Water heaters
After space heating, water heating accounts for the second largest portion of energy use in your home — about 25 to 35 per cent. Showers alone use as much as one-third of all household water.
That's why it makes sense to choose an efficient natural gas water heater. Look for a water heater with a high energy factor (EF). The higher the better! Here's how to choose and maintain a gas water heater:
Quick tips
- Ask the dealer for the water heater's "first-hour rating", which is a measure of the appliance's ability to supply hot water.
- Look for a well-insulated hot water heater. Ask your dealer or gas contractor for the latest information on available products.
- Don't buy a larger water heater than you need. The greater surface area of larger tanks increases heat loss.
- For detailed information on operation and maintenance, refer to your owner's manual or manufacturer's instructions. Keep them near the water heater.
Heater types
Storage tank heaters
These are the most commonly used water heaters. They hold 115-230 litres (30 to 60 gallons) of hot water — enough for most homes. Today's energy-efficient models feature extra insulation, which reduces heat loss through the tank walls.
Instantaneous water heaters
Rather than holding a supply of hot water, instantaneous water heaters heat water on demand. While the water flow rate may be limited, you can reduce fuel consumption up to 30 per cent over storage tank models. Look for instantaneous heaters with modulating flame controls.
Combo systems
"Combo" heating systems combine a natural gas water heater with a fan coil, baseboard type heater or in-floor radiant heating for comfortable, economical heating. These combinations allow your water heater to do two things: heat your water and your living space. A fan coil provides heat to forced air ducts much like a furnace but can be installed in places a furnace can't.
Indirect water heaters
Indirect water heaters combine both space and water heating into one, saving space and minimizing the number of heating appliances in the household. While more expensive than storage tank heaters, they can provide higher capacity and improved efficiency. They are usually suitable for large homes and whirlpool bathtubs.
Venting
Vertical vent
Most standard and mid-efficiency models require a vertical vent — either a type B, double-wall metal vent or a tile-lined brick chimney. The vertical vent can be shared with most standard or mid-efficiency furnaces or boilers. This style of venting draws air from inside the house for combustion and venting, so it's important that you have an adequate air supply, particularly if your home is airtight.
Through-the-wall vent
Some water heaters can be vented through a side wall using a direct-vent system or a fan-assisted venting system, eliminating the need for a vertical chimney. This saves space and reduces installation costs.
Direct vent
A direct-vent system doesn't need a chimney. A direct-vent water heater does not use air from inside the home for combustion and will not affect or be affected by other appliances or changes in pressure inside the home.
Power vent
Standard, mid or high-efficiency models can be power-vented units that need electricity to operate. This type of heater is not usually affected by changes in the air pressure in the home but can contribute significantly to building depressurization, affecting other combustion appliances.
More information
Check out our complete list of brochures and information sheets about natural gas appliances and equipment.
Safety counts
Read our advice on safe operation and maintenance of your natural gas appliances.
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