December 12th, 2017
Combustion appliances burn fuel by using oxygen from supply air. They produce exhaust gases that should be directly vented to the outside to avoid introducing combustion by-products into the house. Exhaust gases may be released inside the house either knowingly—as in the case of unvented stoves, ovens, fireplaces, or space heaters—or unknowingly from leaky flues, cracked heat exchangers, or backdrafting. Three components of exhaust gases are especially troublesome when introduced indoors: carbon monoxide, water vapor, and nitrogen oxides.Combustion appliances using natural gas, propane, oil, kerosene, or wood are often a more efficient and cost-effective way to produce heat than electricity. Examples include • furnaces • space heaters • fireplaces • wood stoves • water heaters • range tops • ovens • clothes dryers Combustion appliances have been used for many years in millions of homes. However, careful installation and maintenance of each unit is required to ensure safe and efficient operation, especially in today’s energy-efficient, tightly sealed homes.