Combustion & Ventilation Air:
In order for appliances and their vent / chimney systems to operate properly they require a
plentiful supply of clean combustion and ventilation air. Requirements for such combustion and
ventilation air are found in the installation and maintenance instructions accompanying the appliance as
well as in vent manufacturer's literature and various mechanical codes. Seek and follow guidelines
provided there when installing an appliance / vent system.
In addition to a plentiful source, it is very important for the combustion air to be free of certain
chemical contaminants that can be very corrosive in nature to the appliance and / or venting system
during and as a result of the combustion process.
In some cases, the use of indoor air is acceptable with the exceptions stated below. However,
wherever possible, it is best to take combustion air directly from the outside, unless outdoor air has
contaminant vapors nearby as listed below.
The following common list of substances need to be avoided in all instances since vapors
associated with them – if mixed with the combustion air – can be extremely corrosive to the appliance
and / or venting system. *Please note this list is not exclusive as to substance or effect and may be
supplemented at any time.
a. Permanent wave solutions
b. Chlorinated waxes and cleaners
etc.
c. Chlorine based swimming pool chemicals
d. Water softening chemicals
e. De-icing salts or chemicals
softeners
f.
Carbon tetrachloride
g. Halogen type refrigerants
Corrosion of the vent / chimney caused by the use of contaminated combustion air voids the
warranty on these products.
Flue gas condensate with PH levels below 2.5 may also void the warranty. PH levels should be
monitored regularly and if below 2.5, should be addressed with the boiler OEM on methods to raise it.
Maintenance Procedures:
•
Normal operation of gas burning appliances does not result in deposits of combustible soot in venting
systems. However, a poorly adjusted or malfunctioning appliance can deposit soot and other debris
which can enter the vent system. As with all vents, the Saf-T Vent system should be inspected at least
annually for the presence of deposits of soot or debris. Any such accumulation should be removed and
the appliances adjusted to eliminate future accumulation.
•
At regular periods the system should also be inspected for signs of leakage of condensate or
combustion by-products at all joints.
turned off and the leaks repaired.
•
If the system incorporates a drain hose from either an in-line fitting or from a drain tee then the hose
must be inspected periodically to assure that water remains in the trap loop. If a proper trap loop is not
maintained exhaust from the connected appliances may accumulate in the building area.
2017 Heatfab is a registered trademark of
Johnson Controls, Inc. in the United States and
other countries.
PI-GCINS 4/17
h. Cleaning solvents (i.e.
i.
j.
k. Cements and glues
l.
m. Masonry acid washing materials
If any leakage is found the connected appliances should be
perchloroethylene)
Printing inks, paint removers, varnishes,
Hydrochloric acid
Laundry room detergents, fabric