Power-vent Models
Power-vent Models | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Philadelphia
Looking for faster hot-water recovery and rock-solid safety in your Philadelphia home? HEP’s power-vent models pair cutting-edge engineering with whisper-quiet fans to push combustion gases out with ease, freeing you from relying on a traditional chimney draft. That means flexible installation, extra floor-plan freedom, and the peace of mind that every shower, load of laundry, or late-night dish cycle gets the precise temperature you expect from a dependable tank water heater.
Our licensed, local technicians size each system to your household’s demands, run clean PVC venting to the nearest exterior wall, and leave your space spotless—often in a single afternoon. With energy savings that can trim utility bills and a robust warranty backed by our 24/7 emergency support, you get comfort that lasts long after the installer pulls away. Ready to upgrade? Give HEP a call today and feel the difference tomorrow.
FAQs
What is a power-vent tank water heater and how is it different from a standard atmospheric-vent model?
A power-vent water heater uses an electrically driven fan to push combustion gases through a dedicated PVC or polypropylene pipe to the outdoors, instead of relying on natural draft and a chimney. This design allows longer horizontal vent runs, lets you terminate through a sidewall instead of the roof, and greatly reduces back-drafting risks. Because the burner does not depend on chimney draft, the unit can achieve higher efficiency ratings and can be placed in locations where atmospheric models are not permitted or practical.
Does my Philadelphia home need special hookups for a power-vent water heater?
Yes. In addition to the usual cold-water supply, hot-water outlet, and gas line, a power-vent unit needs: (1) A 120-volt grounded outlet within about 6 feet to power the blower; (2) A run of 2–4 inch PVC, CPVC, or polypropylene vent pipe to an exterior wall or roof termination approved by the manufacturer; and (3) Adequate combustion air, which can be drawn from the room or, on many models, piped in directly from outdoors. Our technicians confirm electrical capacity, venting path, and combustion-air volume during the site visit so the installation meets Philadelphia Plumbing Code and manufacturer specs.
Are power-vent water heaters allowed under Philadelphia building and plumbing codes?
Yes. The City of Philadelphia follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), both of which permit listed power-vent appliances when they are installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Permits are required for water-heater replacements that involve gas piping, venting alterations, or electrical work. As a licensed Master Plumber, we handle the permit application, schedule the city inspection, and provide a code-compliant installation with proper combustion-air calculations, vent-pipe support, gas-line pressure testing, and electrical grounding.
How energy-efficient are power-vent tank models, and will I notice a difference on my utility bills?
Most power-vent tanks carry Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ratings between 0.65 and 0.72, compared with 0.58–0.62 for comparable atmospheric models. The sealed-combustion design and more precise air-to-fuel ratio extract more heat from each cubic foot of natural gas. For a typical Philadelphia household using 60–70 gallons of hot water per day, upgrading from an older atmospheric heater (~0.55 EF) to a new power-vent (~0.70 UEF) can save 15–25 % in water-heating energy—roughly $35–$70 per year at current PGW gas rates. Exact savings depend on hot-water usage patterns and local gas prices.
What size power-vent tank water heater should I choose for my family?
Sizing depends on two key factors: (1) First-Hour Rating (FHR)—how many gallons the heater can deliver in the busiest hour—and (2) Peak hot-water demand in your home. For reference: • 2 people: 40-gallon tank (FHR 50–55 gal) usually suffices; • 3–4 people: 50-gallon tank (FHR 60–70 gal); • 5+ people or high-demand fixtures (large tub, multi-head shower): 75-gallon tank or a 50-gallon high-input model. We calculate your exact FHR needs by asking about simultaneous uses—showers, laundry, dishwasher—and recommend a model with at least a 10 % buffer so you rarely run out of hot water.
What maintenance do power-vent water heaters require and how often?
1. Annual safety check: Our technician inspects the vent blower, pressure switch, and flame sensor, cleans burner ports, and verifies gas pressure. 2. Tank flushing: Sediment buildup is common in Philadelphia’s moderately hard water. Flushing 2–3 gallons monthly or a full drain once a year prolongs tank life and keeps efficiency high. 3. Anode rod inspection: Every 2–3 years (or annually if you have a water-softener), we check and replace the sacrificial anode to prevent tank corrosion. 4. Air-intake screen cleaning: Vacuum or rinse the screen every 6–12 months so the blower isn’t starved for air. 5. Test the T&P relief valve yearly to make sure it opens freely. Regular upkeep can extend the unit’s service life to 12–15 years and preserve the manufacturer’s warranty.