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  1. #1
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    Default B-vent through HVAC duct?

    I know this is wrong but need to reference codes on this. The B-vent is going through supply side of furnace. House was built in 2006. I was under the impression it was never acceptable for an exhaust flue to run through a duct. Sticker said it was a Simpson duravent

    Am I correct?

    //Rick

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    Rick Bunzel
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  2. #2
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    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    There aren't enough codes to address stupidity.

    "It takes a big man to cry. It takes an even bigger man to laugh at that man". - Jack Handey

  3. #3
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    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    That's not only stupid, that is called 'delayed assisted suicide' (or murder, depending on who dies first).

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  4. #4
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    Twin Cities, Minnesota
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    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    What does the big "Warning" label on the water heater say??

    -Jon
    Errickson Home Inspections, LLC
    http://www.erricksonhomeinspections.com

  5. #5
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    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, Section 12.4.5.1 Venting systems shall not extend into or pass through any fabricated air duct or furnace plenum.


  6. #6
    Mike Denny's Avatar
    Mike Denny Guest

    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    The following code sections are out of the 2009 IFGC and 2009 IRC. This requirement has been in books for years.
    503.3.5 Air ducts and furnace plenums.
    Venting systems
    shall not extend into or pass through any fabricated air duct

    or
    furnace plenum.

    G2427.3.4 (503.3.5) Air ducts and furnace plenums.
    Venting systems
    shall not extend into or pass through any

    fabricated air duct or
    furnace plenum.



  7. #7
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    Utah
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    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    This is incredibly nuts. It looks like fairly new construction and I am blown away that a city/county inspector or even a close friend or even a painter on the job didn't ask WTH is going on?




  8. #8
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    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    Mike and Jim,

    Thanks!

    Rick Bunzel
    WWW.PacCrestInspections.com
    360-588-6956

  9. #9
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    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    Followup - Somehow the bank found the HVAC company that did this and the owner contacted me. He explained that they sleeved the HVAC ducted before they ran the B-vent through it. The local building department blessed the installation and they then installed the visible collar to the duct. He suggested that in the future I should further evaluate before coming to an incorrect conclusion......my thought was "just smile and wave boys, just smile and wave..."

    //Rick

    Rick Bunzel
    WWW.PacCrestInspections.com
    360-588-6956

  10. #10
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    Maryland
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    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    It's crazy no matter how you slice it. Heck, if you can't find a viable way to vent the gas unit, just install an electric WH instead. Seems like that would be way less trouble.


  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
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    Cincinnati area
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    34

    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    Get that statement by the HVAC contractor in writing, complete with the names of the inspector and the manufacturer of that sleeve, which If I am not mistaken is not specified in any codes I know. If he balks at putting it in writing, then that might tell you something. At least somehow document what you were told to CYA.


  12. #12
    James Foy's Avatar
    James Foy Guest

    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    Quote Originally Posted by John Dirks Jr View Post
    It's crazy no matter how you slice it. Heck, if you can't find a viable way to vent the gas unit, just install an electric WH instead. Seems like that would be way less trouble.
    I agree, it would be far less trouble.

    However, (and you knew this was coming), if you are connected to the electrical grid, an electrical water heater installation may not meet the energy code. If your jurisdiction does not currently enforce the energy code, I suggest you keep fighting it at the municipal and state level.

    CA is done. Stick a fork in us.


  13. #13
    Join Date
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    Utah
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    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    SMACNA does permit sleeving ducts around obstructions so if done properly I can understand how this got approval.


  14. #14
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    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    Quote Originally Posted by Rod Butler View Post
    SMACNA does permit sleeving ducts around obstructions so if done properly I can understand how this got approval.
    And I have seen this done around DWV piping, but ... I have never seen it done "properly".

    The very basics is insulating the inside of the duct and making sure it is sealed and holds static pressure.

    In the few times I've seen it, it was in a corridor in a high-rise and there was a fire damper door nearby, when I stuck a camera into the duct and took a photo of the insulated sleeve ... er ... I mean I took a photo of the sleeve which should have been insulated - because the sleeve was just too small of a diameter to properly insulate around, combine that with properly making up the seam and joints around the sleeve and none ever held static pressure without being all pokied up (coated with fiberglass mesh tape and mastic), and I would not want to use the word "properly" to describe how they were done.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Houston, Texas
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    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    Many years ago I did an install where the only path for the vent piping from a downstairs gas furnace was up through the air return chase of an upstairs system that was installed directly above. We had to get the City of Houston to approve a sleeved run of the vent pipe through the air return chase above because we just did not have any other viable alternative route.

    We ended up using a single wall 8" diameter metal duct pipe (with a welded seam) inside of which we ran the 4" B-vent. This gave us a very effective way to isolate the B-vent run from the airstream of the system above. This is not something you will likely see very often but upon occasion you may run into an installation where the installer had to get creative and come up with an acceptable resolution using a seemingly unacceptable solution.


  16. #16
    Linda Swearingen's Avatar
    Linda Swearingen Guest

    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    Strikes me a lot like running a sewer line through a spring or a well casing.


  17. #17
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Chicago, IL
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    Default Re: B-vent through HVAC duct?

    For starters, there is no way to inspect for the installation of the vent through the ceiling above the duct, which looking at this installation makes me nervous right there.

    More generally, ya' gotta' wonder: "why did the HVAC contractor not just offset an appropriately sized duct to a reduction past the vent?"

    However, perhaps the HVAC guy can demonstrate that the AHJ blessed this install... another example of why IMO in such cases it's best to report that you can not verify the installation is compliant, and recommend that the client have the sellers do so, in writing.

    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

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