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Direct venting vs. power venting

John Maher
John Maher Member Posts: 8
in THE MAIN WALL
I'm really stuck here and I would appreciate help from anyone who knows anything about this..

I recently purchased a condomiunium where a power-vented water heater was installed in a closet on the other side of the master bedroom wall. At night, the noise is unbearable when the power vent comes on and I can't sleep. I don't even live in the place as it is.

I was wondering why I couldn't have the water heater directly vented as opposed to the power vent.. on the page listed below, the gas company says that horizontal direct venting is a possibility if the water heater is less than 4 feet away from an exterior wall, and this is the case with me. A lot of people have been telling me that it can't be done, but offer no reason as to why. There is an air handler/fan coil above the water heater which relies on the heated water to heat the house.

http://www.unionenergy.com/0512_whs.htm

Here is a link to a picture of how my water heater is setup now.

http://www.efficientliving.com/images/powervent.jpg

I have a guy from the company coming over today to look at the unit and I need to know what to ask him

Comments

  • Murph'_5
    Murph'_5 Member Posts: 349
    You CANNOT direct vent that unit

    you will need to change the unit, this is designed to be used this way. manufactors specs on what you replace it with. consider changing to electric if circuts allow for the noise and limited usage. let this in the hands of a trained professional, do not attempt this alone !! winding up with more issues than a noisey blower is not worth it to save a few bucks. could be life saving advice!!



    Murph'
  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 3,656
    direct vent heater

    Hello: I'd get installation instructions for a direct vent heater and see if your situation can meet the criteria. It looks like there might be overhead clearance problems. Note that all direct vent heaters are not the same. Some can vent further. Also you need to look at where the vent will terminate outside and see if all is OK there. There is a lot to consider, not a DIY project. Also, this does mean you'll need a new heater as they don't convert from power vent to direct vent. Hope that helps.
  • Lurker_2
    Lurker_2 Member Posts: 123


    Insulate the wall?

    put the wh on a timer, and the thermostat on a setback so it is off when you are trying to get to sleep.

    check the installation for ways to lower the noise. The blower itself probably makes little noise, perhaps it is telegraphing vibrations to the wall
  • kevin coppinger_4
    kevin coppinger_4 Member Posts: 2,124
    I belive this water....

    heater is the heat source for the condo....putting the heater on set back means he will not have heat.He needs professional help and a new heat source...kpc

    To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"
  • John Mills_3
    John Mills_3 Member Posts: 221
    There are units like these...

    not sure how they work in a space & potable heating installation but sure would be quiet!
  • jp_2
    jp_2 Member Posts: 1,935
    above attachment?

    what manufacturer is that?
  • John Mills_3
    John Mills_3 Member Posts: 221
    It is...

    a Bradford-White.
  • jp_2
    jp_2 Member Posts: 1,935
    thanks john

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0
    You're done I Think..

    THe Direct vent uses a 6-8" pipe in a pipe system that will 90 as soon as it leaves the HWH. I don't think you have suficient space from the air handler above.

    That unit is a Rheem, and they made a cound kit for them.
  • John Maher
    John Maher Member Posts: 8
    sound kit?

    A sound kit? That's sounds very interesting.. I will look into it.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0
    basically

    its a metal cover that goes over the exhauster and has an inch or so of sound deadening insulation. It has openings for air (necessary). but it can cut down of the noise from the moter.

    Another thing to try would be to isolate the unit from a sympathetic vibration. Is the vent pipe tight to the wall? cut it about an inch larger and use insulation to fill the gap. A rubber pad if the pipe touches anything can reduce the noise substantially too.

    Good luck
  • John Maher
    John Maher Member Posts: 8


    Thanks, I'm glad to hear this..

    Maybe it's a simpler solution than I thought was possible! I just need to find it now.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0
    Union Energy

    carries them, but there may be a charge. Its not really part of their rental, but an optional kit.

    Good luck. I personally don't like dealing with them.
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