Does a gas water heater work without electricity? Understanding how gas heaters function can help you start your heater during power outages. It’s also important to know what you can do yourself and when it’s time to call a plumber.
In this blog, we’ll cover gas heaters in detail, including how to start a gas water heater, the inner workings of these heaters, different types of gas water heaters, and what to do during power outages.
What Are Gas Heaters
Gas hot water systems, or gas heaters, are appliances that use a gas burner to generate heat for heating water. Depending on your type of heater, the gas can either be liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, or simulated natural gas.
How Gas Heaters Work
One of the most commonly asked questions we get from our customers is how does gas hot water work?
Gas water heaters work by either storing water that is heated by gas or by heating the water on demand. Gas may be the primary fuel source, but many gas heaters also require electricity to power certain components like fans, igniters, and control systems.
Key Components of Gas Heaters
The key components of most gas heaters, include some combination of the thermostat, blower motor, ignition system, and gas valve.
The thermostat regulates the heater by controlling the temperature, the blower motor circulates water, the ignition system (or pilot light) lights the burner, and the gas valve controls the flow of gas to the burner.
Does a Gas Water Heater Work Without Electricity?
Gas water heaters typically need electricity to operate in some capacity. Today, most gas water heaters use electrical ignition systems, and some older models rely on electricity to relight the pilot light.
Types of Gas Water Heaters
There are many types of gas water heaters which all have varying degrees of reliance on electricity for their components. These different types include tank, tankless, solar, hybrid, combination boiler, and condensing water heaters.
Electric Ignition Systems
Most modern gas water heaters use ignition systems that require electricity to operate. If your heater relies on electronic ignition systems such as spark igniters or hot surface igniters, it unfortunately will not function during a power outage unless it has an alternative power source.
Do Instantaneous Gas Hot Water Systems Need Electricity?
Tankless, or instantaneous, gas hot water systems use gas to provide hot water on demand, however, their operation depends heavily on electricity to run the internal components.
Operation of Instantaneous Gas Hot Water Systems
Certain instantaneous (tankless) systems don’t need electricity if they do not require electricity for operation and use either a hydrogenerator or a standing pilot light to ignite the burner.
Backup Options for Instantaneous Systems
A portable gas generator can supply enough power to keep your system running temporarily. Some tankless water heaters have built-in battery backups or add-ons.
If you have neither of these, then a natural gas fireplace can be a great source of supplemental heat that can operate without electricity until power is restored.
How to Start a Gas Water Heater Without Electricity
If your gas water heater has a standing pilot light, it may be possible to start it manually during a power outage.
Safety Precautions
When operating a gas heater, the area must be well-ventilated. Never start a gas heater in an enclosed space, such as a house, garage, or shed, without proper airflow. Open windows or doors to allow fresh air in and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Manual Ignition Steps
To manually ignite a gas water heater:
- turn off the gas valve
- open the access panel
- ignite the pilot light
- manually turn the gas valve back on
- set thermostat to desired temperature
Alternative Heating Solutions During Power Outages
Using Portable Heaters
Portable heaters are a practical alternative solution to have handy in case of a power outage. Propane, butane or kerosene heaters provide heat without the need for electricity. However, you must be careful and only use them with proper ventilation to avoid harmful fumes from building up.
Electric space heaters are another option for homes with a generator. These heaters can provide warmth using the generator’s power while avoiding the risks associated with fuel-based heaters.
Remember to make sure your generator can handle the power load of the heater to prevent overloading. Both gas and electric-based options can help keep you warm until regular heating systems are restored.
Backup Generators
Backup generators are another way to keep the electricity flowing during a power outage. They are an excellent investment for powering essential appliances. They can provide electricity to your gas heater for continued warmth and hot water access.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
Serious problems should be left to professional plumbers. Don’t hesitate to call us if you believe your hot water heater is malfunctioning or broken. Certain situations during or after a power outage also require professional assistance to check the safety and efficiency of your gas heater.
Complex Issues and Repairs
Call a professional plumber if your gas heater has been experiencing persistent issues, such as failing to ignite or inconsistent heating. A plumber is equipped to diagnose complex issues and perform repairs quickly.
Regular Maintenance Checks
Regular maintenance by a licenced plumber keeps your gas heater in top condition. Conducting regular inspections helps identify issues early and can ultimately extend the lifespan of your gas hot water heater.
Contact Good Hands Plumbing for Expert Gas Heater Services
If you remember to take the proper precautions and schedule regular maintenance, your gas heater will last much longer. If you have any issues with your gas heater, leave it to the professionals.
Don’t risk going without heated water, call a plumber today! Contact Good Hands Plumbing at your earliest convenience to have a licenced plumber dispatched to your location ASAP.
