What Is The Difference Between A Direct Vent And Non-direct Vent Furnace?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Direct vent (two-pipe) vent system – This system uses one pipe to bring in outside air for combustion and another to remove exhaust gases. Non-direct (single-pipe) vent system – This system uses only one pipe to remove exhaust gases.

What is a non-direct vent furnace?

A non-direct vented furnace takes all air for combustion from the room in which furnace is installed . Non-direct venting requires only one pipe for venting the flue gases to the outdoors but you must make sure there is enough air for combustion and ventilation.

What is a potential problem with direct vent furnaces?

What is a potential problem with direct vent furnaces? When a direct-vent system has its air intake and exhaust vents improperly installed on the outside of the home, it can create a problem of “short-circuiting ,” which allows exhaust gases to flow back into the combustion air intake pipe.

Is Direct Vent better?

Direct-vent appliances are typically higher in efficiency than b-vent appliances and put out a lot of heat even with a low flame setting but still do not produce as much heat as their vent free counterparts.

How do I know if my furnace is direct vent?

In a direct-vent system, you can readily see the two pipes emerge through the side of your house . Vents can also be terminated above the roof. Single-pipe system: The single-pipe, non-direct vent system is used where there is no real need for a separate combustion air intake vent.

What does direct vent furnace mean?

Direct Vent

A direct furnace vent features two pipes of different sizes in the heating system. One pipe draws in air from outside the house to bring it to the combustion chamber, and the other pipe lets the gas escape once it is used . It can be installed either vertically or horizontally.

How should a high efficiency furnace be vented?

Proper sidewall venting requires installing separate vent pipes horizontally so that they vent to the outdoors through a wall of your home. These ventilation pipes should be isolated from the furnace combustion chamber and made airtight to eliminate the possibility of combustion gas leakage.

Can I direct vent my furnace?

Direct Vents

These furnace vents can be installed horizontally through an exterior wall , or vertically so exhaust fumes go out through the roof. Although more costly than a natural vent, a direct vent is also a more efficient and safer option.

What is the difference between direct vent and vent free gas fireplaces?

The two main types of gas fireplaces available today are Direct Vent and Ventless. Direct Vent fireplaces require a venting system while Ventless fireplaces are just that – completely vent-free .

Can a gas furnace be vented horizontally?

The outer pipe draws air for combustion from outside, and the smaller pipe occupies the inner position and is used to vent the exhaust fumes. Piping can be set horizontally to allow venting through a sidewall , or vertical installation can also be undertaken to allow venting through the roof.

What is the difference between B vent and direct vent?

A B-vent must be vented vertically and uses fresh air from inside the home to provide oxygen to the fire. A direct vent has a sealed glass front and pulls all of its fresh air from outside the home. Direct vents can be vented vertically or horizontally through an exterior wall.

Is direct vent or ventless gas fireplace better?

Direct vent gas inserts generally have a more realistic looking flame than a vent-free gas insert. For vent-free gas inserts to reduce the risk of emissions being transmitted into the home, the burn temperature of the fire needs to be higher. So, this higher temperature produces a less realistic, sometimes blue flame.

How long can you run a direct vent gas fireplace?

If you own a fireplace that is fully-vented and equipped with a sealed glass front, this type of unit can operate continuously. On the flip side, if your fireplace unit is vent-free and equipped with front doors that can open – this unit should only operate for a maximum of three hours at a time .

How does a direct vent furnace work?

A direct-vent wall furnace is a self-contained sealed combustion heating appliance that warms inside air by recirculating it around a sealed chamber, and discharges combustion byproducts outside the home via direct-vent . They are permanently attached to the structure of a building, and are not connected to ductwork.

Does a gas furnace have to be vented?

Furnaces burn fuel in order to create heat. Any time that fuel is used as a heat source, combustion gases are produced as a byproduct and those gases need to be safely vented away .

Do natural gas furnaces need a chimney?

​Gas Appliances and Your Masonry Chimney. ... But many don’t realize that a gas heating appliance – whether it is a furnace, boiler or even a water heater – relies on the chimney for proper venting of the exhaust .

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.