Hot water heater vent question.

[Hank]

Hello, I just removed a propane hot water heater from a mobile home and I need to replace it. This heater was in a small enclosed space, and had a vent entering the bottom of of the heater that went through the floor and brought in air from the area under the home. The exhaust vents through the roof. I saw a water heater the same size and shape at Lowes for $259, but was told I couldn't use it since it took air in from the side. The Lowes guy said the water heater I need costs about $900, and I can't use the one that takes air in from the side. Why not? It will still have a supply of fresh air and still be vented through the ceiling, just like the other one. So, what's the problem? Hank

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[SQLit]

Are you sure that the water heater you found was propane, and not natural gas?

Mobile homes come under a different code that built in place homes. I suggest that you call your local building department and ask them. Seems to me as long as the vent is big enough and you have an exhaust, there should not be much of a problem.

[Oscar_Lives]

Why do you want to heat hot water?