Fresh air means just that

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Q. I want to ask you about my boiler. You did a permit for me, and one of the things I needed was a new boiler, so I had a plumber install one a few weeks after Hurricane Sandy, when our power came back on. Recently the plumbing inspector came to my house, and would not approve the boiler. He said it needed to be 18 inches off the floor because it’s in the corner of my garage, and it needs a fresh-air opening. My plumber told me I can have an opening from my laundry room next to the garage, and that will make it legal. I thought the inspector said it needed to be an opening from outside. Who’s right?

A. The location that’s right is the one that won’t kill you. A fresh-air intake is intended to provide fresh, unconditioned air to your boiler. Did you ever say to someone, “I think I’ll go to the next room, I need some fresh air?” I’m guessing no. You’d tell them you’re stepping outside for a moment. But the regulation really has nothing to do with how fresh the air is. The energy codes require that air that has not been conditioned by being heated or cooled must be used as the combustion air for your boiler, since it is an energy waste to combust room air that you just paid to heat or cool and send it up the chimney or direct-vent it to the outside. A candle needs oxygen, the same way, to keep burning, but uses a lot less than a boiler, so candles have not been regulated just yet.

I understand why the plumber suggested using air from another room, because he didn’t factor in the issues of energy code requirements or the fact that air moves back and forth. Yes, the opening lets air in to be drawn toward the boiler, for combustion, but it also allows noxious, even deadly gases into your living spaces. That boiler in your garage is in the same space as your carbon monoxide-producing car, which, even with the garage door open, will allow fumes back into the house. Leaving a car running, even for a few moments, still produces a measurable amount of carbon monoxide. A couple in Minnesota was finally tested after months of feeling weak and ill. Testing of their home concluded that the door to the garage wasn’t properly sealed, and contributed to their illness.

The raising of the boiler off the floor is because gases (fumes) from the car can ignite when the boiler fires up. The gases from the car are heavier than air and stay closer to the floor, hence the 18-inch requirement. I wish your plumber knew that, or had used some common sense. Openings between the garage and your living space can kill you. Good luck!

©2014 Monte Leeper. Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.