Do electric water heaters need ventilation?

by Water Heaters on April 19, 2010

I have an apartment in a very old and drafty building. I have sealed the exterior windows and door with weather drafting. This has helped out considerably with the drafts. I do have a source of another draft in the hot water heater closet. It is starting to get right cold here now and I would like to know if it would be OK to seal this closet off as well. So my question is does my electric hot water heater need ventilation?


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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

oklafirefighter764 April 19, 2010 at 5:14 am

the reason gas water heaters have to be vented is because the flame produces carbon monoxide, the vent carries the deadly gas outside your home where it mixes with fresh air and is no longer harmful…..electric water heater work off of a heating element that can’t produce anything that would need to be vented…most people that have electric water heaters do wrap them in some kind of insulation to help retain the heat and it will save you a little bit on your electric bill…..good luck and hope this helps

flagger_guy April 19, 2010 at 5:14 am

It is appropriate to leave some airspace around water heaters but simply for maintenance. Electric heaters do not require ventilation.
In fact, electric water heaters can be wrapped up with an extra insulation blanket which will save you money as well.
Our power company made them available to their all electric customers years ago and they help.

Seal up the air infiltration points and you will have no problem.

Steve in NC April 19, 2010 at 5:14 am

Insulate the hot water heater as well as the closet. No ventilation required.

plumber April 19, 2010 at 5:14 am

no ventilation,but don’t sit it next to a pile of oily rags either.

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