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Propane is a very efficient fuel for heating water!
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Once you decide between tank type or on demand,
you will need to follow this checklist to narrow down your options.
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Do you live in a mobile or manufactured home?
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You must use a water heater certified for that use.
These mobile home certified water heaters will come with a gas valve that can be convertible for use with either natural gas or propane. They may also provide for venting through a skinnier wall than standard construction, and may have additional heat shields and different air intake configurations. You must use the manufacturer’s vent kit (often available in different lengths and either vertical or horizontal configurations).
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Will your water heater be located in a bedroom or bathroom?
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You must use a sealed combustion water heater.
These types of water heaters will not use any oxygen from the room in which they are located. They will draw fresh air from outside to be used for combustion. They are often called Direct Vent water heaters. You must use the manufacturer’s vent kit (often available in different lengths and either vertical or horizontal configurations).
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Are you in a very airtight home or are you trying for a high energy star rating?
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Will your water heater be located in the lower story of a multi-story building?
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You will need a waterheater that can vent through the wall.
If the water heater can be along an outside wall, a sealed combustion unit as described above will normally allow horizontal venting for this short distance.
If the water heater will be located other than on an outside wall, you will need a water heater with a power vent exhaust system. In a power vent system, the water heater can be vented a good distance horizontally (usually with PVC or ABS pipe). These units will always require electricity to run the exhaust fan.
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Do you need to conserve floor space, or do you not have a good water heater location?
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Do None of the Above Apply?
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You can use a standard, conventional flue water heater.
These vent out through the roof and are typically the cheapest to purchase.Venting is with Type B double walled gas vent pipe that is purchased separately.
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