AlwaysFixingIt
New Member
I could use some advice on replacing my current water heater. It's a 40 gallon atmospheric vent tank water heater with a build date of 1987.
I have to keep a basement window cracked in order to prevent the water heater from back drafting when my dryer is running. This 60 year old house has been insulated, improved windows, sealed, etc.
The unit is near the end of it's life, and I'd like to not worry about make up air when running the dryer. The basement is partially finished, so an open window is not desirable in the winter.
What would be my best option for replacement? Any advice on brands/models?
My mechanical room is below a bedroom, so a quiet unit is preferred.
I have to keep a basement window cracked in order to prevent the water heater from back drafting when my dryer is running. This 60 year old house has been insulated, improved windows, sealed, etc.
The unit is near the end of it's life, and I'd like to not worry about make up air when running the dryer. The basement is partially finished, so an open window is not desirable in the winter.
What would be my best option for replacement? Any advice on brands/models?
- Direct vent heater - Current unit is 16' from exterior wall, so may not be practical.
- Power vent water - Still would use internal air for combustion, but will this overcome negative pressure with dryer running?
- Condensing storage heater - Solves makeup air issue, since it brings in combustion air from the outside. The only downside I see is price, the cheapest I've found is $1,600 + installation. I see Bradford White heaters for $2k.
- Condensing tankless water heater - Solves makeup air issue and I see units for $1,000 + installation. This is tempting.
My mechanical room is below a bedroom, so a quiet unit is preferred.