Powered Vent water heater
 

What can the PPOT brain trust tell me about power vented water heaters? I'm considering getting one, but I've heard a lot of complaints about fan noise. Anyone have any experience with them?

I have one. Basically they are a cheap way out for the contractor. The fan is not noisy until it starts to go out. I've lived here for 9+ years and had to replace mine a year ago. They do not last long. Other than that I have no complaints.

Thanks. Since I'm paying the contractor, this would be a cheap way out for me. I'm remodeling and need to put a door right where the water heater stack is.

Can ya go tankless with a powered vent?

I have a Norge tankless with power vent. 4 years now, trouble free and nearly silent.

My power vent is noticeable when it vents. Not annoying but I can hear it.

What exactly is it? A system to avoid going through the roof for the vent?

Put the tankless outside. No vent needed just a cap with most city code.

Yes. In my case it's to avoid having a pipe running vertically through the mud room in a critical place. You can vent the heater with horizontal pipe. Some claim to be good for 100 feet.