[springcreek]

Hi we have a lennox G26 furnace the exhaust and intake pipes are run through the old oil stove chimney out the roof.
We have had several problems with this setup;
1-Water leakage during rainstorms.
2-intake icing up under ideal conditions several times every winter resulting in no heat until we clear the ice out.[not fun when it is minus 40]
We are thinking about relocating the pipes out the side of the house.

This past winter after getting sick and tired of climbing up on the roof I installed a capped t y fitting on the intake at the furnace line so when icing prevented the furnace from starting at 2:00 a.m. I was able to uncap the pipe to let the furnace draw combustion air from the house.

An additional benifit we realized of this modification is the high humidity levels we have experienced ever since we bought this house go away when running the furnace with the cap removed.

Are there any pros/cons or dangers to running the exhaust out the sidewall and drawing all the combustion air from in the house?
We went most of this winter drawing combustion air from the basement and have not noticed much difference in propane consumption.

The house is quite tight,we have to crack a window when we run the clothes dryer in the winter or ice builds up and freezes the doors shut.
This is the only gas appliance in the house.

 

[gregzoll]

Really depends on where you live, and how high the snow drifts up against the house. Mine exits the side of the house aprx 3 feet from the ground level. Never had any problems with freezing, but then again I am in The middle of Illinois.

 

[yuri]

That furnace is not AGA/CGA UL code approved for taking the combustion air from inside the house. Plus you need to make sure you bring in enough outside air for proper combustion doing it that way. I would have it revented thru the side wall of the house if possible. Can have the pipes snorkeled up to get above the snow level if necessary. Lennox makes a proper termination kit for sidewall venting so I would get a Lennox contractor to order it and do the job. If not you may end up with pressure switch tripping problems etc.

 

[springcreek]

:thumbsup:Thanks for the quick reply,
Straight out the side would put the pipes about 30 inches above ground,so snow height should not be an issue.
We are in northern Saskatchewan and minus 40 is not uncommon,the depth of the snow is never the issue, high winds with swirling snow seem to create the icing conditions.
If the pipes were accessible at ground level they still may ice up but clean out would be much easier and safer.
I will get the right people in to do the job right.
I am guessing the t y fitting I installed would still be against code.
The humidity issue is still a big concern and from what I have figured the lack of air movement in the house when the combustion air is not being drawn from inside is the issue.
Is there any way to have an upgrade done to allow this unit to function as described or am I going to have to replace with a different model?

 

[yuri]

Your house is so tight that you need a HRV heat recovery ventilator ( google that term) to bring in fresh air and remove moist air. Gets just as cold in Winnipeg so I know ALL about it. I have a HRV also. Lifebreath makes the best ones IMO and experience and they also make them for Lennox and call them Healthy Climate. May want to check with some local Lennox dealers.

Lifebreath

http://lifebreath.com/line.php?line_id=8
http://www.lennox.com/products/indoor-air-quality-systems/HRV/

Apparently the ECM motor versions are a bit noisy and don`t save enough electrcity $$ to warrant the extra cost. The others are very good and that company has been around for 35 or more years. Make VERY good quality units with metal cores and not cheesy plastic parts like others. You cannot upgrade that unit to take house air for combustion. You can get a newer Lennox EL195 which is approved for 1 pipe use and takes combustion air from the house. A HRV may cost around $3000 or more so spending that on a new furnace may be a better idea. The G26 is close to 10 yrs old and may require expensive repairs soon so replacing it may be a better idea rather than buying a HRV. The HRV is much better for your health and why I have one. You need fresh air to be healthy.
http://www.lennox.com/products/furnaces/EL195/

 

[springcreek]

Yuri
I did some research on the HRV unit you mentioned and it does sound like a good system.
Our basement is fully finished so install cost would be high.
I think we will start with running the pipes out the side, then consider the cost to replace the unit.
Thanks again for being so helpful and sharing your knowledge.