Originally Posted By: Joe Funderburk This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I appreciate any help on this subject:
Inspected a new house with a gas furnace in the closet. In the photo (link below), you'll see combustion air was provided by the pipe on the left. Exhaust was vented by the pipe on the right. The closet had no other vents. I was under the impression that 2 vents were necessary (one high and one low) to provide combustion air if the room size was not sufficient. However, this furnace data plate stated that the furnace was approved for use in closets.
Originally Posted By: lewens This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
If the furnace is getting it’s combustion air from the outside I don’t see a problem. There should be no issues with negative draft etc. or lack of combustion air.
Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Just started my 12th year and I am still learning too. This board is a tremendous resource and the combined experience of the members is probably well into the thousands of years. Someone has either seen it or done it so we can all learn from one another. I am constantly looking for useful books, CDs, classes or anything else that will help me be a better inspector and businessman and how to work smarter, not harder. The day someone thinks they know everything is the day they get into deep sewage.
Originally Posted By: Joe Funderburk This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
OK, I’m a slow learner.
Here's another gas furnace in a closet from today's inspection. It was a Ducane--model number was illegible. "Direct vent forced air" furnace.
Here's what puzzles me: an opening was on top of the unit where I think the PVC pipe for combustion air should be secured--it was not there. You could see the flames clearly through this opening. The return was on bottom left of the unit--no duct to outside; also drawing air from inside closet. The closet door was louvered, but the top section of the louvers was covered. The lower part of the closet door had a filter installed. There is no other entry for combustion air--all air comes in through the filtered door.
It seems to me that if all the combustion air comes in through the filter this is incorrect. Doesn't the return air and combustion air mix because of this arrangement? Even if there was sufficient louvered area, is it OK to have the return air and combustion air mixed together in a closet???
I appreciate your help. HVAC ain't my strong suit and you can tell.