Posted by Harold Kestenholz - Hydronic Network on October 24, 2001 at 17:12:09:
In Reply to: Is Outside Air Vent for gas steam boiler necessary? posted by Bonnie on October 24, 2001 at 16:57:44:
You want to be sure that all the gas that is sprayed inside the boiler has enough air to burn completely within the boiler and still have enough air to help it up the chimney. If you do not have enough air available, the gas will wander around the room looking for more air and burn at that location. Incomplete burning makes carbon monoxide that can wander around the room until a person inhales it; the person then becomes lightheaded, numb in the lips and extremeties, and sometimes dies. A heating contractor with experience in sizing grilles and ducts large enough as specified by code and manufacturer's literature, and aware that mechanical exhaust fans will require additional air makeup will be able to size and install this properly.