My conventional water heater currently vents through the chimney. The only current use for that chimney is venting the water heater. I am looking into the possibility of knocking down the chimney when I re-roof the house this comming summer. The chimney is in bad shape and I will have to replace the entire roof structure (new framing or trusses at that time). What are my options for venting the water heater?
I suppose I could upgrade to a power vented model (id prefer not to as I just replaced the water heater) or install a vertical flue through the roof extended from the ceiling of the 1st floor… Any other scenarios Im not considering?
Can I come out the size of the house near the furnace vent?
Thanks,
J
Edited 12/4/2007 11:34 am by joemilw
Replies
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Can I come out the size of the house near the furnace vent?<<
Yes but there are placement specs which I do not know - not within X' of a door or window, vertical run of Y' required, etc.
Knew the requirements a long time ago but they have probably changed.
May be a better solution than going through the roof. Depends on your house / heater configuration / location.
You need to figure this one out before replacing the roof system - if you do not it will guarantee that the flue will need to go directly through one of your new trusses.
Jim
Edited 12/4/2007 1:28 pm ET by JTC1
Having a chimney "sucks" heat out of the house and speeds heatloss in the water tank due to the draft created.
Too bad you just replaced the tank.
Look at Tjernlund. They make add-on draft inducer fans (power vents) that are very reasonable. It is (usually) easy and relatively inexpensive to convert a natural draft appliance into an induced draft appliance and be able to side-wall vent.