Power vent water heaters, also known as power vent tankless water heaters, are a type of tankless water heater that uses a fan to push exhaust gases through a vent to the outside. They allow for more flexible venting options compared to conventional tankless heaters, but come at a higher upfront cost. So are power vent water heaters ultimately worth the investment?
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to install a power vent water heater in your home:
Page Contents
- 1 How Power Vent Water Heaters Work
- 2 Power Vent vs Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
- 3 Should You Choose a Power Vent or Condensing Tankless Model?
- 4 Top Power Vent Water Heater Brands
- 5 Power Vent Water Heater Costs
- 6 Power Vent vs Tank Water Heater Costs
- 7 Power Vent Water Heater Savings
- 8 Power Vent vs. Tankless Recirculation Systems
- 9 Power Vent vs. Whole House Tankless System
- 10 Conclusion
Pros of Power Vent Water Heaters
– More flexible venting options. Since power vent models use a fan to push exhaust out, the vent pipes can be thinner and run longer distances with more turns compared to standard tankless heaters. This makes them easier to install in homes with existing venting challenges.
– Higher efficiency. Power vent heaters tend to be more efficient than tank style water heaters. They can save 15-30% on water heating costs.
– Endless hot water. Like all tankless heaters, power vent models provide instant, continuous hot water and don’t run out. This allows for long showers and running multiple taps at once.
– Compact size. Tankless units are much smaller than tank heaters. A power vent model can free up valuable floor space.
Cons of Power Vent Water Heaters
– Higher upfront cost. Power vent tankless water heaters range from $1000 to $2000 installed. This is around 2-3 times more than a standard tank model.
– More complex installation. A power vent requires installation of the venting, gas and electrical lines which tends to add $500-$1000+ to the total costs. Professional installation is recommended.
– Risk of failure. If the fan stops working, dangerous exhaust gases can leak into the home. Proper maintenance is required.
– Potentially noisy operation. The fan and rushing exhaust gases can generate noise which may be an issue for some homeowners.
How Power Vent Water Heaters Work
Power vent tankless water heaters work differently than conventional tankless heaters in a few key ways:
– There is a fan built into the sealed combustion chamber. When the unit turns on, this fan powers up and pushes exhaust gases out through the vent pipes.
– The vent pipes are 2″ or 3″ thin PVC or CPVC rather than the 3″ – 4″ stainless steel vents used on typical tankless heaters.
– The fan allows the exhaust gases to travel much further – up to 50 feet horizontally or vertically. More turns and elbows can be used.
– A intake pipe brings in outside air for combustion rather than using indoor air.
So in summary, the key difference is the fan venting system which allows for more flexible installer options vs standard tankless water heaters. But this comes at a higher equipment cost and energy use by the fan.
Power Vent vs Condensing Tankless Water Heaters
Condensing technology is another energy-efficient tankless water heating option. How do power vent and condensing models compare?
Efficiency
Condensing tankless heaters capture heat from the exhaust gases, allowing them to achieve efficiency ratings of 90% to 97%. This is 5-10% higher than power vent models. However, power vent units are still 15-30% more efficient than tank water heaters.
Venting
Power vent water heaters offer the most flexible venting capabilities. Condensing models allow only short vent lengths – around 15 feet with minimal turns.
Cost
Condensing tankless heaters range from $2000 to $4000 installed, making them one of the most expensive home heating options. Power vent models cost less at $1000 to $2000.
Maintenance
Condensing heaters require annual flushing to remove corrosive condensate and keep them operating efficiently. Power vent models just need basic cleaning and inspection.
So in summary, condensing heaters are the most efficient option but also the most expensive. Power vent models offer a good middle ground of efficiency, flexible venting and lower maintenance.
Should You Choose a Power Vent or Condensing Tankless Model?
Choosing between power vent and condensing tankless water heaters depends on your needs:
| Factor | Power Vent | Condensing |
|---|---|---|
| Venting needs | Best for difficult venting situations | Only allows short, direct venting |
| Efficiency rating | 0.82 – 0.95 | Up to 0.97 |
| Hot water capacity | 3-10 GPM typically | Up to 14 GPM |
| Cost | $1000 – $2000 installed | $2000 – $4000 installed |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Annual flushing needed |
So in homes with challenging venting requirements, a power vent model may be your best – or only – option. The lower cost is also appealing. But if efficiency is your top priority and budget allows, a condensing heater will save more on energy costs long-term.
Top Power Vent Water Heater Brands
Several brands offer power vent tankless water heater models:
Rinnai
The Rinnai RL94eP is a top power vent tankless model priced under $1500. Key specs:
– Energy Factor: 0.95
– Flow rate: 9.4 GPM
– Stainless steel heat exchanger
– Wifi/app monitoring capable
Rinnai is known for their reliable, innovative tankless water heaters. The RL94eP provides an efficient power vent option at a reasonable cost.
The Navien NPE-240A is a condensing power vent model. Key details:
– Energy Factor: 0.96 EF
– Max Flow Rate: 9.6 GPM
– Venting: 50 feet max
– Built-in buffer tank
At around $1500, the NPE-240A offers big efficiency in a power vent unit. The buffer tank helps prevent cold water sandwiches.
Noritz
The Noritz NRC711-DV is a popular power vent heater. Specs:
– 0.94 EF rating
– 7.1 GPM max flow
– Up to 4″ venting
– $1200 price range
This workhorse from Noritz provides ample hot water for most homes at a mid-range price point.
Takagi
The Takagi T-PV11-IN has these features:
– Energy Factor: 0.95 EF
– Flow rate: 11 GPM
– Built-in recirculation pump
– $1500 price range
As a higher capacity model from the reliable Takagi brand, the T-PV11-IN is a great power vent choice for larger homes.
So in summary, leading power vent models from Rinnai, Noritz, Navien and Takagi range from $1000 to $2000. All provide good efficiency and reliable performance. The choice comes down to flow rate, venting needs and budget.
Power Vent Water Heater Costs
What are the total costs for a power vent tankless water heater? We’ll break it down:
Equipment Cost
The power vent unit itself ranges from $1000 to $2000 depending on the tankless brand, size and features. Plan $1500 for a typical model that can handle the demands of a 2-3 bathroom home.
Installation Cost
You’ll need to hire a qualified plumber and electrician to install the new power vent heater and venting. This typically costs $500 to $1000+ depending on labor rates and complexity. Many homeowners spend $800 on average for installation.
Venting Materials
The thin PVC piping for the exhaust vent and outside air intake will cost around $200 to $500 depending on the required lengths. Any electrical wiring, shut-off valves, unions, etc will add to material costs too.
Permits & Fees
Your local building department will require permits for installing a power vent tankless water heater. Permit fees average $200 but can cost more for major venting work.
So in total, you’ll spend in the range of $2000 to $4000+ to purchase and professionally install a power vent tankless heater. The unit itself represents about half the costs, with installation making up a large portion of the overall budget. Get multiple quotes to find the best deal.
Power Vent vs Tank Water Heater Costs
How do the costs of power vent tankless heaters compare to buying a new gas tank water heater?
A gas tank heater for a standard home costs $500 to $1500 for the unit and $200 to $500 for installation. So in total expect to spend $700 to $2000 for a new efficient gas water heater with tank.
Power vent tankless heaters cost more upfront at $2000 to $4000 installed. But they can save $100 to $300 per year on water heating bills. At those savings rates, the extra costs for a power vent model can pay back in under 5 years. Plus you get endless hot water.
Here is a general cost comparison:
| System | Equipment Cost | Installation Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas tank heater | $500 – $1500 | $200 – $500 | $700 – $2000 |
| Power vent tankless | $1000 – $2000 | $500 – $1000+ | $2000 – $4000 |
So while power vent units cost more upfront, their energy savings and performance can make up the difference in just a few years of operation.
Power Vent Water Heater Savings
Just how much can a power vent tankless water heater save on energy costs versus a tank heater? Several factors impact the savings:
– *Existing water heater’s efficiency* – Upgrading from an older, less efficient tank model will bring more savings. Replacing a newer unit will see lower savings.
– *Fuel type* – Natural gas power vent models save more than electric heaters, as gas is 4 times cheaper per BTU.
– *Energy costs* – Those paying high electricity or gas rates will save more.
– *Climate* – In cold climates, savings are greater as heating hot water takes more energy.
– *Usage* – Homes with high hot water needs will realize more savings.
Under the right conditions, a power vent tankless can save 30% or more on water heating costs. More typically you can expect 15-25% savings. At 15 cents per KWH for electric or $1.50 per therm for gas, that equates to $100+ in annual savings for a typical home.
Over 5 years, energy savings of $500 or more are quite possible with a power vent heater vs an older tank model. Combine utility bill savings with higher home resale value, and the long term benefits of a power vent water heater become clear.
Power Vent vs. Tankless Recirculation Systems
Another option for providing instant hot water at taps is using a hot water recirculation system with a standard tank heater. How does this compare to going with a power vent tankless?
With recirculation, a small pump circulates hot water through a dedicated return line back to the water heater. This brings hot water faster when a tap is turned on. But the water is still being reheated continually.
A power vent tankless only heats water as needed. The endless on-demand hot water can waste less energy than keeping a tank and recirculation loop heated.
Recirculating systems are also a more complex, expensive retrofit requiring plumbing into wall cavities. A power vent tankless provides similar instant hot water benefits in a more integrated appliance.
Here is a general comparison:
| System | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water recirculation | – Faster hot water delivery – Lower upfront cost |
– Continual heat loss from pipes – Complex retrofit install |
| Power vent tankless | – On-demand and endless – Compact all-in-one unit |
– Higher upfront costs |
In the end, a power vent tankless water heater will be the most convenient, energy efficient option for instant and endless hot water. But recirculation is a lower cost workaround if replacing your heater now is not feasible.
Power Vent vs. Whole House Tankless System
For homes with very high hot water needs, installing several power vent tankless units may not be practical. A whole house tankless system may work better. How do they compare?
Whole house tankless systems use centralized, high capacity heating units. This provides enough hot water for large homes with multiple showers, appliances, etc running simultaneously.
Benefits of whole house tankless include:
– Up to 14 GPM capacity. Can run multiple hot water points at once.
– One central system for the entire home. Less maintenance.
– Dedicated pumps and water filters included.
Downsides compared to power vent units:
– Much higher equipment and installation costs – $5000+
– Require more space for installation
– Not always feasible for homes lacking capacity electrical/gas
For most homes, installing 2-3 properly-sized power vent tankless heaters (one per bath) is preferable. This provides redundancy if one unit needs service. But large luxury homes with very high demand benefit from a centralized whole house tankless system.
Conclusion
In summary, power vent tankless water heaters can be an excellent alternative to conventional tank heaters. Benefits including energy efficiency, flexible venting, instant hot water delivery and compact size make them worth the higher upfront costs in many situations.
Power vent models strike a great balance between performance, venting abilities and costs when compared to basic tank heaters and pricier condensing units. Look for established brands like Rinnai, Noritz, Navien and Takagi to maximize reliability and savings.
Carefully compare installation costs and energy savings estimates when budgeting for a switch to power vent tankless water heating. The payback period is often less than 5 years – making this a smart investment in your home’s comfort, efficiency and resale value.