Gas or Electric? Identifying Your Water Heater 

Whether you’ve just moved in, or you’re new to the homeowner/utility game, you may not know if you have an electric or a gas water heater. While that may seem like a no-brainer, this isn’t typically discussed among friends, and only comes up when an issue arises. Never fear – Crystal has your back. Read below to learn how to identify your water heater type quickly.  

LOOK for Clues 

When identifying the type of water heater you have, look at the unit for clues. If it is powered by gas, there is likely a pipe (usually ½ inch thick in diameter) at the bottom of the tank used to carry gas from its external source into the unit. Gas water heaters will also have another clear exterior clue– the exhaust vent. This vent allows exhaust from the motor to escape the system and be directed outdoors.  

 If you don’t see any of the mentioned pipes above, there is a good chance your water heater is electric. Check for the power cord which will be heavy-duty compared to typical extension or power cords. If you find this, you guessed it, your unit is electric! Electric water heaters warm the water in the same process as their gas counterparts but use electric elements instead of gas to create heat.  

Flame or No Flame? 

Another way to identify your water heater type is to look for a pilot (flame). To do this, you will need to locate the access panel on the unit and see if you can spot a bluish flame – if you do, then you are seeing a gas-powered unit in action.  

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Every home uses hot water supply differently, so it’s important to understand the different types of water heaters and features best suited for your household needs. Let Crystal help you choose from a variety of brand-name eco-friendly tank/tankless water heaters for your home. We rent water heaters for as low as $16.99/month, call us today for more information.