01-26-2016, 12:35 PM
Filliam H. Muffman wrote:
The 75% efficient replacement water heater for the previous model, could likely be hooked up to the previous vent with minimal work.
A 96% efficient replacement water heater needs electricity hooked up, a new PVC fresh outside air supply vent and new PVC combustion exhaust vent. I would wager that if you replace the 96% efficient water heater in 10 years with an identical model, the labor charge would be a little more in line with inflation.
My new water heater did not require a new exhaust vent, nor an outside air supply vent, nor any electrical connection. The plumber did cut the water pipes near the heater and installed new fittings; not sure if this was required by the change in size (it's fatter than the old one, but connections look to be in the same positions).
/Mr Lynn