia.
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SwiftPro Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
4230 Lafayette Center Dr N, Chantilly, VA 20151
44679 Endicott Dr, Suite 211, Ashburn, VA 20147
SwiftPro Plumber & Water Heaters
4200 Lafayette Center Dr, Suite N, Chantilly, VA 20151
Virginia Class A contractor license #2705192276