There is a power vent on a water heating system.

When the plumbing system is free of problems, homeowners don't pay much attention to the water heater.When this vital appliance is malfunctioning, it can affect all those activities that need a ready supply of hot water.Being forced to take cold showers or clean dinner dishes by hand will make you think about the water heater quite a bit.

If your water heater seems to be on its last legs, or if it doesn't work at all, it's a good idea to replace it as soon as possible.It would be a mistake to rush this decision.There are many different types of water heaters, and they have a wide range of energy-efficiency profiles.The amount of money you end up paying to heat water on an ongoing basis depends on the type of water heater you choose.

Daniel O'Brian, a technical specialist with SupplyHouse.com, said that choosing a replacement water heater wisely can mean avoiding unnecessary installation costs.If your current water heating system requires ventilating, it is usually cheaper to replace it with a unit that does the same thing.If you don't, you'll end up paying more than necessary for installation.

It is possible to switch to a water heater that is different from the old one.A replacement that saves you a lot on your energy bills may be well worth the added installation cost.

Does every water heating unit need to be air conditioned?No, but as much as water heater technology has changed in recent years, the most common one is the combustion one.The average water heating system still burns fuel and releases carbon monoxide and other fumes.Modern water heating is dangerous if it is not properly ventilated.

If you live in a warm climate and plan on locating your water heater outdoors, then you don't have to think about ventilation.Installation requirements can vary widely due to the fact that not every venting system functions the same way.

According to O'Brian of Supply House, "choosing between powered and non-powered venting can often come down to how the house is laid out and where there is room for the vent."

O'Brian recommends consulting with a contractor if you want to change the look of your water heating unit.O'Brian cautions that it's very bad to have even minor leaks when dealing with potentially lethal gases.Pick an efficient unit with a capacity that meets your family's needs, then leave the rest to your installer.