E. negative pressure – Heatiator CB4842IR User Manual

Page 16

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Heatilator • Caliber BV Series • 4040-262 • Rev M • 08/09

6

Recommended

Location

Marginal

Location

Location

Not

Recommended

Recommended

Location

Multi-level Roofs

Windward

Leeward

Location

Not

Recommended

Figure 4.2

E. Negative Pressure

WARNING! Asphyxiation

Risk!

Negative pressure can

cause spillage of combustion fumes and soot. Fireplace

needs to draft properly for safety.
Draft is the pressure difference needed to vent fireplaces

successfully. Considerations for successful draft include:
• Preventing negative pressure

• Location of fireplace and chimney

Negative pressure results from the imbalance of air

available for the fireplace to operate properly. Causes for

this imbalance include:
• Exhaust fans (kitchen, bath, etc.)

• Range hoods

• Combustion air requirements for furnaces, water heaters

and other combustion appliances

• Clothes dryers

• Location of return-air to furnace or air conditioning

• Imbalances of the HVAC air handling system

• Upper level air leaks (recessed lighting, attic hatch

opening, duct leaks)

To minimize the effects of negative air pressure, the fol-

lowing must be considered:
• Install the fresh air kit. Install the intake on the side of

the house towards prevailing winds during the heating

season.

• Ensure adequate outdoor air is supplied for combustion

appliances and exhaust equipment.

• Ensure furnace and air conditioning return vents are not

located in the immediate vicinity of the fireplace.

• Avoid installing the fireplace near doors, walkways or

small isolated spaces.

• Recessed lighting should be of “sealed can” design; attic

hatches weather stripped or sealed; and attic mounted

ductwork and air handler joints and seams taped or

sealed.

• Basement installations should be avoided due to stack

effect. Stack effect creates negative pressure in lower

levels. Hearth & Home Technologies recommends the

use of direct vent fireplaces in basements.

Location of the fireplace and chimney will affect perfor-

mance. As shown in Figure 4.2, the chimney should:
• Be installed through the warm space enclosed by the

building envelope. This helps to produce more draft,

especially during lighting and die-down of the fire.

• Penetrate the highest part of the roof. This minimizes

the effects of wind turbulence.

• Be located away from trees, adjacent structures, uneven

roof lines and other obstructions.

Offsets can restrict draft so their use should be mini-

mized. Consider the fireplace location relative to floor

and ceiling and attic joists.

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