Hearth and Home Technologies GATEWAY - Manual (Page 8)

Heat & Glo • Gateway • 288-900 Rev. W • 10/08 8
Recommended
Location
Marginal
Location
Location
Not
Recommended
Recommended
Location
Location NOT
Recommended
Multi-level Roofs
Windward
Leeward
Figure 2.1
B. Negative Pressure
Draft is the pressure difference needed to vent fi replaces
successfully. Considerations for successful draft include:
• Preventing negative pressure
• Location
of fi replace and chimney
Negative pressure results from the imbalance of air avail-
able for the fi replace to operate properly. Causes for this
imbalance include:
• Exhaust fans (kitchen, bath, etc.)
• Range hoods
• Combustion air requirements for furnaces, water heat-
ers and other combustion appliances
• Clothes dryers
• Location of return-air to furnace or air conditioning
• Imbalances of the HVAC air handling system
• Upper level air leaks (recessed lighting, attic hatch
opening, duct leaks)
To minimize the effects of negative air pressure, the fol-
lowing must be considered:
• Install the fresh air kit. Install the intake on the side of
the house towards prevailing winds during the heating
season.
• Ensure adequate outdoor air is supplied for combus-
tion appliances and exhaust equipment.
• Ensure furnace and air conditioning return vents are
not located in the immediate vicinity of the fi replace.
• Avoid installing the fi replace near doors, walkways or
small isolated spaces.
• Recessed lighting should be of “sealed can” design;
attic hatches weather stripped or sealed; and attic
mounted duct work and air handler joints and seams
taped or sealed.
• Basement installations should be avoided due to stack
effect. Stack effect creates negative pressure in lower
levels. Hearth & Home Technologies recommends the
use of direct vent fi replaces in basements.
Location of the fi replace and chimney will affect perfor-
mance. As shown in Figure 2.1, the chimney should:
• Be installed through the warm space enclosed by the
building envelope. This helps to produce more draft,
especially during lighting and die-down of the fi re.
• Penetrate the highest part of the roof. This minimizes
the effects of wind turbulence.
• Be located away from trees, adjacent structures, un-
even roof lines and other obstructions.
Offsets can restrict draft so their use should be minimized.
Consider the fi replace location relative to fl oor and ceiling
and attic joists.
Asphyxiation Risk.
• Negative pressure can cause spillage of
combustion fumes and soot.
• Fireplace needs to draft properly for safety.
WARNING