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Direct Vent Equipment

Guide describing categories of direct-vent combustion space- and water-heating equipment and combustion safety testing.

Dryer vents directly to the outdoors

Direct vent appliance installed

A direct-vent sealed-combustion fireplace takes its combustion air directly from outside through a dedicated air inlet and vents combustion products directly outside

Publication Date

Mon, 02/04/2013 - 12:00

Clothes dryers vented directly to outdoors, except for ventless dryers equipped with a condensate drain

A direct-vent sealed-combustion furnace has dedicated pipes for combustion air and exhaust

Publication Date

Thu, 02/07/2013 - 12:00

Dryer exhaust duct should vent directly to the exterior via a smooth, rigid metal duct

Furnaces, boilers, and water heaters located within the home’s pressure boundary are mechanically drafted or direct-vented

Because flue temperatures are cool, intake and exhaust ducts on a Category 4 direct-vent sealed-combustion condensing furnace can be made of PVC

Publication Date

Thu, 02/07/2013 - 12:00

Wrong – Two combustion appliances are sharing a flue which could lead to backdrafting if one appliance is updated to a direct vent appliance and disconnected from shared chimney.

For fireplaces that are not mechanically drafted or direct-vented to outdoors, total net rated exhaust flow of the two largest exhaust fans is .15 CFM per 100 sq. ft. of occupiable space when at full capacity

Proper Clothes Dryer Venting

Guide describing how to correctly vent a clothes dryer.

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Have Proper Ventilation

Guide describing how to provide combustion air for fireplaces and how to test fireplaces for combustion safety.

Combustion Furnaces

Guide describing combustion furnaces with selection and installation guidance.

Condensing Boilers

Guide describing condensing boilers and hot water heat distribution systems used for home heating.

Pre-Retrofit Assessment of Combustion Appliances

Information guide describing things to consider before attempting retrofits including any combustion appliances, or that may affect them.

Gas-Fired Boilers

Guide describing gas-fired boilers and hot water heat distribution systems used for home heating.

Ventilation Air Inlet Locations

Guide describing how to install ventilation air inlets in open locations at a safe distance from potential air contamination sources.

Unvented Combustion Appliances

Guide describing how to properly ventilate un-vented combustion appliances such as sealed fireplaces.

Home Performance Assessment

Information guide describing how to apply a whole-house approach to home improvement with energy efficiency upgrades, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort.