water heating venting

[Greg Veal]

Ian

I've seen a fair number of BW - Water Heaters using Nat.and LP gas, and I can't say I've seen a sidewall vent model that wasn't power-assisted. Maybe it's just a regional thing, maybe I'm forgetting.
I understand the concentric vent pipe design, used occassionally on 90%+ condensing type furnaces. It's just not the choice in this area of the country. That being said, I will stand corrected, if you've seen one. I've also seen Rheem and State Ind. with sidewall vent design, again they all seem to have power-assist. Good info., I'll check it out.

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by gveal

Ian

I've seen a fair number of BW - Water Heaters using Nat.and LP gas, and I can't say I've seen a sidewall vent model that wasn't power-assisted. Maybe it's just a regional thing, maybe I'm forgetting.
I understand the concentric vent pipe design, used occassionally on 90%+ condensing type furnaces. It's just not the choice in this area of the country. That being said, I will stand corrected, if you've seen one. I've also seen Rheem and State Ind. with sidewall vent design, again they all seem to have power-assist. Good info., I'll check it out.

Greg,

They do exist...

Here's my very own personal direct vent water heater with NO power assist...

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Direct vent appliances, in most cases, include sealed combustion chambers. To function properly, their exhaust vents should be sealed as well.

In the original picture, the exhaust vent connection to the tank does not appear to be indicative of a direct-vent appliance. So my assumption is that this is a natural draft appliance, in which case, a draft-hood would be required as an essential part of the natural-draft system.

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by jpope

Direct vent appliances, in most cases, include sealed combustion chambers. To function properly, their exhaust vents should be sealed as well.

In the original picture, the exhaust vent connection to the tank does not appear to be indicative of a direct-vent appliance. So my assumption is that this is a natural draft appliance, in which case, a draft-hood would be required as an essential part of the natural-draft system.

Jeff is referring to this sealed combustion chamber...

See top right corner of image