Side Wall Vent Chimneys & Flues
Direct-Venting Heating Appliance Chimneys & Flues

POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about the installation or diagnosis of sidewall vent or direct vent chimney or flue exhaust systems for heating appliances: oil, gas, other fuels firing heating appliances & fireplaces

Direct vent chimneys or exhaust for heating appliances:

This article describes side wall vent systems for conventional & mid-range-efficiency heating boilers, furnaces & water heaters. We include for comparison, low temperature side wall vent systems used by high efficiency or condensing boilers, furnaces & water heaters.

We explain the difference between side wall or direct venting for conventional/mid-range efficiency oil or gas burning heaters and side wall vented high efficiency condensing heating appliances.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

Guide to Direct Vent or Side-Wall Vent Chimneys & Flues

Direct-venting or side wall vent chimney and flue systems are a method of venting the exhaust gases from a heating appliance directly out through the side wall of a building while eliminating the need for a vertical chimney of any sort.

Gas or oil fired side wall power vents are provided by several manufacturers listed at the end of this article.

Watch out: if you see thick soot and smoke at your sidewall or direct-vent exhaust flue or chimney (like the black soot around the vent in our photos here and at page top) the heating equipment vented by this exhaust system is not operating properly and it's probably unsafe

[Click to enlarge any image]

Article Series Contents

CONDENSING BOILERS/FURNACES
DIRECT VENTS / SIDE WALL VENTS
- DEFINITIONS of Sidewall or Vertical Direct Venting compared with Direct Exhaust
- DIFFERENCES Between High Efficiency Condensing Boiler vs a Mid-range or Conventional Heater Venting Requirements
- GAS APPLIANCE / HEATER DIRECT VENT CLEARANCES Separate Table for Direct Vented Gas Appliances
- GAS FIREPLACE VENT CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
- GAS FIREPLACE / LOG MANUALS
- VENT SLOPE REQUIREMENTS for direct-vented chimneys & plastic vents
- VENT SAFETY WARNINGS Regarding Combustion Air Supply Source for Direct Vented Heating Boilers/Furnaces
- VENT SUPPLIERS of Side Wall or Through Wall Vent Chimney Systems & Equipment - where to buy it
DIRECT VENT INSTALLATION, SNAFUS & SPECS
DIRECT VENT WIND PROBLEMS

Side Wall Vent Equipment for Oil Fired Boilers, Furnaces, Water Heaters

For safe and clean sidewall venting of oil fired heating equipment the vent system incorporates a power vent fan to assure that gases leave the building side wall with sufficient velocity to avoid sooting or otherwise harming the wall.

The system, such as Tjernlund's SIDESHOT® series of power vents draws outdoor air thorough the outer passage(s) of a multi-walled vent plenum, cooling the exhaust gases as they pass through the vent.

Risk of fire and heater malfunction with improperly installed or site-built side wall vent systems

One look at the "do-it-yourself" attempt at side wall venting (photo at left) makes clear why the proper equipment is needed to vent an oil fired appliance directly though the building wall. Avoid a building fire with do-it-yourself though-wall chimneys & flues

Our soot stained wall photo (photo at left ) shows what happens at a direct-vented oil-fired heating system when there are multiple errors and unsafe conditions including:

The heater is not working properly and needs immediate service as it is blowing thick dense sooty smoke

The through-wall metal flue vent and "chimney" appears to be a home-made adaptation rather than a listed and approved direct-vent device.

The effects of this home made direct-vent "chimney" are quite visible: the siding on the building has been thickly coated with soot. If you (click to) enlarge the photo you will also see some interesting reverse thermal tracking effects marking the wall studs. This is an unsafe installation that needs immediate repair.

Watch out: the photograph above illustrates an unsafe thorough-wall vent for an oil fired heating appliance.

See SOOT on OIL FIRED HEATING EQUIPMENT for more information.

We have received or read building owner complaints that sidewall venting has "ruined the building siding" or "stained the siding" but in our OPINION such problems occur because of an improper installation or improper heating equipment maintenance.

Side Wall Power Vent Equipment for Gas Fired Boilers, Furnaces, Water Heaters

Our photo above shows an Energy Kinetics oil fired heating boiler vented using an OEM direct vent system.

Shown below is the exterior wall of the same installation.

The stained wall photo (photo below) shows what can happen at a direct-vented high-efficiency heating boiler if the vent is not properly sloped through the wall.

Condensate accumulates in the vent pipe, dissolves flue gas deposits, and ultimately leaks both outside and back into the equipment.

To repair this mistake the installer will have to disassemble the entire vent system, and either remove a bit of masonry block from the bottom of the present wall opening or change the interior flue vent connector piping to slightly raise the inside end of the through wall vent - one or the other - to obtain proper condensate slope and condensate handling on this equipment.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Direct or Sidewall Vent Conventional Oil or Gas Fired Heater Exhaust compared with a High Efficiency Condensing Furnace or Boiler

Exhaust or venting of heating appliances may be horizontal, direct through a building side wall, or vertical, up through the building roof. But what is the difference between Direct Exhaust and Direct Venting ? Weil-McLain makes the following important distinctions: [10]

Definitions of Sidewall or Vertical Direct Venting compared with Direct Exhaust

Direct Venting uses a power ventilating blower or fan (and in some models a heat exchanger plenum to cool outgoing gases passing through the building wall (sidewall direct exhaust) or roof or through an existing unused chimney through which a vent pipe is passed (vertical direct exhaust).

Combustion air for heating boilers or furnaces is drawn from outdoors through a dedicated air intake pipe or duct (the small diameter pipe in the pair at left of our photo below).

Definitions of Sidewall or Vertical Direct exhaust

Direct exhaust venting draws combustion air from the utility room or boiler room around the heating appliance and vents appliance exhaust out through a building sidewall or through the roof using an approved or listed B-vent, metal chimney, or similar materials. Combustion air is provided to the heating appliance from the space surrounding the equipment.

Sidewall direct exhaust heating appliances

Sidewall direct exhaust uses a B-vent or other listed or approved metal or even plastic flue vent connector and metal chimney materials to vent outgoing combustion gases through a building side wall (sidewall direct vent).

A blower or power vent draws combustion air in to the heater and a power vent pushes exhaust gases out through a separate or dedicated exhaust flue.

The heating appliance vents directly out through a building side wall, powered by natural draft provided by the heating equipment, typically using a single wall metal flue or chimney or a B-vent.

This venting method, typically for gas fired boilers, can be used only by certain heating appliance models such as Weil-McLain's CGs boilers excluding the CGs-4E model.[10]

Vertical direct exhaust-vented heating appliances

Vertical direct exhaust is a similar installation to the sidewall direct exhaust vented vertically, typically up through the building roof. This heater venting system, typically for gas fired boilers, is used only by certain heating appliance models such as Weil-McLain's CGs boilers.

Image at above left courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection, education & report writing tool company [ carsondunlop.com ]. [Click to enlarge any image]

Safety Controls at side wall power venters include

[Click to enlarge any image]

A fan proving switch that prevents the heater from operating if the power vent used to operate the side wall vent is not working
A timer control that keeps the power vent operating for a period after the burner has stopped, typically for 45 seconds, to purge remaining combustion gases from the heating appliance

Safety controls and power vents for gas fired heating appliances are certified by the AGA, the American Gas Association.[6]

Watch out: don't confuse direct vent heating equipment with the through-wall venting and air intake of high efficiency boilers and furnaces.

Both types of heating systems can vent horizontally through a building wall, but the exhaust products of high efficiency or condensing boilers and furnaces are generally cool and have different venting and combustible clearance specifications.

See CONDENSING BOILERS/FURNACES

also
see CONDENSING BOILERS/FURNACES DAMAGE.

What's the Difference Between Venting a High Efficiency Condensing Boiler or Furnace or Water Heater with a Mid-range or Conventional Heating Boiler, Furnace, or Water Heater?

In comparing the venting of exhaust gases from a high efficiency furnace, boiler or water heater with the venting of exhaust gases from a conventional heating system it will be immediately obvious that the high efficiency equipment exhaust is produced at a low-enough temperature that it is vented through comparably small-diameter plastic piping rather than a cooled, fire-protected metal heating vent.

What can be confusing is that some mid-range efficiency heating equipment may vent through a (larger diameter, say 4") plastic heater vent referred to as HTPV (high temperature plastic vent) chimneys.

We illustrate an HTPV system at below left and a high efficiency plastic direct vent system at below right (Image courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates ).

More details about HTPV and a product safety recall are

at PLASTIC Plexvent / Ultravent RECALL.

Vent Clearance Requirements for Direct Vented Gas Appliances

at GAS APPLIANCE / HEATER DIRECT VENT CLEARANCES we provide a complete list of required clearance distances between the air intake or combustion gas exhaust vents for direct vented heating appliances. Illustration adapted from Thermo Products installation instructions - click to enlarge this or any other image or photo at InspectAPedia. [15]

[Click to enlarge any image]

Some highlights include:

The exhaust vent terminal shall be located at least 3-feet above any forced air inlet located within 10-feet.

See the sketch at above left for a depiction [courtesy of Thermo Pride] of the minimum required clearances between vent terminations and building features according to the National Fuel Gas Code (NFGC). [19] A larger and more complete illustration and table of clearance distances is at GAS APPLIANCE DIRECT VENT CLEARANCES - live link given just above.
The vent terminal shall be at least 12-inches below, 12-inches horizontally from, or 12-inches above, any door, window, or gravity air inlet into a building. The bottom of the vent terminal shall be located at least 12-inches above grade.
The exhaust vent terminal shall not be located:
- over public walkways or over an area where wetting of surfaces by condensate, or water vapor, could create a nuisance or hazard,
- near soffit vents, crawl space vents, or other areas where condensate or water vapor could create a nuisance, hazard, or cause property damage, and
- where wetting of components by condensate, or water vapor, could be detrimental to the operation of pressure regulators, relief valves, or any other equipment.
The vent terminal shall be installed a minimum of 14-inches from any obstruction and 3-feet from an inside corner of an L-shaped structure (see table below).

Importance of Proper Slope on Heating Equipment Exhaust Vent Piping

& Protection from Blockage by Snow, Ice, Shrubs or Wind

Watch out: Both direct vent chimney specifications (discussed beginning at the start of this article

at DIRECT VENTS / SIDE WALL VENTS) and

condensing boiler or furnace vents (shown at below left and discussed

at DIRECT VENT GAS HEATER IMPROPERLY INSTALLED must be installed following the manufacturer's specifications.

Otherwise there is risk that condensate either freezes (if you're in a freezing climate) to block the heater's exhausts (you lose heat) or to produce dangerous carbon monoxide gas in the building.

Specifications for direct vent and condensing boiler vents may specify that the vent line slopes to indoors where condensate is to be disposed-of at an interior condensate handling system or drain, or they vent may be required to slope to the outside.

Our illustration at left shows the plastic pipes of two types of direct vent heating appliances protruding through a building sidewall.

We can tell from the height above ground that the heaters are most likely located in the building basement.

The pair of plastic lines in the left of the photo are an air intake (the shorter protruding plastic pipe) and exhaust vent outlet (the longer plastic outlet pipe). The wider single round plastic vent at the right side of our photo is venting a second appliance, perhaps a water heater.

Watch out: We can also see that as with the gas appliance power vent shown in the previous section, this high efficiency heating system condensate is also not being properly drained from the left hand condensing heater - instead of condensate running back into the building and into a building drain, this pipe is sloped so that condensate runs out of the end of the plastic vent line.

The problem with this arrangement becomes evident in cold weather as condensate freezes and the ice formed can actually block the safe venting of exhaust gases.

Watch out: Ice formation at sidewall vents is not the only cold weather hazard for this equipment. Our photo at left shows that the vents are less than 24 inches from the ground. In climates where snowfall may occur at depths capable of covering the air intake or sidewall vent outlet, Vermont Gas and Thermo Products both warn that it is critical to keep sidewall vents clear of snow-cover.

Blocking the combustion air intake or exhaust outlet by accumulated snow, ice, or even shrubs or piled leaves can result in dangerous. potentially fatal carbon monoxide gas poisoning of the building occupants.[13][15]

You should inspect the exhaust vent and combustion air intake vent for blockage at least annually, and we recommend further inspection in winter for blockage by snow or ice:

The vent and combustion air terminations shall be checked periodically, at least at the start of each heating season, for restriction or blockage from foreign material in the exhaust vent or in the air intake piping. Clean the air intake and vent terminations when necessary. [15]

Protect direct vented appliance vents from becoming blocked by snowfall

As you can read in our citation of direct vent and sidewall vent clearance distance requirements in the FAQs below,

The outlet/inlet of the vent and air intake terminations shall be a minimum of 12 inches above highest anticipated snow level. The vent outlet must be installed a minimum of 12 in. above the air intake inlet.

Terminations must also be kept clear of any leaves, weeds, combustible materials, snow, and ice build-up. [15]

and Thermo Products further recommends:

In geographical areas with considerable snowfall, it is advisable to locate the vent terminal much higher than the minimum 12-inches above ground to prevent blockage by snow accumulation or drifting. [15]

For at least some heating appliances and manufacturers, and to solve vent clearance difficulties when your installation cannot meet the specifications in the Gas Code, manufacturers' specifications, or local building codes, roof vent termination kits are available.

Notice that the illustration (left) of roof-vent termination of direct-vent appliance air intake and exhaust does not show the necessary flashing & sealing to avoid roof leaks.

Illustration adapted from Thermo Products installation instructions. [15]

The furnace may be vented vertically through the roof. The outlet/inlet of the vent and air intake terminations shall be a minimum of 12 inches above highest anticipated snow level. The vent outlet must be installed a minimum of 12 in. above the air intake inlet.

The combustion air intake shall be installed upwind of the vent outlet when exposed to prevailing winds. The exhaust vent and combustion air intake can be a minimum of 3 in. and a max. of 24 in. apart. [15]

Watch out: when chimneys or vents pass through building floors and roofs above, additional fires stopping may be required.

Protect direct vent appliances from wind:

Wind protection for direct vent appliances - Thermo Products Installation Instructions

The combustion air intake shall be installed upwind of the vent outlet when exposed to prevailing winds.

Avoid locating the vent terminal on a wall facing prevailing winds and wide-open areas.

When impractical, choose a location that protects the vent from strong winds, such as behind a fence or hedge. [15]

Comment: Keep hedges, fencing, or other wind barriers far enough away from the air intake vent to avoid obstructing air intake, and keep hedges far enough away to avoid plant injury from the heat of exhaust gases.

Illustration adapted from Thermo Products installation instructions. [15]

Avoid locating the vent terminal over areas where dripping of condensate, or small pools of acidic condensate, could create a problem. [15]

Comment: OPINION: an exhaust vent that is dripping condensate to the outdoors in freezing climates risks dangerous blockage by ice formation.

Safety Warnings Regarding Combustion Air Supply Source for Direct Vented Heating Boilers/Furnaces

Weil Mc-Lain [10], Thermo Products [15] and other manufacturers warn that if the heating appliance is in an area where local indoor-area-supplied combustion air is likely to be contaminated the installer must pipe an outdoor combustion air supply to the heating boiler (or other heating appliance) combustion air intake port.

Watch out: There are critical concerns with combustion air contamination for heating appliances:

Combustion air that is contaminated with corrosives can damage the boiler by corroding the heat exchanger or other components. The result can be worse than damage to the equipment. Corrosion that leads to flue gas leaks can leak potentially fatal carbon monoxide or other gases into the occupied space of the building.

Other combustion air contaminants that are flammable or themselves combustible could lead to an actual fire or explosion.

Examples of corrosive contaminants include

Spray cans containing chlorocarbons or fluorocarbons
Permanent wave solutions (is your heating equipment installed in a beauty parlor /)
Chlorinated waxes or cleaners
Calcium chloride such as snow and ice melting "salts"
Sodium chloride (salt) used in water conditioners (water softeners)
Chlorine and other swimming pool chemicals (is your heating equipment installed near an indoor swimming pool?)
Some refrigerant gas leaks (most refrigerants are inert gases but some, such as ammonia, are highly corrosive)
Paint or varnish thinners or removers
Cements or glues
Anti static fabric softeners used in clothes dryers
Chlorine based bleaches, laundry detergents, cleaning solvents
Adhesives & glues such as tile mastic, carpet glue, even self-stick floor tiles or similar products

If your building contains any of these or other corrosive or explosive products and if you cannot remove them from the locale, an outside combustion air supply must be piped to the heating appliance air intake.

Watch out: also make sure that the combustion air supply outdoors is not itself close to a source of corrosive or explosive materials.

Manufacturers & Manuals: Gas & Oil Direct Vent, Side Wall or Through Wall Vent Chimney Systems

Direct sidewall vent heating appliance manufacturers & products can be listed here at no fee. CONTACT US to provide information or technical comment.

Amana & Goodman, CONCENTRIC VENT TERMINATION KIT INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] DCVK-20 & DCVK-30, (2003-2007, 2012-2013) Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P. 5151 San Felipe, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77056 www.daikincomfort.com, www.goodmanmfg.com and www.amana-hac.com
Excerpt:
This kit is designed to allow the terminations of a direct vent furnace to be “concentrically” vented through a wall or roof. This kit allows a single penetration to support terminations for both the vent/flue pipe and the combustion air intake pipe.
Amerivent, VENT SIZING GUIDE [PDF] Retrieved 2018/11/21, original source: Amerivent, 5030 Corporate Exchange Blvd. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49512 USA, Tel: (800) 252-8467 - http://www.ameri-vent.com/files/assets/files/1366372183_Sizing26ApplicationGuide1.pdf
A.O. Smith, INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR 6” (15 cm) CONCENTRIC VENT TERMINATION DIRECT VENT SIDEWALL VENT MANUAL [PDF] A.O. Smith Water Heaters, 500 Tennessee Waltz Parkway, Ashland City, TN 37015 PHONE: 1-800-433-2545 • FAX: 1-800-433-2515 www.hotwater.com
Excerpt:
This instruction covers installation of the 6” (5 cm) concentric vent termination for BTH 400 and 500 Cyclone XHE water heaters.

More at AO SMITH WATER HEATER AGE & MANUALS
Burnham, BURNHAM ESC INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL[PDF] Installation and Operating and Service Instructions for ESC™ Enhanced Sealed Combustion Gas Boiler, U.S. Boiler Company, Inc., PO Box 3020, Lancaster PA 17604 USA, Tel: 717-397-4701, Website: www.usboiler.burnham.com
BURNHAM ESC USERS MANUAL [PDF]
BURNHAM ESC INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL PRE 2012-09 [PDF] Installation and Operating and Service Instructions for ESC™ Enhanced Sealed Combustion Gas Boiler, U.S. Boiler Company, Inc., PO Box 3020, Lancaster PA 17604 USA, Tel: 717-397-4701, Website: www.usboiler.burnham.com
Field Controls, FIELD DIRECT VENT SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] Model FDVS, Field Controls
Excerpt:
The Field Direct Vent System (FDVS) is a non-powered positive pressure side wall vent termination system for use only with specifically listed oil fired appliances. The system provides an outlet for exhaust gases and an intake for combustion air in a single concentric terminal. The FDVS termination is designed to direct the hot exhaust gases away from the structure using the static pressure generated by a special oil burner.
Field Controls, OIL VENTING GUIDE [PDF] (2008) Field Controls, 2630 Airport Road, Kinston, NC 28504 USA TEL: 252.522.3031Web: www.fieldcontrols.com
Excerpt: Contents: The Evolution of Venting Power Venters Sizing & Installation Specs Control Kits & Safety Switches System Setup & Maintenance Direct Venting

A separate Gas Venting Guide is available for gas applications. For more information on Field Controls products, wiring diagrams and installation manuals, visit www.fieldcontrols.com or call 252.522.3031.
Field Controls, Gas fired commercial water heater power venters, Bradford White, Field Controls, Model SWGII-5-6 and SWG-8 provide sidewall venting for commercial water heaters (290K BTUH to415K BTUH) [Copy on file as /Side Wall Power Vents/Gas_Heater_WalL_Vent_Bradford_White_Field.pdf ][7]
ICP, CONDENSING GAS FURNACE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, [PDF] ICP, International Comfort Products, LLC, PO Box 128, Lewisburg TN 37091 USA
Excerpt:
The 4−way multipoise Category IV condensing furnace is CSA design−certified as a direct vent (2−pipe) or non−direct vent (1−pipe) furnace. (See Figure 3) The furnace is factory−shipped for use with natural gas. The furnace can be converted in the field for use with propane gas when a factory−supplied conversion kit is used. ...

These furnaces are not approved for installation in recreational vehicles or outdoors. Single-stage furnaces (40k through 120k) are approved for installation in manufactured housing/mobile homes with manufacturer approved accessory.

The conversion kit is required for use with both natural and propane gas. The furnace must also be installed on a factory−supplied accessory combustible floor base or evaporator coil casing.
John Wood DIRECT VENT GAS WATER HEATER MANUAL [PDF] (2013), Discontinued model. Direct vented outside through sidewall vent.

More at JOHN-WOOD WATER HEATER AGE & MANUALS
Laars , "Mighty Venter Power Vent System", Laars Models MV2, MV2, MV4, MV5 for Mighty Therm 5009-1825. Bradford White Corporation [11]
Rheem, "Tankless water heater side wall vent termination", Rheem Corporation, [9]
Rutland Fire Clay Co., PO Box 340, Rutland VT 05702 USA, Tel: 800-544-1307, Website: www.rutland.com, Email: sales@rutland.com. The company's products include the direct vent sealant shown in our photo (above left), item #614C.
Excerpting from the product's package description:

This sealant is intended for use "... for sealing vent applications with pellet stoves, gas ducts, pipe flanges, as well as the firebox of direct vent fireplaces. It creates a gasket that maintains integrity even in temperatures of up to 800F. ... Important: this product is not an adhesive. Use proper mechanical fasteners to secure assembly."
SlantFin, INTREPID DIRECT VENT OIL FIRED WATER BOILER INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] TRDV-Series, SLANT/FIN CORPORATION, Greenvale, N.Y. 11548 USA, Tel: (516) 484-2600 Canada: Slant/Fin LTD/LTEE, Mississauga, Ontario www.slantfin.com

Except: Slant/Fin TR SERIES, models TRDV are approved for installation as a direct vent system. The following basic guidelines should be observed according to the venting system in use. In addition, it is strongly recommended that the applicable precautions for Natural Draft Applications be used.
Field Controls, "SWG/CV Power Venter, outdoor mounted power venters for oil or gas fired heating equipment", Field Controls.

This power vent device mounts on the exterior of the building and operates when the indoor room thermostat calls for heat. Like the other sidewall power vent systems for heating equipment, the Field Controls Power Venter includes additional safety controls to prevent the heater from operating if the vent does not turn on. [13]
Tjernlund. "Gas Side Wall Power Venters", Tjernlund Corporation, provides GPAK gas vent packages that combine a power ventilation system and a 4" draft control including appropriate safety controls. This product can vent gas fired appliances at up to 250K BTUH. Website: tjernlund.com/gassidewall.htm [5]
Tjernlund, "Oil Side Wall Vent Systems", Tjernlund Corporation, provides SS2 SideShot sidewall vent systems for oil fired heating boilers, furnaces or water heaters.

The equipment includes a multi-walled plenum that uses outdoor air to cool the exhaust gases as they pass through the building wall, and can be installed with zero clearance to combustible materials such as wall studs or siding.

As with the gas side wall power venters described above, the unit includes a factory-wired safety control that will prevent the heater from operating if the power vent is not working.

This equipment can safely vent heating appliances up to 315K BTUH (with a flame retention oil burner. Conventional oil burners on older equipment limit the BTUH handling capacity of the vent to a maximum of 223K BTUH.[6]
Weil McLain, "Sidewall or Vertical Direct Vent or Direct Exhaust" systems for gas fired water boilers are provided by Weil McLain for Weil McLain's Gold™ CGs Gas-Fired Water Boilers [10]
[9] "Tankless water heater side wall vent termination", Rheem Corporation, Website: http://www.rheem.com/products/tankless_water_heaters/
how_to_install/side_wall_vent_termination_10/
[10] "Gold™ CGs Gas-Fired Water Boilers Venting Supplement: sidewall direct exhaust, vertical direct exhaust, sidewall direct vent, vertical direct vent models
[11] "Mighty Venter Power Vent System", Laars Models MV2, MV2, MV4, MV5 for Mighty Therm 5009-1825. Bradford White Corporation, U.S. 20 Industrial Way, Rochester, NH 03867 • 603.335.6300, Canada, 1869 Sismet Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 1W8 • 905.238.0100, Website: www.Laars.com
[12] "Be Alert, Keep Sidewall Vents Clear", Vermont Gas Corporation, P.O. Box 467, Burlington VT 05402 Delivery: 85 Swift St, South Burlington VT 05403. Phone: 802.863.4511. Email: CustomerService@VermontGas.com, web search 4/1/2012, original source: vermontgas.com/winter/vents.html
[13] "Power Venting, SWG/CV Power Venter, ComboVent Power Venter, Field Controls, FIELD CONTROLS, LLC 2630 Airport Road Kinston, NC 28504 Tel: 252.522.3031 Email: sales@fieldcontrols.com

Listed special gas vent systems that comply with UL-1738 & UL S636 and in Canada, certified by CSA are the only vent systems that can be used with Weil Mc-Clain's CGs heating boilers. Depending on the brand and model, your heating appliance may have similar restrictions so be sure to read the installation instructions with care.

Heat-Fab Saf-T- Vent®
Flex-L International Inc. StaR-34
Z-Flex, Inc. Z-Vent II
Pro Tech Systems FasNSeal™

Clearance Distance at Exterior Vent Termination of a Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace

We moved this data to a separate table now found

at GAS FIREPLACE VENT CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS Separate Table for Direct Vented Gas Fireplaces

Reader Question: is this direct vent gas fireplace outlet too close to my air conditioner?

See CLEARANCE DISTANCE, HVAC where a reader commented that his building inspector did not accept the safety of the installation shown below. We agreed.

Reader Question: is this direct vent outlet too close to my window?

I googled “carbon monoxide plastic flue roof top side house” and came across your website with relevant information. I have a question below, and please let me know if there is a fee for answer and what is the fee. I would like to address my concern of CO coming out from side of house, even if it is per code.

Breathing in CO is of great concern to me. Comparing it to car exhaust does not comfort me, as we would not a stationary car for the exhaust gas with CO at same place as plastic flue side wall vent. Please assist answer the questions below. Thank you. B.L. by private email, 2016/03/30

Reply: here are typical clearance distances for a direct-vent gas fired appliance vent opening to an operable window

Direct vent gas vent clearance required depend in part on the size in BTUs (BTUH or thousands of BTUs per hour input rating) of the heating appliance.

We marked on your gas vent photo the two measurements that are typically made: the vertical distance to the window and the horizontal distance to the window from the nearest point of the gas vent.

For a typical gas fired water heater, the distance from the vent outlet to some building features are a bit different depending on whether your home is in Canada or the U.S. or in another country and jurisdiction.

But for operable windows, both countries use the same guideline: the distance shown by the red arrows needs to be 3 feet for heating appliances over 100,000 BTUH.

These clearance instructions were in the General Venting Requirements installation manual for your vent system, in the document that you sent to me (page 65), as

6 inches (15 cm) for appliances up to 10,000 Btu/hr (3 kW),
12 inches (30 cm) for appliances between 10,000 Btu/hr (3 kW) and
100,000 Btu/hr (30 kW), 36 inches (91 cm) for appliances above 100,000 Btu/hr (30 kW)

"Direct Venting Requirements and Guidelines", Gas Furnace Installation Manual, Publication 94-24161-124-06, provided by the reader B.L. That document in turn cites the U.S. National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 54

Direct Vent Exhaust for Heating Flues: Installation & Inspection Questions

This topic has moved to DIRECT VENT INSTALLATION, SNAFUS & SPECS

...

Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2023-12-15 by InspectApedia Publisher - technical support at Navien agrees that the installation is improper

@Allen,

Update: technical support at Navien is in agreement that the installation is improper. Here's what Navien technical support replied to my query:

---

Looking at the photo the unit would need further termination distance to prevent the exhaust gases from recycling into the unit causing it to self-cook.

Normally you want at least a 1ft distance vertically and horizontally for the venting - If another furnace venting is there it would need the exhaust to be moved away.

- Navien Technical Support, by private email to InspectApedia editor, 2023/12/15

---

By "self cook" I think the technician means overheat, which can damage or destroy the equipment and which thus also be a safety hazard.