According to the Energy Information Administration, water heaters can account for 19% to 32% of a homeowner’s utility bill. One option to reduce the amount of energy needed for water heating is to install a high-efficiency natural gas or propane water heater. Building America recommends using a sealed-combustion, direct-vented system that draws its combustion air from outside and pushes exhaust flue gases outside. With a sealed combustion chamber and separate air intake, it is nearly impossible for these models to backdraft harmful flue gases back into the house. Alternately, a high-effficiency power-vented gas hot water heater can be used and it will also avoid backdrafting.