Powered Water Heater Vent

[dladcock]

Not sure if this should be posted in another section, but here it goes.

We're installing a new roof and I'm eliminating as many roof penetrations as possible. Have an old chimney and skylight to remove, thinking about using a powered vent on the natural gas water heater to vent the exhaust through a sidewall.

Has anyone added a powered vent to an existing water heater? Are they controlled by exhaust temperature or by the gas valve?

I don't know if a power vent could even be retrofitted to a water heater, this one is just over a year old and I'd rather not replace a new unit just to avoid the vent through the new roof.

Thanks for your insight.

dla

 

[sixty4]

I would call the manufacture to find out. Not being a smartazz but they will give you the best answer.

 

[dladcock]

Not at all, actually that's a smart answer. The thought just came to me this afternoon. Came here as a first resource.

dla

 

[The Cobbler]

short answer... No

 

[sixty4]

I have done this on State brand water heaters in the past. They sold a kit to do this. You may get lucky for the brand you have now.

 

[PAToyota]

short answer... No

^^ Yep. Typically the powered vents that go through your wall rather than through your roof are the high efficiency units. One reason they are vented through the wall is that the exhaust isn’t hot enough to rise up the chimney - hence the powered venting and since it is relatively cool you can just use PVC.

 

[dladcock]

It's a Whirlpool. I'll check it out. Thanks.

dla

 

[dladcock]

^^ Yep. Typically the powered vents that go through your wall rather than through your roof are the high efficiency units. One reason they are vented through the wall is that the exhaust isn’t hot enough to rise up the chimney - hence the powered venting and since it is relatively cool you can just use PVC.

I knew there was a difference in exhaust temps between standard and high efficiency heaters, but have read.... A.O. Smith I think it was, mentioned the fan used cooler make-up air to reduce flue temp to allow the use of PVC.

I don't know, but this is how I learn.

dla

 

[Jackfre]

Yes, you can. Check out the Tjernlund Power venters.

 

[PAToyota]

How old is your existing water heater? Depending on age and condition, even if you could retrofit it you may be better off replacing it with a direct vent unit.

 

[sixty4]

http://www.fieldcontrols.com/swg-cv-power-venter?page_id=93

 

[dladcock]

How old is your existing water heater? Depending on age and condition, even if you could retrofit it you may be better off replacing it with a direct vent unit.

Not very old. However, after a quick look around the net, it's looking cost prohibitive and not worth hassle for what we'd gain. There might be something out there, but I've got a time crunch to work with as well.

dla

 

[srmofo]

Im using an AO smith direct vent. If we lose power we dont lose hot water, which makes a power outage bearable

 

[blazentrout]

I know in my research that some natural vent hot water heaters can be vented horizontally and vertically so you may luck out and be able to go out the side wall with metal B pipe (????) and not have to add a power vent. Be aware that it will take something like a 4" or 5" hole for the thimble in the wall for the pipe. To be on the safe side contact the manufacture on what you options are. Good luck.