We've had big problems with condensate drainage in my new water heater, see: http://advice.thisoldhouse.com/showt...5&goto=newpost

So the installer has concluded I cannot have a high-efficiency because we don't have a proper drain for the condensate (which currently drains to outside).

This being said, he's now trying to swap for a unit without a p.o.w.e.r vent on top. My old unit had a p.o.w.e.r vent on top. My water heater sits about 4-feet from the outside wall due to the triangle-shape of the room, it was the only place to fit it.

Being 4-feet away from the outside wall, don't I need a p.o.w.e.r vent?

Here's the unit the builers originally put and the one I really think they need to use:

Sorry about spelling it p.o.w.e.r... for some reason this system is turning the word into *****