Thread: Clearance for fresh air intake from AC condensor

Can anyone tell me if there is a clearance or min distance requirement for air handler fresh air intake from AC condenser? If so, I'm guessing the one in the photo doesn't meet those requirements. Thanks in advance for the help.

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Basically the condenser does not discharge air, it is a closed system heat exchange I think the real question is the limitation on obstructions of any kind for intakes. I would defer to Jerry or Scott on this question.

Is the fresh air system for the water heater or the gas/oil fire furnace? If for furnace it would not be running when the HVAC compressor is running.

It would be nice to see at least three feet of clearance of the air intake.

Remember the air is being pulled in from the sides of the condenser and out through the top.

Manufactures clearance recommendations for air intake clearances for hrv.

Originally Posted by Raymond Wand

Remember the air is being pulled in from the sides of the condenser and out through the top.

Good point.

Originally Posted by P Chesnut

Good point.

That appears to be the discharge from a range hood or other type unit. My concern is if it is from a cooking appliance the "discharge" can in time clog the intake of the condenser.

Originally Posted by Bill Anglin

Can anyone tell me if there is a clearance or min distance requirement for air handler fresh air intake from AC condenser? If so, I'm guessing the one in the photo doesn't meet those requirements. Thanks in advance for the help.

Where is the disconnect for the condensing unit?

Keith

Sorry, I'm confused. Is that a combustion air intake (make-up air) serving the furnace or is that truly a fresh air intake to mix with the conditioned air?

My Swag is a Dryer Exhaust.
* with that style of vent ( pointing down )

Taking only info from the OP: this duct is for make-up air of a gas fired furnace (called air handler in OP).
If this is only for the (a) Furnace, the units would normally not be running at the same time so probably not problem (if just one unit). However if this is also make-up air for a water heater, I can see a conflict of the Condenser actually pulling the exhaust gasses out of the WH B-vent and into the living space and or starving the WH for O2.

If the home has two units (A/C and Heaters) or hybrid Heat-pump it could also conflict.


this is one of those issues that may need to be looked at as a system and how a few things might enteract...May not even be addressed by the almighty "Code". But could still be a problem or not.

Other ambiguousness (distinctions with difference regarding obstructive clearances and spacing), mechanical or gravity draft/"intake".

Also, working space clearance to the "buisiness" side of the split unit and servicing space (see also H2O); split condensor under eave or overhang too?

Looks like a DIY replaced a packaged unit with a split system.