Kitchen Gas Appliances - Water Heater Efficiency

Is there any direct correlation to water heater efficiencies and the use of forced draft (fan assist) pvc flues versus the standard thru-the roof metal flue? I was assuming that the pvc flues w/ fan assist automatically meant high effciency. Perhaps that's not the case.

Dave

Hi:Dave1

Althought i haevn't yet personally dealt with any PVC forced drafted water heaters nor have I gotten any reports back from the field persons, you can bet they have to be more efficient.

Reason is simple. The flue gasses cannot be as hot as the standard water heaters or the PVC pipe would discolor or melt.

Same has with the forced air house heaters. The ones the use the PVC flues, you can actually touch the vent pipe while the unit is on. No burned hands.

Therefore, far more of the heat energy is used for the intended purpose and far less goes unused up and out the vent pipe.

Hope my reply answers your question.
Regards,
TomBartco
Natural Gas Energy Technician and Consultant

Thanks


That's what I needed to know.