Power Vent Exhaust Clearance To Direct Vent Intake

[dtontarski]

Many of the power vent water heater installation manuals I have reviewed call for the power vent exhaust termination to be 3' above any forced air inlet within 10' horizontally.

My question is - would the combustion air intake for a direct vent furnace be defined as "a forced air inlet"?

And if not...what are some examples of "forced air inlets"?

[Scottpat]

My question is - would the combustion air intake for a direct vent furnace be defined as "a forced air inlet"?

Nope...

[dtontarski]

Scott,

I've learned a lot from you over the years....the inspection knowledge for sure, but your mention of Macallan was probably the most valuable information I acquired.

So my question is what are some examples of "forced air inlets"?

[Garet]

Examples: 1) exterior air intake into return HVAC ducts (we're seeing a lot of these in new construction and tight houses), 2) air-air heat recovery ventilator, 3) make-up air inlet for large kitchen exhaust.

[dtontarski]

Thanks Garet

[Eric B]

My question is - would the combustion air intake for a direct vent furnace be defined as "a forced air inlet"?

Being that I'm a literal kinda guy I would say that the intake air for a direct vent furnace is forced air - little doubt that it's air and and it is being forced by a fan. As far as I can tell it'd be a neat trick to deny that.