If you are preparing to sell your home or RV with a pre-installed water heater, the potential buyers will be interested in knowing whether the unit is powered by electricity or gas so they can properly maintain and operate it. It, however, can be a cinch if you did not purchase the heater yourself or supervise its installation.
Fortunately, yet there are several ways to determine what fuel source exactly your water heater utilizes without any specialized tools.
Here are a few things that you can do to instantly identify whether your water heater is gas or electric.
Check if Your Water Heater has a Burner or Heating Element
Gas water heaters have a burner located at the bottom of the tank that heats the water, while electric water heaters have heating elements inside the tank that heat the water. Look for a visible burner or heating element when examining the water heater.
Look if there is a Venting Pipe
Gas water heaters require venting to remove combustion gases from the home, while electric water heaters do not. Check if there is a vent pipe connected to the water heater or if it has a power cord attached to it.
Check the Pilot Light with Blue Flame
Gas water heaters have a pilot light that ignites the gas burner. Look at the access panel near the bottom of your water heater tank. In some models, there is a small viewing window you can look through to check for a pilot light.
If you see a small blue flame burning near the bottom of your water heater, then the unit is powered by gas.
Read the Manufacturer’s Label
Another simple way to know whether your gas or electric is to check the manufacturer’s label. It is usually located on the side of the tank, and it should list the power source and the model number.
Why Knowing the Difference is Important for New Homeowners
There are several reasons it is important to know what type of water heater you have. Some of them include;
Maintenance: Different types of water heaters require different types of maintenance. For example, gas water heaters may need regular cleaning of the burner and pilot light, while electric water heaters may require periodic replacement of the heating elements. Knowing the type of water heater, you have will help you perform the necessary maintenance tasks to keep it operating properly and efficiently.
Safety: Gas water heaters have additional safety concerns, such as the potential for gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning if not properly vented or maintained. Knowing the type of water heater, will help you understand the specific safety risks associated with that type of heater and take appropriate precautions to avoid any hazards.
Replacement: If your water heater needs to be replaced, you will need to choose the appropriate type of replacement based on the existing fuel source and other factors.
Knowing the type of water heater, you have will help you select the right replacement, whether it’s gas or electric.
Energy Efficiency: Gas and electric water heaters have different levels of energy efficiency, and it’s important to know which type you have to determine if you are getting the most efficient use of energy. This can help you make great savings on utility bills.
Your Trusted Los Angeles Water Heater Experts
If you are looking to purchase a new water heater or need any service with your existing unit, Local Pro is the company you can rely on. Reach out to us today to discuss your needs with our experts.
