rick.a said:
My new place has a 40 gal Reem PowerVent HWH. What are the pros and cons of a PV? Is there anything that I should know about living with it? If I shut off the gas because I will be gone for a week will it freak out? And what's the little vacuum tube on top doing? Is there any maintainence other than to check for leaks periodically and maybe pull the TP switch every now and then to be sure that it still works (I am aware of the chance of crud sticking it open but gamble with this to just feel safer living with the potential "rocket").
Is the PV REQUIRED since it vents out the side wall?
thanks,
Rick.
The little vacuum tube connects to a fan proving switch, which tells the ignition control if the fan is operating and whether or not the vent is blocked.
As far as when going on vacation: simply turn off the switch to the unit. This is either at the top near the blower, or on the box on the lower part of the unit. There is no need to turn off the gas supply to the unit, as there is no pilot.
Additionally, only turning off the gas will cause the blower to run as long as there is a call for heat. Which, in the case of a week away from home, would probably be 5-6 days straight.
Yes, a powervented system is required when venting horizontally. Essentially, excess air (from within your dwelling) is mixed with the hot combustion products of the water heater at the draft hood of the heater. This excess air cools the burnt gasses sufficiently enough to be vented through plastic piping.