Cap on Furnace Vent?
#1
12-13-05, 11:41 AM
Cap on Furnace Vent?
We have a high efficiency Rheam gas (propane) furnace. It is on a wooded lot and we regularly get stuff coming down and plugging the small hole that the drain connects to. Twice a year I disconnect the drain line and clean it out. I attach a longer line and then climb on the roof and poor water down until all the junk clears out and it runs clear. Couldn't I put a long cylindrical screen on top of the 3" vent to keep the seeds, leaves, acorns (taking that oak down!) and bugs out? Bart
#2
12-13-05, 12:12 PM
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I had to read it a couple times till I pictured what you were referring to. I believe you're talking about the flue pipe correct ?? If so just put a pvc T on it.
#3
12-13-05, 04:31 PM
where does the intake for the furnace come from?
If it is not close to the exhaust, and as long as the exhaust is high enough you could put two ninty degree bends in it so the opening would be down instead of up, or one ninty and a T so anything that fell in it would just fall through.
Keep in mind though, both of these options might cause some ice build up on the roof so don't go walking around it when it is below freezing.
The only problem with what you mention is the moisture build up on it could possible freeze in the off cycle and cause the furnace not to come on.
If it is not close to the exhaust, and as long as the exhaust is high enough you could put two ninty degree bends in it so the opening would be down instead of up, or one ninty and a T so anything that fell in it would just fall through.
Keep in mind though, both of these options might cause some ice build up on the roof so don't go walking around it when it is below freezing.
The only problem with what you mention is the moisture build up on it could possible freeze in the off cycle and cause the furnace not to come on.
#4
12-13-05, 08:44 PM
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Vent cap
Do not put a screen over it. I guarantee it will cause problems. Either of the other two suggestions would work as would putting on a tee (connect the branch of the tee to the existing pipe) & a downward pointing ell on each end of the run of the tee. You may have to extend your existing pipe some to allow for the ells.
#5
12-14-05, 05:45 AM
Thanks guys. Sorry I did not use the correct term of flue. Yes, I can see the potential screen problem now. Steve, you asked about distance to the intake. It is about 20-24" . They put two elbows on it so it is pointed down, but turned it towards the flue. If I put the "T" on the flue, how much distance do I need from that to the intake? I could turn the intake to other other direction and also extend the flue up some if needed to get more distance between them. Does the intake air go into the air be breath or is it just used for combustion?
#8
12-19-05, 05:09 AM
Thanks all. I started with a 45 pointing away from the intake, I then put a 15" extenion on with a waste T on the end. The exhaust still flows strongly up, but any debris from the trees should fall straight through.
#9
11-01-10, 07:59 PM
Solution - Purchase a Vent Cap
I put a furnace vent cap on my exposed PVC pipes and it is in my opinion your best solution. For under $10 you can get one from Welcome Save Pipey. It is very durable and only takes a second to install.
