What is a direct vent water heater?
A direct vent water heater has a sealed piping system that creates an airtight chamber for combustion and exhaust air. These devices are used when vertical venting may not be possible.OperationThe gas burners on a water heater can acquire combustion air from either outside or inside the house. Exhaust gases must be expelled from the house vertically through the roof or horizontally through a sidewall.Direct VentA direct vent hot water heater has a closed two-pipe system that draws in outside air for combustion and vents the exhaust gases directly back outside through a sidewall. This arrangement creates an airtight combustion chamber.ApplicationsA direct vent system is utilized when a house has airtight construction and it would be difficult to get an adequate supply of combustion air from inside the house. When construction obstacles prevent vertical exhaust venting, a direct vent system gets rid of the gases through a sidewall.AdvantagesDirect venting saves energy because it does not
