Can you use PVC to vent a gas furnace?

Ironically, even though the presence of plastic vent pipes has become synonymous with high-efficiency condensing furnaces, PVC pipe manufacturers do not recommend PVC for this application. Nor are there any official ASTM standards for plastic pipe used as combustion gas venting.

What type of pipe is used for gas furnace exhaust?

PVC
A gas wall heater or older forced-air furnace generally requires a type “B” double wall metal vent pipe, while a new high-efficiency furnace requires a schedule 40 PVC vent pipe.

What are the two PVC pipes coming out of my furnace?

-A white PVC vent pipe coming out of the side or top of your furnace means that you have a high-efficiency condensing furnace. -If you just see a metal vent pipe, then you have a conventional furnace. If so, read our first section entitled, “Why your high-efficiency condensing furnace is leaking water.”

Can you use PVC for vent pipe?

PVC pipe is fantastic for many different applications, and it is even sometimes used for duct and venting applications, but there are a few reasons why PVC pipe is not a great choice for dryer vents. For one, PVC has a rather low maximum operating temperature.

Can you vent an 80% furnace with PVC?

The answer is YES and NO! An 80% efficient furnace CAN be side wall vented per National Fuel as Code 7.3. 4 with the use of a “mechanical draft system of either forced or induced draft design”. The combustion air flow through the furnace must be controlled or its efficiency will decline.

Can you vent a gas furnace through a wall?

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.

How do you seal a PVC furnace vent?

Using Silicone Caulk

Brush away any dirt or dust from the area around the furnace vent that you will be sealing.
Cut the tip of a caulk tube with a utility knife.
Inject the silicone caulk into the gap between the vent and the side of the house or foundation.
Brush the area to be sealed with a stiff bristle brush.

What is the difference between white PVC and black?

ABS is always black while PVC is white- and easy way to see the difference quickly. PVC piping offers more flexibility, but ABS is a stronger piping and can resist a higher shock. For underground, ABS is great as it can handle extreme cold and can warp if it is in direct sunlight.

Do furnaces have to vent through roof?

All gas furnaces must be vented, to allow exhaust gases from the combustion process to escape. Vents must be tall enough so burned gases exit above a roof line and cannot filter back into a house through a window or other opening.

What vent pipe is required on top of a furnace?

Replacing a gas furnace, whether a wall or forced-air furnace, requires the appropriate venting to protect your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. A gas wall heater or older forced-air furnace generally requires a type “B” double wall metal vent pipe, while a new high-efficiency furnace requires a schedule 40 PVC vent pipe.

What is the purpose of the vent on a gas furnace?

The vent pipe of your gas furnace plays an important role by carrying all toxic gases created during the combustion within the furnace out of the building.

Is PVC acceptable vent material for flue gases?

Just because a manufacturer recommends using PVC does not mean that it is acceptable or safe. Just because PVC works in new installations does not mean that a condition cannot occur in which scale builds up over a short time in hard water areas and causes high flue gas temperatures.