Condensing Furnance - Flue Pipe Screen

mdaig

I recently had a Whirlpool condensing furnace installed. The 2in PVC sidewall venting was terminated with just a flimsy mesh screen pushed into the last 90deg elbow to prevent birds from getting in (I was expecting more of a cap or at least something a little more rigid). I have looked around and cannot find anything for this application - does anyone know of locations I can find an alternate product or any options I may have?

Thanks!

mtfallsmikey

How about

Galvanized hardware cloth?

Al Letellier_9

vent screen

Check the manufacturer's installation manual and use what they recommend. It only takes something as small as a vent screen to void warranties or violate codes.....make sure before you leap.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Judging by what I've seen, I'd count myself quite lucky that any form of screen was installed--particularly on an outlet. It may seem "flimsy" but unless you expect vandalism or kids "messing with it", just make sure it stays in place and intact.

While bird may investigate such an opening they are highly unlikely to find a suitable place for nesting inside. 2"-3" PVC is nothing like old chimneys that may well contain suitable places for nests. While I firmly believe that squirrels can get ANYWHERE they use small openings to find much larger spaces. As long as it's reasonably above grade vermine won't be able to access.

PeterGriffin

I've seen people using tee-y's like this ---| My boss told me that it'll keep birds out, because they can't get around the turn, but he tells me lots of things. Even if, that solution still wouldn't do much for a squirrell.

Tony_23

I refuse

In my experience a screen on either the intake or exhaust is a problem waiting to happen when it's -20F outside.

Get rid of it and worry about something else

Darrell

If your concern is keeping birds, rocks, hands, ect out of the pipe...drill a pair of 1/4 inch holes across from each other and run a stainless bolt through it with an elastic stop nut. Any wire on the intake will frost over if it is cold enough. Any tee/elbow on the outlet will frost the entire side of the house and lift your siding. The object is to let the gases blow as far from the structure as possible.

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mdaig

Thanks

Good points/recommendations - thanks for the help.

Keeping birds/animals out was my biggest concern, and the screen they installed would perform that function as long as it stayed in place. Frost is an excellent point though, so I guess I can wait until the cold weather and try ideas such as a more rigid galvanized screen or the bolt through the center to see what holds up best. Maybe nothing if the frost issues are significant.

Thanks again for the help!