I was told no. It's not just the venting that's different, there is different plumbing involved as well. Switching to electric or going back to the good old one line in and one line out type would cost more than replacing with the same type of unit.
Power vent can be complicated. My neighbor took several days to do his and now says he wishes he hadn't. And he's an engineer.
How many other lines in and out are there?
some engineers are functional idiots IMO. great at math and theory, but not so much actually doing it.
quick google search is showing 1,050-1,700 for power vent water heater. Depending on time, disposal of old unit and Colorado prices, the estimate "makes sense" IMO, but still wouldn't want to pay it.
They're telling me there are recirculating lines that would have to be removed/capped off and it would be more expensive than just installing another power vent. I don't know if that's true or not.
Yeah I'm definitely aware of that. Really don't think this guy falls into that category but noted!
Like others have said, pick your handiest friend and do it yourself with patience. I have a neighbor who is really handy but plumbing isn't his thing. He's still going to help me replace mine here in the coming month or so. $600 + a case of beer for him is a lot cheaper than the $2300ish estimates I received here in KC
do you have any friends that are mechanically inclined/experience? Your situation sounds "unique", but that can often times be exploited. "this isn't a straight forward job, so it'll be a bit more".
****, I'd probably just sell the house. Or do as suggested above and hire a plumber from out of state to come and do it and save yourself a couple thousand dollars.
