The difference is that a power vent water heater pulls in combustion air from the space.
Can you vent a hot water heater out the wall.
Instead both systems typically expel exhaust through a pipe that runs outside through an exterior wall.
Without knowing the water heater type vent type location and type of termination no one can give you a more definitive response.
Exhaust gases are vented outdoors through a separate vent duct or through a separate chamber of the same pipe this requires a double wall vent duct.
To make venting easiest install your tankless water heater on an outside wall.
If the unit is installed on a basement wall the vent pipe can be run up just a few feet and then vented out the side with the use of a 90 degree elbow.
Most tank type gas water heaters are atmospheric vent type and they are required to vent vertically and above the roof of a home.
Single wall vent pipe cannot be used for water heaters located in attics and may not pass through attic spaces crawl spaces or any confined or inaccessible location.
All solid liquid or gas fueled water heater whether they are tank type or tankless must vent through the roof unless they are direct vent.
Water heaters and vents come in multiple forms including induced draft direct venting and conventional draft.
Yes you can vent a gas fired water heater out of the wall if it is either a power vent unit.
Direct vent water heaters.
They do make two models of power vent units one is called a direct vent power vent as bob harper pointed out it draws its combustion air from outside unlike a standard power vent unit which burns its combustion air from the dwelling.
Exceptions may be made for non combustible walls such as solid masonry.
Can a standard water heater be side vented.
This one vents out the side wall and it is perfectly fine.
A blower or power vent draws combustion air in to the heater and a power vent pushes exhaust gases out through a separate or dedicated exhaust flue.
Single wall vent pipe cannot pass through any interior wall.
They are a bit more expensive but do not require electricity to run a power vent.
The heating appliance vents directly out through a building side wall powered by natural draft provided by the heating equipment typically using a single wall metal flue or chimney or a b vent.
Installing your tankless water heater for easier venting.
Photos go a long way.
With a direct vent system air for combustion is drawn from a vent pipe that runs through an exterior wall or the roof.