Get matched with top water heater pros in Ely, NV

You can and should vent the gas from your hot water heater to the outside of your home. Traditionally, these gases were vented back to other gas appliances, like stoves or furnaces, but many jurisdictions have outlawed this practice due to the risks it provides. 

Most water heaters today use atmospheric venting that exhausts the gas out of the home through a pipe.

Tankless water heaters are more expensive than those with a storage tank, but they come with some impressive benefits that most homeowners find worth the higher investment. Most importantly, they provide unlimited hot water, so you’ll never run out like you would with a storage tank. Tankless heaters are also more efficient, so comparing gallon-for-gallon, you’ll spend less on hot water with a tankless heater. Tankless water heaters are also smaller, require less maintenance, and tend to last longer than storage tank water heaters.

Electric water heaters use a high amount of electricity, so they’re best for homeowners who subsidize their electric bill with solar or who live in an area with inexpensive electricity. For others, gas water heaters versus electric water heaters may be the more cost-effective solution, with the added bonus of heating water quickly and efficiently. No matter which you choose, you can lower your water temperature as low as possible to keep costs down.

Traditional gas or electric water heaters last an average of six to 11 years. However, with excellent maintenance, they can last up to 15 years. Heat pump water heaters, on the other hand, last an average of between 12 and 15 years and potentially longer with proper maintenance. In both cases, your home's water quality can be a determining factor regarding the lifespan of your water heater.