Any cons with having a non-venting electric water heater installed in a basement?

by Water Heaters on July 14, 2010

I’m replacing a discontinued unit direct vent or power vent water heater from Bradford White that was installed by previous owner of my house. I’m trying to get my brain wrapped around why they chose to get a direct/power vent installed since my contractor tells me I can just get an electric water heater and be on my way. Am I missing something?


Other Articles and Posts

Read Related Posts

    No related posts found

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

levowen July 14, 2010 at 7:34 am

Electric water heaters generally have a lower recover time than gas (takes longer to heat up the water again once you’ve used it) And in some of areas they’re more expensive to run.

Chrys July 14, 2010 at 7:34 am

yes…since when does electric power need to be vented ??? only gas gets vented (for the obvious reason…)

skeptical July 14, 2010 at 7:34 am

Cost of energy might be a factor. If you live in an area where gas is cheap, and electricity is expensive, that would be a good reason to go with gas.

Other than that, I can’t think of a reason. Electric is simpler, with less maintenance. I have one in my basement.

George July 14, 2010 at 7:34 am

It would be the cost of operating an electric unit verses the cost of operating a gas one. Gas has to be vented and electric does not but gas may be half the cost to operate.

bobo July 14, 2010 at 7:34 am

A lot depends on where you live and the cost for your electricity. I worked for an electric utility in the USA. they offered a real good deal to employees on electric water heaters. People who put them in went back to Gas after two months. It was almost twice the cost to heat water with electric.

FleetTech July 14, 2010 at 7:34 am

We have one of those rented electric water heaters. The previous owner of our house had it put in when his gas heater went bad.
electric can be placed anywhere, gas needs to be vented.
Our rented heater gets us a discount on the electric bill. Savings are close to what the rent bill is so we break even.
Heater is huge and well insulated so it only has to heat the water a couple times a day.
Since it is a rental, we do not pay for any repairs. Heating elemment goes bad, call and they come replace it, free. Heater goes bad, call and trhey replace it free .

Dave July 14, 2010 at 7:34 am

USA Natural gas fired water heaters cost less to operate than electric water heaters. If you can afford the extra cost, go with the electric. Check the water heater labels, for gas and electric. They will state the cost to operate the unit. Then, decide which you want.

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: