Most homes get their hot water from a hot water heater. But whether or not your water heater will continue to work during a power outage will depend on what type of water heater you have.
The Basic 5 Types Of Water Heaters
Electric water heaters: Electric water heaters do not require any type of fuel to operate. They get their power from the home’s electrical grid. If there is no power, then there is no hot water.
Electric tankless water heaters: Very much like the standard electric water heaters, these units rely entirely on electricity. So, no power, no hot water.
Gas water heaters: Gas water heaters use gas as their "fuel" to work and all are equipped with a pilot light. But here are 2 sub-types of gas water heaters. For gas water heaters that have a continuous gas pilot light, they should not be affected by an electrical power outage. But if the gas water heater's pilot light is powered by electricity, then yes, it would not be able to provide hot water if the power goes out.
Gas tankless water heaters: The control panel for these types of units is powered by electricity so although it's a gas unit, without power going to the control panel, the water heater will not be able to work.
Oil or solar water heaters: Other types of water heaters may work when there's no power to the home but it depends on whether or not that water heater is connected to the electrical grid.
It's important to know the type of water heater you have so that when a power outage occurs, it will work properly. The easiest way for homeowners is just looking at their own device and seeing if they're connected directly or indirectly (through an outlet).
Does A Gas Water Heater Need Electricity To Work?
Some gas water heaters do need electricity to function. It depends on whether or not the pilot light in them is powered by electricity or gas. They use natural gas or propane to create heat which heats the water. If you are worried about not having electricity during a power outage, you should consider investing in a gas water heater that has a gas powered pilot light.
What Is The Difference Between Electric And Gas Water Heaters?
Electric water heaters rely entirely on electricity to function. Gas water heaters use natural gas or propane to create heat which heats the water.
Electric water heaters are less expensive to operate, but they can be more expensive to install. Gas water heaters are more expensive to operate, but they can be less expensive to install.
Which Water Heater Is Right For Me?
That depends on your needs and your budget. If you live in an area that has frequent power outages then you should consider installing in a gas water heater with a gas powered pilot light.
But if you are looking for the most economical option, an electric water heater is the way to go.
Whichever water heater you choose, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure safe and proper installation or better yet, have a professional plumber install it for you.
How Long Will Hot Water Heater Stay Hot Without Power?
If you're wondering how long your water heater will stay hot without power, the answer is – it depends on the type of water heater you have.
Some water heaters, like fuel-based water heaters, use electricity to start the heating process. So if there's no power, there's no way to heat the water. However, gas water heaters that use a gas powered pilot light don't need electricity to run. The pilot light will stay lit and the water will continue to be heated as long as there's gas available.
Of course, if there's an electrical outage, you may not be able to get gas either. So in some cases, even water heaters that use a fuel can't produce hot water if there's no power. We recommend checking the manual for your specific water heater.
On the other hand, if you have an electric water heater, you'll definitely be out of luck during a power outage. Electric water heaters need electricity to run, so if there's no power, there's no hot water.
Where Does Gas Water Heater Get Power?
Most gas water heaters require electrical power to function. This is because the water heater needs to ignite the gas in order to generate heat. There are a few water heaters that don't require electricity, but they are not as common. If you're not sure whether your water heater requires power, you can check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Most water heaters, even those that burn a fuel like natural gas, need electricity to run. If there is a power outage, you will not be able to use your water heater.
This means that you will not have any hot water. In some cases, the water in the tank may stay warm for a little while after the power goes out, but it will eventually cool down. If you rely on hot water for household tasks like bathing and cooking, you will need to find an alternate source during a power outage.
If you have any questions about your water heater or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-421-1515. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.