R: Conventional
Used when there is an existing chimney and the heater can be vented to the outside through the chimney.
FV: Flammable vapour tank
ELEC: Electric tank
Can be installed almost anywhere in your home and does not require venting compared to natural gas tanks.
PV: Power-vented
Vents to the outside through a wall in the home when there is no existing chimney. It can be located up to 50 equivalent feet from an outside wall. A blower motor is located on top of the water heater to vent products of combustion gases to the outside. This type of tank requires electricity to operate the blower motor.
DV: Direct-vented
If located within eight feet of an exterior wall, it can be vented horizontally through the outside wall. This unit does not require a blower motor and uses outside air for combustion.
TANKLESS: Tankless/on demand water heater
Small and space-saving, this unit heats water only when needed. It should be located close to an exterior wall and is directly vented through an outside wall of a home.
TMV: Thermostatic Mixing Valve
A thermostatic mixing valve is attached to the water heater to reduce the risk of scalding from hot water.