Power vent water heater question

[B&H]

Hello, newbie here. I am considering upgrading my NG water heater natural draft flue with a sealed-combustion power vent unit. I have a small ranch house with a full basement in Central New York, and recently had the NG furnace upgraded to a high-efficiency one. The only item now vented through the chimney is the water heater. I like the idea of not using indoor air for combustion.

I am concerned about the location of the vent. The location of the water heater is in the basement, and the easiest place for the vent would be out the back of the house. However, it would be below a bedroom window and not too far away from a main-level deck. The furnace is vented out the front of the house, but obviously there aren't any windows open when it's on.

What kind of exhaust smell can I expect from a PV water heater? I can vent out the side of the house, but that will require a much more involved install.

Second question is are there noise concerns from any particular brand? Anything else I should know regarding PV water heaters?

I am trying to educate myself a bit before I call the plumber.

Thanks!

[Gary Swart]

Power vent heats still draw air from the interior. Think of the vent as an exhaust. Newer power vents use 2" PVC for venting and are quite easy to install in most cases. There is no discernible odor from the vent. I vent my furnace and water heater within 2 feet of each other, and I have never had any odor. I use the GE/Rheem heater, and have had very good luck with it. The Bradford-White is another very good brand.

[Plumber111]

Look into a Direct Vent.

[B&H]

Looking at this unit:

http://www.bradfordwhite.com/images/...eets/116-B.pdf

I don't think it uses any air from the house. I am very concerned about the exhaust smell. After replacing the WH, I am going to finish the ceiling in the basement w/ drywall, so moving the vent afterwards is going to be a bigger deal than running it out the side of the house now. I just have no idea how much "stink" a NG WH makes.

[Plumber111]

Why are you insistent to use a Power Direct Vent? Measurements won't work out for a Direct Vent? Less noise and things to go wrong with a Direct Vent.

[jimbo]

There are codes governing where a vent exhaust can be located with respect to any openable door or window. Doesn't matter if you THINK the window would not be open. The install instructions and the National Fuel Gas Code, and your local building codes, all address this.