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When it comes to water heaters, you may find yourself asking if your gas water heater requires electricity to work. Most people relate hot water with electricity-powered appliances, but the operation of gas water heaters is different. Let’s move into the question: Do gas water heaters need electricity to work or does a gas water heater use electricity? And look at the various types of gas water heaters, electricity requirements, and maintenance advice on how to keep them working just fine.
Gas water heaters have different types, and each might utilize electricity differently. Let us discuss the types of gas water heaters and how each is distinct in terms of electricity usage.
Most traditional gas water heaters employ a standing pilot light to light up the gas burner. The pilot light is a tiny flame that is always on and lights the gas when required. Electricity is usually not used to maintain the pilot light in these systems. Yet, electronic ignition systems could be employed in newer models, and these may consume a tiny bit of electricity to initiate the ignition process.
Do gas water heaters with standing pilot lights require electricity? No, a gas water heater with a standing pilot light generally does not require electricity to operate. It runs only on the gas supply and the flame from the pilot light.
Unlike standing pilot lights, most new gas water heaters incorporate hot surface ignition. Hot surface ignition works by utilizing an electric element to light the gas burner rather than a continuously burning pilot light. Although electricity is needed for the igniting process, once the gas burner is lit, it runs on gas only.
Do gas water heaters using hot surface ignition require electricity? Yes, gas water heaters using hot surface ignition require electricity to power the hot surface ignition system. Without electricity, the gas burner will not light, and there will be no hot water generated.
Tankless water heaters, or demand water heaters, heat water as it passes through the unit rather than requiring a storage tank. They use electricity to heat the electronic controls, ignition system, and, in some models, a fan to assist in combustion. While they use electricity for ignition and control, they only use electricity when hot water is required, which, in some applications, is more energy efficient.
Do tankless gas water heaters use electricity? Yes, tankless gas water heaters will utilize electricity to supply power to the ignition system, controls, and any fans in the combustion process.
If you’ll have hot water during a power outage, it will depend on the gas water heater you have. Older gas water heaters with standing pilot lights will continue to function without electricity because they don’t use electrical parts to ignite. Gas water heaters with hot surface ignition and tankless water heaters won’t function without power, however, because they require electricity to ignite the gas.
Conventional gas water heaters (with standing pilot light): Yes, they will continue to function in the event of a power outage.
Gas water heaters with hot surface ignition or tankless systems: No, they will not function without electricity.
While the majority of gas water heaters are natural gas-based systems for heating the water, some versions incorporate a little bit of electricity for specific tasks such as ignition, controls, or safety purposes. As a general guideline, if your gas water heater has any electronic devices (like a hot surface ignition system or a tankless system), it will require electricity to operate.
For older units that have just a pilot light but no electronic controls, electricity is usually not needed for the unit to operate.
Maintenance is essential to make your gas water heater last longer and function more efficiently. Though these heaters use gas for heating, the electrical parts in newer units still require maintenance to run at their best.
Essential maintenance activities include:
Though regular maintenance is necessary to prolong the life of your water heater, professional repair or replacement might be required. Suppose you notice you are without hot water, experiencing problems such as leaks, or hearing odd noises. In that case, it is essential to call a professional plumber.
At Magnificent Plumbing & Rooter, we offer professional water heater repair and replacement services in San Ramon, CA. Our experienced professionals are trained to tackle emergencies such as sump pump replacement and are waiting to help you with your water heater issues.
Whether it is repairing your existing system or assisting you in choosing a new one, our team ensures affordable, quality service. Suppose it is no longer possible to repair your water heater. In that case, we can assist you in investigating energy-efficient options such as tankless water heaters. For trustworthy service, call us now at (925) 478-8073 to make an appointment and get hot water restored in a hurry.