Mechanical Damper?

[Dugger]

I am replacing a 40 gal gas water heater. The current tank has a standing pilot that has a mechanical damper hooked up to the flue. The flue comes off the tank with 3" for about 2' and then opens up to the 4" metal stack that runs through a chase in the first floor, to the attic and out the roof. The water heater is the only thing using this stack because the furnace is 90+ direct vent.

Can I eliminate the mechanical damper with the new HWT? In other words, what purpose is it serving?

Tanks.

[majakdragon]

Not sure why you would want to eliminate it. It only works when the burner comes on and blocks wind from coming in when the burner is not operating.

[Dennis/Ohio]

Originally Posted by Dugger

I am replacing a 40 gal gas water heater. The current tank has a standing pilot that has a mechanical damper hooked up to the flue. The flue comes off the tank with 3" for about 2' and then opens up to the 4" metal stack that runs through a chase in the first floor, to the attic and out the roof. The water heater is the only thing using this stack because the furnace is 90+ direct vent.

Can I eliminate the mechanical damper with the new HWT? In other words, what purpose is it serving?

Tanks.

The idea is to stop heated air from leaving the house but i don't feel much escapes from the water heater. It would be different on a overhead garage heater with a 4 or 5" hole near the ceiling.
PS. Tankless water heaters are a joke. You'll never recover the unit cost in energy savings.
Retired Sears HVAC Tech, Dennis........
Self-employed: DennisHoover.com