"And I still don't understand the logic, if any, or putting a water heater in the attic. Seems like it's just asking for trouble,"
I agree with you that it doesn't seem like the best choice, given the propensity for leaks. Plus they are heavy.
From a space consideration it would makes sense. And that would also save money. Also, it's in a hot attic which would help save heating costs. And it's outside the thermal envelope making it safer than being in the house.
California certainly has it's share of homes with the w. heater outside the home on a porch or in a special lean-to cabinet which is a good idea. Especially if it's gas.
I remember the day in 1989 turning on the tv and watching the coverage of the Loma Prieta quake and they talked about the homes that were built on mushy landfill and how those homes easily caught fire because of broken gas lines. That just scares me. Earthquakes can happen without warning and be over in a second, but the damages can be deadly.
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"No basements are why you southerners have so many fewer classic appliances."
True, as well as other good stuff.
However, I'm learning we still have our hoarders. See people people with musty but protected basements in the North and midwest can collect stuff in their basements and just forget about it, for generations perhaps.
Here, there are people who deliberately hoard if they have the space. Its a little bit different.
Also, there is probably less mid century stuff down here in the first place. Look at history. How did the U.S. look in it's various regions in 1960 for example? North East, Mid-west, the South, West Coast, Mountain states?
South was generally poor (and it still is in a lot of areas),
Midwest had the manufacturing and thus people were better off, they bought stuff and tended to be thrifty and held onto stuff,
Northeast had money and could afford anything,
California and West and Mountain states were just booming and thus could afford stuff too but the needs and wants were different and more trendy than say the midwest.
Things are changing and people who are moving South don't tend to bring with them their large appliances and furniture.
They come to "retire" so all the "good" stuff gets left behind and auctioned or is made available for people in the Northern areas.
