Types of Water Heaters, Explained
The short answer
Most homes have a tank heater, either gas or electric. Gas tanks vent their exhaust either naturally up a flue (atmospheric) or with a fan (power-vent). Tankless heaters heat water on demand. The type you have now shapes what a replacement involves.
Gas tank, atmospheric vent
An atmospheric gas heater sends exhaust up a vent or flue without a fan. A standard 40-gallon atmospheric gas replacement is the job our published starting price describes, when it's readily accessible and nothing else needs to change.
Gas tank, power vent
A power-vent heater uses a fan to push exhaust out, often through a side wall. It needs electrical power for the fan. Power-vent equipment is outside the standard replacement baseline and is priced on its scope.
Electric tank
An electric tank heater uses heating elements instead of a burner, so there's no gas connection or flue. The electrical supply has to suit the heater.
Tankless
A tankless heater heats water as it flows through. Installing one usually involves gas sizing, venting, electrical and condensate changes, so it's priced after an assessment.
Things that change any replacement
- Sediment that keeps the old tank from draining normally.
- A drain pan, drain work or an expansion tank.
- Gas-line rework, or flue and vent corrections.
- Code items that are missing or now required.
- Difficult access to where the heater sits.
Services on this topic
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