Lennox International Inc EL280DF installation instructions Combustion, Dilution & Ventilation Air

WARNING

The State of California has determined that this prod- uct may contain or produce a chemical or chemicals, in very low doses, which may cause serious illness or death. It may also cause cancer, birth defects or re- productive harm.

Combustion, Dilution & Ventilation Air

In the past, there was no problem in bringing in sufficient out- door air for combustion. Infiltration provided all the air that was needed. In today’s homes, tight construction practices make it necessary to bring in air from outside for combus- tion. Take into account that exhaust fans, appliance vents, chimneys, and fireplaces force additional air that could be used for combustion out of the house. Unless outside air is brought into the house for combustion, negative pressure (outside pressure is greater than inside pressure) will build to the point that a downdraft can occur in the furnace vent pipe or chimney. As a result, combustion gases enter the liv- ing space creating a potentially dangerous situation.

In the absence of local codes concerning air for combus- tion and ventilation, use the guidelines and procedures in this section to install EL280DF furnaces to ensure efficient and safe operation. You must consider combustion air needs and requirements for exhaust vents. A portion of this information has been reprinted with permission from the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI-Z223.1). This reprinted ma- terial is not the complete and official position of the ANSI on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.

CAUTION

Do not install the furnace in a corrosive or contami- nated atmosphere. Meet all combustion and ventila- tion air requirements, as well as all local codes.

CAUTION

Insufficient combustion air can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness or asphyxiation. It will also cause excess water in the heat exchanger resulting in rust- ing and premature heat exchanger failure. Excessive exposure to contaminated combustion air will result in safety and performance related problems. Avoid exposure to the following substances in the combus- tion air supply:

Permanent wave solutions Chlorinated waxes and cleaners Chlorine base swimming pool chemicals Water softening chemicals

De-icing salts or chemicals Carbon tetrachloride Halogen type refrigerants

Cleaning solvents (such as perchloroethylene) Printing inks, paint removers, varnishes, etc. Hydrochloric acid

Cements and glues

Antistatic fabric softeners for clothes dryers Masonry acid washing materials

All gas-fired appliances require air for the combustion pro-

cess. If sufficient combustion air is not available, the fur- nace or other appliances will operate inefficiently and un- safely. Enough air must be provided to meet the needs of all fuel-burning appliances and appliances such as exhaust

fans which force air out of the house. When fireplaces, ex-

haust fans, or clothes dryers are used at the same time as the furnace, much more air is necessary to ensure proper combustion and to prevent a downdraft. Insufficient air causes incomplete combustion which can result in carbon

monoxide.

In addition to providing combustion air, fresh outdoor air dilutes contaminants in the indoor air. These contami- nants may include bleaches, adhesives, detergents, sol- vents and other contaminants which can corrode furnace

components.

The requirements for providing air for combustion and ven-

tilation depend largely on whether the furnace is installed in

an unconfined or a confined space.

Unconfined Space

An unconfined space is an area such as a basement or large equipment room with a volume greater than 50 cubic feet (1.42 m3) per 1,000 Btu (.29 kW) per hour of the com- bined input rating of all appliances installed in that space.

This space also includes adjacent rooms which are not

separated by a door. Though an area may appear to be un-

confined, it might be necessary to bring in outdoor air for combustion if the structure does not provide enough air by infiltration. If the furnace is located in a building of tight

construction with weather stripping and caulking around the windows and doors, follow the procedures in the air from outside section.

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