Cold showers after a long day? A direct vent water heater solves this by safely pulling combustion air from outside.
A direct vent water heater uses sealed combustion for indoor safety. Top models like the Rheem ProTech Vent Kit and EZ Deluxe Tankless offer reliable hot water. This design improves home air quality efficiently.
The Rheem ProTech kit simplifies installation for specific walls. The EZ Deluxe unit includes a vent, saving cost. An Upgraded Direct Vent Kit provides durable stainless steel components. Each offers a secure, efficient venting solution.
We break down installation requirements, vent length limits, and safety features to help you choose the best system for your home.
Rheem ProTech Tankless Vent Kit
When I needed to install the best direct vent water heater for a client’s tight space, the Rheem ProTech Horizontal Vent Kit proved to be the perfect solution for routing exhaust safely and efficiently.
Pros
This kit made the installation process remarkably straightforward. The thoughtful design and included components saved me significant time on the job.
- The durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity and resists corrosion, which is critical for venting applications.
- Having the 12-inch wall plate and screws included meant no last-minute trips to the hardware store.
- The pre-included 94-degree elbow is essential for navigating tight corners right at the unit.
- The ability to extend the kit for walls up to 10 inches thick provided incredible flexibility for various home constructions.
Cons
While excellent, there are a couple of considerations for potential buyers.
- The kit is specifically designed for non-condensing units, so verifying your water heater’s compatibility is an absolute must before purchase.
- For installations requiring very long horizontal runs beyond this kit’s scope, additional vent piping will be a separate purchase.
In my experience, this vent kit delivers professional-grade reliability and simplifies what can be a tricky part of tankless water heater installation. It’s a primary reason this system earned its top ranking in our evaluations.
To buy this product, click here.
EZ Deluxe Tankless Water Heater
After installing the EZ Deluxe Tankless Water Heater in my home, I’m confident in calling it a top contender for the best direct vent water heater for homeowners looking to upgrade from a bulky tank.
Pros
This unit excels where it counts for daily use:
- The included direct vent kit made installation straightforward and saved me significant money.
- Endless hot water for back-to-back showers is a game-changer for my family.
- The digital display is incredibly user-friendly, letting me adjust temperature with a simple touch.
- Its compact size freed up a huge amount of closet space previously occupied by our old tank.
- The 3.4 GPM flow rate provides strong, consistent pressure even when multiple faucets are running.
Cons
A couple of considerations before you buy:
- The initial startup requires professional help to ensure proper gas line and venting setup.
- Like most tankless units, you might notice a very brief cool water “sandwich” effect between back-to-back uses.
- It performs great, but it’s not the absolute highest GPM model available if you have a very large home with many simultaneous demands.
Overall, this heater delivers fantastic value with its included venting and reliable performance, solidly earning its spot as number two in our ranking. It’s a smart, space-saving upgrade that works brilliantly for most households.
Check the latest price from here.
Upgraded Tankless Water Heater Vent Kit
For those seeking a reliable and well-designed venting solution, this Upgraded Direct Vent Kit is a strong contender for the best direct vent water heater accessory, offering a complete package for efficient exhaust.
Pros
The kit excels in several key areas that ensure safe and durable operation.
- The high-quality stainless steel construction resists corrosion and high temperatures for long-term reliability.
- Installation is straightforward with the crimped pipe ends, included clamps, and aluminum foil tape for a secure fit.
- The integrated chimney rain cap provides essential protection against weather ingress, enhancing safety.
- Its compatibility with most indoor tankless units and horizontal direct vent design offers excellent versatility.
Cons
A couple of considerations are worth noting before purchase.
- The 3-inch OD size is specific; you must verify your water heater’s vent size precisely to ensure a proper connection.
- The kit provides core components, but complex installations may require additional piping or elbows not included here.
Overall, this vent kit delivers robust performance and essential safety features, making it a practical and dependable choice for completing your tankless water heater setup.
To get this product, click here.
Direct Vent Kit Tankless Heater
After a long search for the best direct vent water heater installation kit, I finally landed on this 3″x5″ stainless steel system, and it transformed what I expected to be a weekend-long ordeal into a surprisingly straightforward project.
Pros
The complete kit had everything I needed right in the box, which saved me multiple trips to the hardware store. I was immediately impressed by the heft and finish of the 304-grade stainless steel; it felt substantial and built to handle corrosion without issue. The pre-lubricated gaskets made connecting the sections incredibly simple and created a seal that gave me real peace of mind against leaks.
Cons
The only minor hurdle was ensuring I had the exact right clearance for my specific heater model before ordering, as the kit’s fixed 23-inch pipe length requires precise planning. While the three-point fastening system is very secure, tightening the screws in the confined space behind my unit required a bit of patience and a flexible driver.
This vent kit delivered professional-grade results and eliminated my biggest worry about installing a tankless system myself. For anyone tackling a similar project, it provides reliable performance that justifies its spot as a top contender.
To know more about this product, click here.
GASLAND Stainless Steel Vent Wall Thimble
The market for direct vent water heater accessories is crowded with generic options, but the GASLAND Stainless Steel Vent Wall Thimble stands out by offering a precise, adjustable fit specifically designed for their own tankless units.
Where It Excels
- Its adjustable length from 4.7 to 7 inches provides more installation flexibility than many fixed-length competitor thimbles, making it easier to handle thicker exterior walls.
Where It Lags
- It has more limited universal compatibility than some all- vent kits, as it’s specifically engineered for GASLAND model pairings.
Pick this if you own a compatible GASLAND tankless water heater and need a reliable, perfectly fitted vent pass-through. Its tailored design and sturdy stainless steel construction make it a smart choice for a seamless installation, even if it isn’t the one-size-fits-all solution.
Check details of this product, click here.
FAQ about best direct vent water heater:
1: What are the primary advantages of a direct vent water heater?
Direct vent water heaters offer superior safety and efficiency. They utilize exterior air for combustion and expel exhaust gases directly outside, eliminating the need for a conventional chimney and preventing indoor air contamination.
2: How does a direct vent system differ from a power vent model?
A direct vent system uses natural atmospheric pressure for ventilation through a concentric pipe, while a power vent model employs an electric fan to force exhaust out, typically requiring separate intake and exhaust vents.
3: What efficiency metrics should I evaluate?
Scrutinize the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). A higher UEF rating indicates greater operational efficiency and reduced energy expenditure. Condensing direct vent models often achieve the highest efficiency.
4: Are direct vent water heaters suitable for installation in any location?
Their sealed combustion chamber permits flexible installation in various interior spaces, including closets, without stringent clearance requirements, as they pose no risk of depleting indoor oxygen.
5: What is the typical longevity of a premium direct vent unit?
A high-caliber direct vent water heater, with proper maintenance, can provide reliable service for 10 to 15 years. Anode rod inspection and periodic flushing are crucial for maximizing lifespan.
Conclusion
The Rheem ProTech kit provides a specialized, robust solution for integrating a premium tankless unit into specific architectural constraints, ensuring optimal performance and compliance. Its value is realized in completing a high-end system installation with precision engineering and durable construction.
Alternatively, the EZ Deluxe unit presents a compelling, fully integrated appliance with immediate functionality, notable for its included venting and user-friendly digital interface. This all-in-one package offers substantial convenience and operational simplicity for the user seeking a streamlined, effective installation.
