Relocating water heater and air conditioner - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

todd · 07-01-2004, 07:13 PM

Has anybody had this done, or maybe even done it yourself?
How much was it?
Any side effects?

I was thinking about possibly redoing my basement sometime in the future. I want to expand the 'living area' and have a bathroom put in. I've been messing around with some possible floor plans, but all of them have 1 problem. My water heater and air conditioner system is right in the middle of everything, and would need to be moved.

I inspected my air ducts, and it seems like it would still work if the system (or whatever its technically called) was moved to the other end of the house and attached to the ducts in the same fashion.
As for the water heater, i'd think all that would need to be done is a little pipe rerouting. It's gas powered, by the way.

If anybody has had this done, how does it work? Is there any bad side effects? I found a little information, but nothing that was too incredibly helpful.

Heres a couple simple layouts for anybody that is interested.

The red circle and rectangle are the water heater and air condition system, obviously. Dark red is the main air ducts.

Thanks!

SinisterMotives · 07-01-2004, 09:25 PM

Moving the air conditioner could be an unmitigated pain because you have to run two flexible copper pipes through the walls from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit without crimping them.

onetime2 · 07-02-2004, 04:34 AM

Both are entirely doable but it can be a real pain. Where is the condenser for the air conditioner? What type of water heater is it (electric, gas, oil)? What do you plan on having in that expanded finished room? Are you sure you can't just enclose them in a utility closet and still retain most of the functionality?

Additionally, to get a good idea about what you're looking at, I'd bring in a couple of people to give you estimates. That way you can ask detailed questions but you have to be careful not to tip them off that you're thinking of doing it yourself.

kazoo · 07-02-2004, 04:48 PM

The water heater is likely the least of the issues. Changing the cold inlet and hot outlet, as well as the black iron gas supply are no big deal. The question is whether or not the unit can still be properly vented. There are limitations on the length of flue while maintaining proper pitch. Exceed them and you can have CO discharge into the dwelling or stratification of gases in the chimney, acidic condensation formation, and flue deterioration.

Moving the furnace carries these issues, also. In addition, as observed above, the lineset can be extended, but I do my best to avoid the practice. You still must provide for a means of condensate drainage from the evaporator, and the system will need to be rebalanced to provide proper discharge and return flows. You can't just hook up the ductwork and assume it to be smooth and groovy.

Have your proposed plans evaluated by a qualified mechanical contractor to ensure that the system will function in a safe and efficient manner.

todd · 07-02-2004, 05:25 PM

Hmm, sounds a lot more involved than I had expected. I never seriously thought I was going to be doing it myself, and now I'm certain I wouldn't

Thanks for the information, guys. I appretiate it. Maybe i'll give somebody a call and have it looked at. I'll let you know how it progresses. Thanks again!

DelayedReaction · 07-02-2004, 10:40 PM

What about moving the laundry room next to the water heater, and creating a new room where the laundry room, storage, and utility currently are? What exactly is in the utility room? Is it a circuit breaker, or something more?

If it's not too much, you could feasibly combine all of that into the laundry room and have two full rooms to play with. If not, you could keep the utility room where it is and just have a bit more space.

Technically not "Before" but I'm lazy tonight.

Ashton · 07-03-2004, 01:57 PM

I've done this, the only noticable difference is it takes a long time for the hot water to reach the far side of the house.

07-01-2004, 07:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
todd Addict Location: Chicago	Relocating water heater and air conditioner Has anybody had this done, or maybe even done it yourself? How much was it? Any side effects? I was thinking about possibly redoing my basement sometime in the future. I want to expand the 'living area' and have a bathroom put in. I've been messing around with some possible floor plans, but all of them have 1 problem. My water heater and air conditioner system is right in the middle of everything, and would need to be moved. I inspected my air ducts, and it seems like it would still work if the system (or whatever its technically called) was moved to the other end of the house and attached to the ducts in the same fashion. As for the water heater, i'd think all that would need to be done is a little pipe rerouting. It's gas powered, by the way. If anybody has had this done, how does it work? Is there any bad side effects? I found a little information, but nothing that was too incredibly helpful. Heres a couple simple layouts for anybody that is interested. The red circle and rectangle are the water heater and air condition system, obviously. Dark red is the main air ducts. Thanks! Last edited by todd; 07-01-2004 at 07:18 PM..

07-02-2004, 04:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
onetime2 Junkie Location: NJ	Both are entirely doable but it can be a real pain. Where is the condenser for the air conditioner? What type of water heater is it (electric, gas, oil)? What do you plan on having in that expanded finished room? Are you sure you can't just enclose them in a utility closet and still retain most of the functionality? Additionally, to get a good idea about what you're looking at, I'd bring in a couple of people to give you estimates. That way you can ask detailed questions but you have to be careful not to tip them off that you're thinking of doing it yourself. __________________ Strive to be more curious than ignorant.

07-02-2004, 04:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
kazoo Psycho Location: Where the night things are	The water heater is likely the least of the issues. Changing the cold inlet and hot outlet, as well as the black iron gas supply are no big deal. The question is whether or not the unit can still be properly vented. There are limitations on the length of flue while maintaining proper pitch. Exceed them and you can have CO discharge into the dwelling or stratification of gases in the chimney, acidic condensation formation, and flue deterioration. Moving the furnace carries these issues, also. In addition, as observed above, the lineset can be extended, but I do my best to avoid the practice. You still must provide for a means of condensate drainage from the evaporator, and the system will need to be rebalanced to provide proper discharge and return flows. You can't just hook up the ductwork and assume it to be smooth and groovy. Have your proposed plans evaluated by a qualified mechanical contractor to ensure that the system will function in a safe and efficient manner. __________________ There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity -Big Daddy

07-02-2004, 10:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
DelayedReaction BFG Builder Location: University of Maryland	What about moving the laundry room next to the water heater, and creating a new room where the laundry room, storage, and utility currently are? What exactly is in the utility room? Is it a circuit breaker, or something more? If it's not too much, you could feasibly combine all of that into the laundry room and have two full rooms to play with. If not, you could keep the utility room where it is and just have a bit more space. Technically not "Before" but I'm lazy tonight. __________________ If ignorance is bliss, you must be having an orgasm.

07-01-2004, 09:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
SinisterMotives Junkie	Moving the air conditioner could be an unmitigated pain because you have to run two flexible copper pipes through the walls from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit without crimping them.

07-02-2004, 05:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
todd Addict Location: Chicago	Hmm, sounds a lot more involved than I had expected. I never seriously thought I was going to be doing it myself, and now I'm certain I wouldn't Thanks for the information, guys. I appretiate it. Maybe i'll give somebody a call and have it looked at. I'll let you know how it progresses. Thanks again!

07-03-2004, 01:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
Ashton PORNHOUND Location: California	I've done this, the only noticable difference is it takes a long time for the hot water to reach the far side of the house.