HVAC

Module 03202
Chimneys, Vents, and Flues
Copyright © 2024 by N C C E R, Alachua, F L 32615. Published by Pearson. All rights

reserved.
Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.0.0 Venting Gas-Fired Furnaces

Objective

3. State the basic venting considerations for common gas-fired

heating equipment.
a. State the venting considerations for induced-draft furnaces.
b. State the venting considerations for condensing furnaces.

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

Performance Task

1. Use manufacturer’s tables to determine the proper vent size for

an induced-draft or condensing gas furnace according to an
instructor-outlined installation scenario.

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.0.0 Venting Gas-Fired Furnaces

• Induced-draft and condensing furnaces have different venting

requirements.
• Natural-draft furnaces for comfort are no longer manufactured.
• Changes to existing systems that can cause a backdraft include
building exhaust fans, the addition of vented combustion
appliances, or renovations that reduce the air infiltration around
the home.
• When a furnace is connected to a common vent connector with a
water heater, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for venting
both pieces of equipment.

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.1.0 Induced-Draft Gas Furnace Venting (1 of
3)
• In induced-draft furnaces,
condensation can be a problem
because they have cooler flue
gases than natural-draft
furnaces.
• To avoid condensation in
induced-draft furnaces, they
should be properly sized,
vented correctly, and have the
correct cycle rate.
• Categor
Vent sizing tables are used to
I furnaces
y
size vent components
. for these
Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues
3.1.0 Induced-Draft Gas Furnace Venting (2 of
3)
Factors that affect vent sizing
include the following:
• Total burner input
• Height of the vent
• Horizontal distance from the
appliance to the vent riser
• Vent connector material
• The number of elbows in the
vent connector and riser

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.1.0 Induced-Draft Gas Furnace Venting (3 of
3)
• The ambient temperature
where the furnace is installed
also affects the choice of
material for the vent
connector.
• When space is available, Type
B venting materials are always
the best for induced-draft
furnaces.

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.1.1 Induced-Draft Furnace Vent Sizing
Example
Before sizing a venting system for
a furnace, select a diagram in the
National Fuel Gas Code that
matches the installation and use
the venting tables related to that
diagram.

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.1.2 Vent Dampers (1 of 2)
• Vent dampers are energy-
saving devices that can be
added to some furnaces and
boilers.
• They remain closed when the
burner is not operating to
prevent air from escaping.
• They are typically powered by
a small motor.
• Vent dampers can be a health
and fire hazard if the burner
runs while the damper is
Module 03202 – Chimneys,closed.
Vents, and Flues
3.1.2 Vent Dampers (2 of 2)

WARNING!
Vent dampers are rarely allowed or necessary on induced-draft
furnaces. Never install a vent damper on any appliance without
specific consent from the equipment manufacturer.

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.2.0 Condensing Gas Furnace Venting (1 of 2)

• Condensing furnaces are

typically vented with Schedule
40 P V C pipe.
• Condensing furnaces may
draw their combustion air from
outdoors or from inside the
space.
• When configured for non-direct
venting, you must ensure an
adequate volume of
combustion air is provided.

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.2.0 Condensing Gas Furnace Venting (2 of 2)
• Sizing tables provided by the
manufacturer are used to size
the combustion air and vent
pipe of combustion furnaces.
• When using plastic vent piping
for non-direct systems,
horizontal piping should be
sloped back towards the
furnace, must be properly
supported, and no portion of
the vent or air intake should
be placed underground.

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.2.1 Direct-Vented Piping Terminations (1 of 3)

• In a direct vent system,

combustion air is drawn in
through one pipe while
combustion byproducts are
vented through the second
pipe.
• The outdoor piping termination
is critical to proper furnace
function.
• The vent and intake pipes
should always terminate in the
same atmospheric pressure
zone. Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues
3.2.1 Direct-Vented Piping Terminations (2 of 3)
• Vertical terminations through
aroof require the vent pipe 12''
to be than the combustion
higher
air intake.
• The combustion air intake
at least 3" above the roof
should
be
vertical on a
• termination.
The termination well should
be above the expected snow
levels when venting through
a wall.

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.2.1 Direct-Vented Piping Terminations (3 of 3)

• When venting through a

sidewall, don’t terminate at an
inside corner, under a deck, or
in shrubbery.
• When the pipe size must be
increased at the furnace, it
often must be reduced before
penetrating the roof or wall.
• Concentric termination
packages allow combustion
and exhaust gases to be
carried through the same
opening. Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues
3.0.0 Section Review Question 1

1. A low temperature rise in an induced-draft furnace Fill in the blanks .

a. reduces the vent temperature

b. can cause the furnace to overheat
c. causes short cycling
d. interferes with furnace ignition

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.0.0 Section Review Question 1 Answer

1. A low temperature rise in an induced-draft furnace Fill in the blanks .

a. reduces the vent temperature

b. can cause the furnace to overheat
c. causes short cycling
d. interferes with furnace ignition

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.0.0 Section Review Question 2

2. A direct-vented condensing furnace requires Fill in the blanks .

a. Type B vent pipe

b. a condensate drain in the vent pipe
c. a combustion air intake routed outside of the space
d. stainless steel vent piping

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

3.0.0 Section Review Question 2 Answer

2. A direct-vented condensing furnace requires Fill in the blanks .

a. Type B vent pipe

b. a condensate drain in the vent pipe
c. a combustion air intake routed outside of the space
d. stainless steel vent piping

Module 03202 – Chimneys, Vents, and Flues

Next ellipsis

Review for Module Testing

Complete the Review Questions at the end of the module and

prepare for the Module Test.