The Ultimate Guide to Atmospheric Gas Water Heaters: Understanding, Maintenance, and Benefits
Are you curious about atmospheric water heaters? If your home runs on natural gas, it's likely that you have an atmospheric gas water heater. This type of gas-powered storage-tank water heater works by burning fuel to heat up water, and the exhaust gases are vented out of your home through a large metal draft pipe at the top of the tank. In this guide, we will cover the basics of atmospheric water heaters, how they work, and their important parts, including the tank, burner, expansion tank, pressure relief, drainage, and exhaust.
Outline:
- What is an Atmospheric Gas Water Heater?
- How Does an Atmospheric Gas Water Heater Work?
- How to Identify an Atmospheric Gas Water Heater?
- Parts of a Gas Water Heater
- Benefits of Using an Atmospheric Gas Water Heater
- Maintenance Tips for Your Atmospheric Gas Water Heater
- Conclusion: Is an Atmospheric Gas Water Heater Right for You?
Are you curious about how your gas water heater works and whether you have an atmospheric gas water heater in your home? In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about atmospheric gas water heaters, including their function, parts, maintenance, and benefits.
What is an Atmospheric Gas Water Heater?
An atmospheric gas water heater is a gas-powered storage-tank water heater that uses natural gas as a cheap source of energy. This type of water heater differs from other gas water heaters by venting the exhaust out of your house through a large metal draft pipe at the top of the tank. This way, the air in the atmosphere is naturally drawn into the vent, making it an "atmospheric" water heater.
How Does an Atmospheric Gas Water Heater Work?
The atmospheric gas water heater operates by burning natural gas to heat up the water in the tank. The cold water from the water source enters the tank through the dip tube, preventing dilution of the hot water already in the tank. The hot water rises to the top of the tank and exits through the hot water pipe, distributing the hot water to your house. The burner is connected to a gas line equipped with a gas shutoff valve, and the gas regulator has a thermostat that you can control to adjust the water temperature.
How to Identify an Atmospheric Gas Water Heater?
To determine if you have an atmospheric gas water heater, check for a yellow or black gas line with a gas shutoff valve running to the burner and a metal pipe for exhaust ventilation on top of the tank. The gap between the vent pipe and the tank is where the air from the atmosphere is pulled in.
Parts of a Gas Water Heater
Understanding the important parts of a gas water heater can help you get to know your atmospheric water heater. The tank has "water in-water out" functionality, and cold water enters the tank from the cold water pipe and is sent down through the dip tube to the bottom of the tank. The tank has 2-3 inches of insulation and is lined with glass to protect the lining of the tank from corrosion. An expansion tank regulates the pressure in your water heater and water pipe system, and a pressure relief valve helps regulate pressure and hot air within the tank.
Benefits of Using an Atmospheric Gas Water Heater
An atmospheric gas water heater is cheaper than most water heaters, and with proper maintenance, it should last you anywhere from 10-14 years. It is also more cost-effective than electric water heater units, and while tankless water heaters may save you roughly $100 a year in monthly costs, the units themselves are more expensive than tank water heaters.
Maintenance Tips for Your Atmospheric Gas Water Heater
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your atmospheric gas water heater. Check the pressure relief valve and drainage valve on the side of the tank to ensure they are working correctly. Flush the tank annually to remove sediment buildup, and check the anode rod every few years for corrosion.
Conclusion: Is an Atmospheric Gas Water Heater Right for You?
Now that you have a better understanding of atmospheric gas water heaters, you can determine if it's the right option for you. If you're looking for a cost-effective and long-lasting water heating solution that runs on natural gas, an atmospheric gas water heater may be the right choice for you. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy hot water for years to come.