Tankless water heater costs depend on the size of your water heater, location, fuel type, and more. Keep reading to calculate your expenses.
Thomas M.
Very well. Have already used them again to fix hot water heater
Service OlympiansDo Electric Water Heaters Need to Be Vented?
Skip the vent for an easy installation
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Electric water heaters do not need venting because they don't burn fuel or produce carbon monoxide, simplifying your installation compared to gas models.
Your electric water heater installation requires a dedicated 240-volt circuit, proper grounding, and hardwired connections that can be challenging without electrical experience.
If you're switching from gas to electric, you should cap or remove the old vent to prevent moisture and pests from entering your home.
Hiring a local water heater installation professional ensures proper electrical setup and keeps your home safe with correct circuit installation and grounding.
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When you’re deciding whether to install a gas versus electric water heater, venting is a key consideration. So, do electric water heaters need to be vented? The good news is that they do not need venting, which can simplify their installation. Learn more about water heater venting requirements when installing a new unit.
Why Electric Water Heaters Do Not Need Venting
Water heater installation code requirements do not require venting for an all-electric appliance, whether it’s a traditional model with a tank or a tankless electric water heater.
Gas water heaters need vent pipes to remove dangerous exhaust gases generated during the combustion process (primarily carbon monoxide). Electric models do not generate carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas.
Safety Warning
To prevent carbon monoxide exposure from a water heater, make sure it is properly ventilated. You should also have it inspected and cleaned every year and install a carbon monoxide detector nearby. If you smell gas—which can mimic the scent of rotten eggs—evacuate immediately and call your gas company.
What Extra Installation Steps Do Electric Water Heaters Need?
Although not needing a vent simplifies the installation of an electric model compared to a gas model, installing electric water heaters sometimes requires a few extra steps that can be challenging.
New breaker: Typically, an electric water heater requires a 30-amp, double-pole breaker. If your electrical panel doesn’t have an open breaker like this, you’ll need to install one.
Dedicated circuit: Most electric water heaters need a dedicated circuit that can support 240 volts.
Grounding: It’s essential to properly ground the wiring on the water heater because you’re using a 240-volt circuit. The circuit’s ground wire can connect to a ground lead or ground screw on the water heater appliance.
Wiring skills: Most electric water heaters must be hardwired in place rather than plugged into an electrical outlet. This can be challenging for homeowners to do properly.
Tankless water heaters: You may need to add a large breaker to your electrical panel for a new electric tankless water heater. These appliances can require a 120-amp breaker, which is not a common breaker size.
Types of Water Heaters That Require Venting
Natural gas, propane, and oil-fired water heaters do need venting. They all use a combustion process to burn fuel that heats the water. When you have a tank or tankless model that uses gas or propane, you need venting.
To install a venting system, you must place the vent pipe through a wall or roof, allowing it to expel the exhaust gases outdoors. Installing a vent pipe can involve cutting through walls, floors, and roofing materials. Local gas water heater installers can install the venting system for you.
What to Do With an Existing Vent From an Old Gas Water Heater
Photo: tumsasedgars / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
If you’re switching from a gas water heater to an electric model, you may wonder what to do if you have a vent from an old gas appliance in place. If you find yourself in this situation, you should cap, seal, or remove the old vent, or it could fall into disrepair and allow moisture or rodents to enter your home.
If you want help capping the vent, you can hire someone who fixes water heaters—like a local water heater repair professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Water heater services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
5.0★ avg. • 7 total reviews
- Mike Z.
As usual with ECO, tech Jordan was outstanding, very professional, very knowledgeable, and very thorough with repairs made to tankless water heaters. Very highly recommend ECO!!!
Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians - Michael S.
Did a great job replacing the ice maker and water regulator on my refrigerator. He was quick and thorough, very friendly and professional. If I needed a heart transplant I'd want him to do it!!!
- Maria C.
We had a gutter blockage that was causing water to sheet down the side of the house and ultimately it started to come in at a window (need mortar people next). Called around 7:30am, and he responded by 8am. He was able to come out the same morning and do a look over and clean out. He also...
- Brad S.
Scott checked our large crawl space for mold and water infiltration and recommended a viable solution. The crew was efficient and they cleaned up well after the job. The job was expensive but I am confident that I won't have to deal with the problem again. Highly recommend.
AdvantaClean of Dublin - Ann S.
They were the most through inspecting the water system in my house. Even going the extra mile to get the water professionally tested for contamination.
Hague Water Conditioning, Inc. - Service Olympians
- Mike B.
The Paul Davis team was very professional and went the extra mile to take care of my water damage. The work was very high quality and done in a timely manner. I would highly recommend their services.
Paul Davis Restoration - Gene S.
Honesty is hard to find in business today. GBR met me today at a 3 story building regarding my being told that I needed to tuckpoint the brick because of water leaks. The owners took the time to evaluate the situation and advised me that I did not need their service at all. They pointed me...
GBR Masonry Inc - Stewart W.
They unclogged the drain and sent me a bill for more than 4 times what I paid before. I called the Water Works to ask why the bill was so high and that they should have gotten my authorization before assuming they could make expensive decisions like that on my behalf and for their benefit....
The Waterworks - Jean P.
We had two outdoor fixtures swapped for motion sensing fixtures and a GFCI outlet added to the outside of the garage for the bird bath heater. <br /> He arrived at the agreed upon time and I was surprised and impressed at how quickly everything was completed. <br /> I would definitely...
Powers Electric LLC
The homeowners guide to water heater services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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Water heater venting keeps your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning, but not all water heaters require it. This guide provides the details and more.
Learn the pros and cons of gas water heaters and electric water heaters. Find out which one is the best option for your home.
If you’re wondering if you can install a water heater by yourself, know that you should leave this job to a licensed plumber to avoid financial risk and safety risks.