I know water heaters in the attic are not uncommon, but how do you all feel about gas water heaters? I have inspected several units in a local townhouse community, built in the early 80’s. Each unit has the natural gas water heater installed in the attic. The only attic access is in the master bedroom closet, and the water heater is literally right next to the attic access.
My concern is that you have a gas appliance directly next to the bedroom… hopefully the attic access panel is well-sealed! Yesterday, I found one with the vent hood knocked off he top of the water heater. They had a new roof done 2 years ago, so pumping CO into the attic for 2 years! Not to mention, the drip pan drain is T’d into the TPR extension…which also is connected with flex…
Lots of issues. The disconnected draft diverter on the gas water heater being in the attic helps somewhat seeing it is an unconditioned nonhabitual space but it is a danger to the occupants and the home.
Good fit for the WTF thread.
This is so common! Happened at my parent’s house a few years ago. I just happened to open the furnace closet and the PVC exhaust had been ripped right off the top of the furnace when the roof was replaced.
Water heaters in attics? Yeah, maybe not ideal or my first choice but I don’t have a huge problem with it. Even if I did there’s really no source to cite and interjecting my opinion would just piss everyone off.
I wonder why it is spouting CO into the attic. Is there a problem with the combustion air supply? What was the CO measurement?
The exhaust hood is displaced.
Actually - I ran the hot water until it fired up, then measured - there was no CO… but the potential is crazy.
Matt - I see them in the attic now and again. My concern is in these - gas heaters next to the access, which is in the master bedroom… so essentially the gas-fueled water heater is at the bedroom-only separated by a loose-fitting cover. I recommend to them that the attic cover be well-sealed and a CO monitor nearby.
Most attics are ventilated. Sure, not a good thing, but we can be thankful it was the attic and not the basement or closet.
Yes, that is what I would expect. You get water vapor and CO2 unless combustion air is in short supply, then you will start to get CO.
^^This
We HIs tend to have quite a fear of CO and don’t always remember a gas burner in a well ventilated area poses no danger. The risk/benefit with CO poisoning is nothing to play around with and it’s good we’re all so cautious but quite a few things have to go wrong/be set up wrong to get CO.