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June 19, 2008
Venting Question - High Efficiency Boiler
We are looking at installing two Burnham gas-fired High Efficiency, Condensing Boilers in a gut renovation. Basement, Floor 1 Apt and Floor 2 Apt. I want to "stack" in FL1, FL2 utility closet a unit to handle each independent apartment - in the apartment. So one unit directly over the next one floor up. Question is venting: I know codes and manufacturer specs regarding venting. However, nowhere does it say how close to each other the vent stacks can be on the roof. I hope this makes sense. Question 2: should I just put the units in the basement? But same issues applies...how close on roof can the vents / intakes be to each other?? Any wisdom would be appreciated.
Comments
That's really a question to ask the mfgr... but they are supposed to be close together.
Posted by: denton at June 19, 2008 4:42 PM
There are a number of more problems with a HE boiler than an atmospheric one -- they're more finicky. For one, you don't want to place the intakes anywhere near the vents, as this can cause the boiler to short-cycle. Where is your combustion air going to come from?
Also, the limitations on how far the boiler flues can be vented are real. The manufacturer's maximum distances (remember bends in the line add effective distance) will let you know if putting multiple boilers in the cellar is possible for you or not.
I would consult with a knowledgeable installer, but my gut is that it doesn't matter at all how close the flues are to each other on the roof. I'm pretty sure they cannot be ganged before the roof, however.
Posted by: an architect in Brooklyn at June 19, 2008 6:45 PM
The new code leaves all of this up to the manufacturers.
Consult with Burnham, or their rep here in NYC: Venco Sales.
But Architect is right, the bigger issue is the proximity of intake to exhaust, which I believe for the Alpine or Freedom boilers is 4 feet.
(I was just hosted to a two-day factory tour and seminar last week)
Posted by: Master Plvmber at June 20, 2008 9:02 AM
Why do you need to have the intakes on the roof, is it technically impossible to create them in the exterior wall? That's a more direct approach.
Posted by: Smokychimp at June 20, 2008 1:24 PM
I don't know about Burnham boilers exactly but some of these HE boilers utilize a concentric flue which vents & intakes fresh air. This would solve your air intake problem but the distance between the flues becomes really important.
Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:02 PM
The installation manual - found online - is clear. Intakes and exhausts are allowed on the same plane which includes side wall. Exceptions exist, but warranty can be effected if problems occur without "written" authorization from a factory engineer.
The Mod/Con's are reliable and efficient if installed and serviced properly. Installation is the key.
Morgan Audetat
www.badgerboilerservice.com
Posted by: guest at June 23, 2008 8:51 AM
The installation manual - found online - is clear. Intakes and exhausts are allowed on the same plane which includes side wall. Exceptions exist, but warranty can be effected if problems occur without "written" authorization from a factory engineer.
The Mod/Con's are reliable and efficient if installed and serviced properly. Installation is the key.
Morgan Audetat
www.badgerboilerservice.com
Posted by: guest at June 23, 2008 8:52 AM
The installation manual - found online - is clear. Intakes and exhausts are allowed on the same plane which includes side wall. Exceptions exist, but warranty can be effected if problems occur without "written" authorization from a factory engineer.
The Mod/Con's are reliable and efficient if installed and serviced properly. Installation is the key.
Morgan Audetat
www.badgerboilerservice.com
Posted by: guest at June 23, 2008 8:52 AM
Thank you ALL for your help.
Posted by: BrookBry at June 23, 2008 11:22 AM
Why do you need to have the intakes on the roof, is it technically impossible to create them in the exterior wall? That's a more direct approach.
Posted by: Smokychimp at June 20, 2008 1:24 PM
My outside wall in that area is a light well. I assume you can't vent into a light well??? Anybody have the answer to that?
Posted by: BrookBry at June 23, 2008 11:31 AM
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