Water heater help needed... Power vent vs. direct vent?

[zoomieport]

I am replacing a 50 gallon, gas fired water heater. The older unit has a power vent that exits the side of the house, the run is about 10 feet. Can I replace it with a direct vent unit, run new duct work and still exit the side of the house? Or since it doesn't vent through a chimney, do I need to stick with the power vent?
I am not really concerned with efficiency, just need hot water and the ones with the power vent are a lot more money...
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer me!
Mike

 

[G_P]

Reuse the power vent module off the old heater?

 

[zakmartin]

If you have a gas furnace next to your water heater, then you can tie the direct vent from the top of the water heater into the furnace's chimney using a some ducting and rotator caps going upward in a diagonal direction.

 

[plumbstupid]

I doubt you will be able to change it. The new FVIR w/h are very sensitive about the way they vent. You would need a minimum of 1/4 inch per foot rise with your new vent and then you would have to turn it up once it left the building.

Another option would be to get a electrician to add a line and replace it with a electric w/h.

You can tie into the gas furnace, but it would probably require resizing the vent.

I don't think anyone offers a direct vent that can be used at 10 feet, I know the max for a Rheem is 4 feet.

 

[Rookie2]

Buy a unit with a power venter or convert to electricity, Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer !

 

[Professur]

What does the manufacturer recommend? I definitely would not recommend going to electric.

 

[CNGsaves]

Get the proper replacement Natural Gas HWH with power vent.

Heck in Oklahoma, the statewide NG provider and state have credit program to subsidize purchase of HWH and NG clothes dryers.

Agree to take NO Short-cuts when it comes to exhaust flue . . . your life could depend on it.