Furnace inlet vent problems

crumb · 10-23-2012, 06:16 PM

I recently noticed that the vent that was installed for my furnace is sucking in a lot of debris from outside into my furnace room. It was installed only 4 inches above the ground level. It also snows here in Utah so I expect it will be covered completely in the winter. I looked at the code and it looks like it was not installed according to code. From what I understand this is what the code says:
1. Must be installed 12 inches above grade or above expected snow level.
2. Must be at least 4 ft from a window that opens or a door or 1 foot above.
Does this sound right? I would like to understand so I can get this located in a place that is up to code.

HVACTECH96 · 10-23-2012, 06:44 PM

12'' above anticipated snow level and 4 ft for single pipe and usually 12 " for two pipe systems[intake and exhaust next to each other].Installation manual should show how to install termination if it needs to be raised higher.

ben's plumbing · 10-23-2012, 08:16 PM

this may help

crumb · 10-23-2012, 08:23 PM

The inlet is by itself. It goes from one end of the house to the other in the floor joists and is about 6 inches in diameter. It then opens up to the outside air. Here is a photo:

You will notice the white grill under the window to the right.

ben's plumbing · 10-23-2012, 08:35 PM

I personally never seen one installed like that here in pa..but maybe in your area they do that....what does your neighbor have in the way of intake set up....?????ben sr

crumb · 10-23-2012, 08:59 PM

the furnace has the exhaust pipe going out the side of the house. The input tube is just open to the air in the basement. But then above the furnace is the 6 inch tube that leads outside.

I have two units in my home. One for the upstairs in my attic(immediately under the roof) and one for the main floor(in the basement). The basement doesn't have vents and is unfinished. The input and exhaust pipes for the upstairs unit goes out the roof. Both tubes.

I didn't get a chance to look at the neighbors before it got dark outside.

ben's plumbing · 10-23-2012, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crumb

the furnace has the exhaust pipe going out the side of the house. The input tube is just open to the air in the basement. But then above the furnace is the 6 inch tube that leads outside.

I have two units in my home. One for the upstairs in my attic(immediately under the roof) and one for the main floor(in the basement). The basement doesn't have vents and is unfinished. The input and exhaust pipes for the upstairs unit goes out the roof. Both tubes.

I didn't get a chance to look at the neighbors before it got dark outside.

sounds like they are using that for combustion air...furnace and water heater......get picture of furnace area....maybe you could run intake pipe from furnace to side where exhaust pipe gos out...???ben sr

10-23-2012, 06:16 PM	#1
crumb Newbie Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 13	Furnace inlet vent problems I recently noticed that the vent that was installed for my furnace is sucking in a lot of debris from outside into my furnace room. It was installed only 4 inches above the ground level. It also snows here in Utah so I expect it will be covered completely in the winter. I looked at the code and it looks like it was not installed according to code. From what I understand this is what the code says: 1. Must be installed 12 inches above grade or above expected snow level. 2. Must be at least 4 ft from a window that opens or a door or 1 foot above. Does this sound right? I would like to understand so I can get this located in a place that is up to code.

10-23-2012, 06:44 PM	#2
HVACTECH96 Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Lansing,MI Posts: 146	Furnace inlet vent problems 12'' above anticipated snow level and 4 ft for single pipe and usually 12 " for two pipe systems[intake and exhaust next to each other].Installation manual should show how to install termination if it needs to be raised higher.

10-23-2012, 08:16 PM	#3
ben's plumbing Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 3,225	Furnace inlet vent problems this may help Attached Thumbnails

10-23-2012, 08:23 PM	#4
crumb Newbie Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 13	Furnace inlet vent problems The inlet is by itself. It goes from one end of the house to the other in the floor joists and is about 6 inches in diameter. It then opens up to the outside air. Here is a photo: You will notice the white grill under the window to the right.

10-23-2012, 08:35 PM	#5
ben's plumbing Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 3,225	Furnace inlet vent problems I personally never seen one installed like that here in pa..but maybe in your area they do that....what does your neighbor have in the way of intake set up....?????ben sr Attached Thumbnails

Furnace inlet vent problems