Water Heater Condensation Is Ok Only If
If you notice condensation on your water heater, this is typically normal. However, condensation looks different on standard (atmospheric) water heaters than it does on high-efficiency water heaters .
Most high-efficiency water heaters are “sealed combustion” units that gain efficiency by extending the path the combustion gasses travel within the water heater, slowing them down to make use of as much of the available heat as possible. This process generates condensate as a result, that is then discharged through a condensate drain near the bottom of the tank. So, condensation is a healthy sign for high-efficiency water heaters!
Standard atmospheric water heaters typically do not produce condensate, though drastic differences in temperature between the water tank and the air outside the unit can sometimes result in condensation on the outer jacket. This will happen within minutes of first installing any atmospheric water heater. After that, condensation will typically only occur if all of the hot water is used in a short time and the tank is refilled with water colder than the surrounding air, similar to a cold beverage on a warm day.
If you think you need a new water heater, please schedule online for a free quote on our homepage.
