Joined
·
22 Posts
I run into a lot of orphaned water heaters in my area. What do you think is the best way to fix it, a direct vent or a power vent?
Yeah, I get it when you add a commercial type hood. But then, you need to introduce another air source to compensate for the loss of air inside the house. In that case, you are creating a new problem that needs to be solved.Where it has come into play for us is when there was a orphaned water heater when we arrived. We did a kitchen remodel and added a huge over the range vent and this particular development used a exhaust fans on the second level for an air exchanger.
The additional negative air pressure from our exhaust hood, combined with the air exchanger on, created a draw from the flue.
There are other ways to fix this problem, but the water heater was 10 yrs old. Doesn't happen a lot, but once can kill.
Why is that? I replaced my furnace a few years ago with a condensing furnace and just capped off the wye.I reline tons of chimneys - older homes mostly masonry/terracotta chimneys. Standard protocol is stainless liners sized to the BTU input, run to stack and chimney elevation. Typ. 3" or 4" usually does the job.
Orphaned water heaters will destroy a 9x9 flue in short order in any cold climate.
The problem your describing is the range hood your installing, not the water heater. Most places that sell those large range vents also sell them a make up air system.Where it has come into play for us is when there was a orphaned water heater when we arrived. We did a kitchen remodel and added a huge over the range vent and this particular development used a exhaust fans on the second level for an air exchanger.
The additional negative air pressure from our exhaust hood, combined with the air exchanger on, created a draw from the flue.
There are other ways to fix this problem, but the water heater was 10 yrs old. Doesn't happen a lot, but once can kill.
Reline the chimney.I run into a lot of orphaned water heaters in my area. What do you think is the best way to fix it, a direct vent or a power vent?