Where should combustion air intakes not be located?
Where should combustion air intakes not be located?
Expert
Maestro
Sealed combustion (direct vent) systems bring outdoor combustion air directly to the furnace, usually through PVC piping. This may be a separate piping system or part of a concentric arrangement with the exhaust piping inside the intake piping. The intake should be able to draw fresh air, with little chance of becoming obstructed. Poor locations include too close to the exhaust vent (varies among manufacturers, 4 to 12 inches), near pools, spas or hot tubs (where corrosive chem-icals may be drawn in), too close to the ground or roof (where snow may block the intake), or too close to clothes dryer vents and gas regulators.
Lack of combustion air may shut down the furnace. Contaminated combustion air can damage the furnace or cause an explosion.
Check the location of the air intake. Use common sense and if unsure, recommend that a specialist check further. The manufacturers' recommendations are usually the best source.
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