We bought a house built in 1911. Last week our water heater broke down and so we called the gas company. When the technician arrived he said well I can't hook another water heater because you have no chimney liner. "Oh", we said, "well, put one of those in and hook up the new water heater". Can't do that because you furnace is too big for your chimney, even with a new liner. Now, in order to get hot water we have to purchase a new furnace! What??
I understand that the building code has changed but if we want gas powered hot water we must spend upwards of $3000 and get a new furnace or buy $400 worth of exhaust equipment that mustn't connect to the chimney and pay double the monthly rental charge for the new style of water heater(self exhausting). Anyone care to comment on this?