Sixlashes
Plumber in Previous Life
I am planning to install an A.O. Smith Vertex 100 direct-vent water heater or the Vertex power-vent gas water heater. I have looked at their web site to determine if they will have problems related to the FVIR debacle. I cannot tell if they use this technology. The direct vent doesn't seem to since it gets all of it's combustion air from outside. (However; it is $500 more than the power vent model.) It makes sense the power vent model would utilize some form of this technology since it pulls it's combustion air from around the water heater, but I cannot tell. I do not trust that advice from the manufacturer would be objective.
I am looking hard at one of these units because of their fast recovery (100,000 btus) and high efficiency (95% and 90% respectively). Does anyone have experience with one or both of these models?
I am also using it as a heat source for my radiant heat system in my slab. They both have inlet/outlets for this purpose separate from the standard domestic supply. Since I am in the panhandle of Florida, my btu demand for heat will be low and a boiler/indirect water heater option seems to be overkill.
I appreciate your time and experience.
I am looking hard at one of these units because of their fast recovery (100,000 btus) and high efficiency (95% and 90% respectively). Does anyone have experience with one or both of these models?
I am also using it as a heat source for my radiant heat system in my slab. They both have inlet/outlets for this purpose separate from the standard domestic supply. Since I am in the panhandle of Florida, my btu demand for heat will be low and a boiler/indirect water heater option seems to be overkill.
I appreciate your time and experience.