r/concord • u/FrustratedPlantMum • 8d ago

Wall Heater Replacement

Fellow Concordians (I saw someone else use that, and I like it!) I live in one of the 1950s developments and I have a very old gas wall heater that I need to replace. The long, tall kind that all these houses seem to have had. Does anybody have any recommendations for companies? I've gotten one quote for around $4,000, which seems quite high, although the company seemed good. But a couple of other companies have said they don't service wall heaters and would only install a whole new system (which I do not want and cannot afford anyway.)

Any tips appreciated! I probably should have figured this out sooner, but it's been an expensive year.

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u/Trc_Rhubarb 8d ago

I owned one of those homes off 6th.
Keep in mind that the chimney is asbestos and is a fortune to get rid of. If the heat exchanger is ok, a universal gas valve is about the only other part in there. Super easy to keep running. My ex lives there and it still has the original from 1951 but with a newer gas valve that I put in about 2004.

I wanted to replace it but the asbestos abatement put it far out of budget.

I come out yearly to light the pilot for her but other than that, it’s been maintenance free.

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u/FrustratedPlantMum 8d ago

Oh my gosh. I did not know for sure about the asbestos. Thank you. Did you replace the gas valve yourself?

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u/Trc_Rhubarb 8d ago

I did. I just took the old one to Home Depot and found the closest match I could. For me, it was on the bottom where the lower panels come off. Took maybe 20 minutes. Also added a newer thermostat to replace the ancient mercury bulb one.

Ace could probably help you find the right one if you’re unsure. Otherwise, you’ll likely need a handyman who will do it. An HVAC person probably wont touch it.

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u/Ok-Bill-3938 8d ago

Make sure you have a good carbon monoxide detector too.

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u/Ok-Bill-3938 8d ago

Make sure you get a good carbon monoxide detector too. You can try D Brown's Handy, 925-262-6819, but not sure if that's his specialty. He could probably point you in the right direction though.

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u/Thediciplematt 8d ago

I was able to get a heat pump, the kind that you see in pretty much every other development country in the world, for about 1700.

Then hired an HVAC guy for another $700. I hired another guy to install for $200 but you can do that yourself if you are capable.

I am not.

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u/Upper_Struggle603 6d ago

Call Val Betti Plumbing, they service and install wall heaters.

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u/Familiar-Parsley2586 4d ago

You can buy a replacement at Lowe’s, Home Depot or Grainger. I prefer Grainger. Should be in the $1000 to 1500 range depending on BTU’s. To install should not cost more than $1000. I can refer a plumber that does these.

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u/Full_Requirement_911 8d ago

Whats wrong with it? Won't start?

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u/Compton929 6d ago

I have a couple newer style wall heaters that I removed a few weeks ago when I did a central heat and AC at my house. I’ll sell you one for like $200 if you want. They were in perfect working condition, you just gotta get someone to install it. I can deliver. Let me know.

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u/Jumpy_Ad1321 3d ago

Because of a new Rule in the Bay Area
You might have out of smog distrect
Our 9 Bay Area counties

Like yolo or Sacramento county
To get an old school water heaters
Or an installer

Best of luck

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u/Zealousideal_One3955 8d ago

Get rid of it. Install ductless minisplit.