Direct Vent Vs. Power Vent Water Heaters

If you're wondering about the differences when it comes to direct vent vs. power vent water heaters, you are not alone. There are many types of water heating devices out there and they have different specifications and components. Water heating devices are commonly used in gyms, spas, medical facilities, and other establishments to provide a quick stream of hot water whenever needed.

Some of the most popular water heating devices are direct vent and power vent water heaters. Which one should you choose? Keep reading to find out more about this type of equipment and make a more informed decision.

What Is A Direct Vent Water Heater?

Water heating devices are built to heat up large quantities of water quickly. The "direct vent" part refers to the mechanism of eliminating exhaust gasses. Heating up water uses fuel to bring this vital liquid to the correct temperature before sending it to your fixtures. This fuel causes residual toxic gasses that need to be eliminated. A direct vent water heater eliminates these gasses through a vertical pipe or chimney. The elimination process is unaided by other mechanisms, the gasses simply go out in the atmosphere through the chimney. Emission levels for residential and commercial heaters are mandated by governmental regulatory agencies. 

What Is A Power Vent Water Heater?

On the other hand, a power vent water heater uses electricity to force exhaust gasses outside. Some establishments or buildings don't feature a chimney, but the resulting gasses still need to be taken out. In this case, using an electric motor to force the gasses out through a series of pipes is a convenient solution. It's important to note that the exhaust mechanism can follow any building's structure and the gasses can be eliminated vertically through a column or horizontally through a metal pipe.

Which One Is More Suitable for You?

Choosing the right water heating device depends on the nature of your property and your preferences. For example, does your building feature a chimney or vertical column for eliminating residual gasses? If the answer is yes, then you might be better off with a direct vent water heater. This will take out gasses quickly and easily without requiring a motor to push them out. On the other hand, if you don't have a method of eliminating the gasses through a chimney, you might need a power vent water heater instead.

Which One Is More Cost-Efficient?

As a rule of thumb, direct vent water heaters are more economical for obvious reasons. There is no electric motor that needs to run constantly to push out residual gasses as your device heats the water. However, in some circumstances, you have no choice but to go with a power vent water heater. Consider the specifics of your building and see if you can let the gasses go out unaided. If this is not an option, you might need to go with a power vent water heater.

If you need more help in choosing the right water heater for your business then don't hesitate to contact Water Heater Direct today. We strive to provide affordable water heating solutions to our clients and we have years of experience when it comes to the water heating industry.