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What is this basement window vent about?

CoachBoilermaker
CoachBoilermaker Member Posts: 347
in THE MAIN WALL

Not my house.

Clearing out old photos from some open houses I attended in 2024.

What is this for?

Is this is combustion make up air intake unit for boiler?

image.png

Comments

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Member Posts: 5,291

    that’s a good guess

  • PC7060
    PC7060 Member Posts: 1,443

    I’d say yes. Have you check to make sure other side isn’t obstructed?

  • EdTheHeaterMan
    EdTheHeaterMan Member Posts: 9,378
    edited November 22

    Is this is combustion make up air intake unit for boiler?

    YES.

    Unless, of course, you have a new, modern, deluxe, special, first class, unique, model 4Q2- hyper turbulent, multi-radical, extra quiet, variable-monochrome channel, for a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen along with argon and other trace gasses from the atmosphere to migrate from an unconfined space into a confined space to the development and promotion of rapid hydrocarbon oxidation resulting in a pristine conversion of thermodynamic energy that ultimately result in the comfort of the owner os this device.

    Edward Young Retired

    After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?

    delcrossv
  • bburd
    bburd Member Posts: 1,039

    Most codes require both high and low openings for combustion air flow into a confined space without mechanical assistance. It looks like someone has closed off the high one, probably due to cold drafts.

    —
    Bburd
  • CoachBoilermaker
    CoachBoilermaker Member Posts: 347
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1821825#Comment_1821825

    How confined does the space need to be? Do most houses have this? This was the first I ever saw. It was in a standard 100 year old basement.

    When do you need one of these? My house does not have one. My basement boiler has walls and a door built around it so it's technically in its own little room with some storage shelves. I don't think it's air tight.

  • bburd
    bburd Member Posts: 1,039
    edited November 22

    @CoachBoilermaker I suggest you look up the combustion air provisions in the mechanical code that applies where you live. They vary by jurisdiction.

    If your boiler is enclosed as you describe, there must be provisions for adequate air from elsewhere in the house or from outdoors to come in for combustion. If there aren't… this is how people get carbon monoxide poisoning.

    You have CO detectors, right?

    —
    Bburd
  • CoachBoilermaker
    CoachBoilermaker Member Posts: 347
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1821861#Comment_1821861

    Yes, just got a brand new one and put it right next to the boiler. Reading zero.

    It's in the basement, which is not air tight. The boiler closet room is a makeshift room with drywall and a cheap closet door. It's I was keeping the boiler room door closed, to keep the boiler room hotter, to keep the tankless coil water warmer, to save fuel. Is that a mistake? and I can leave the door open if that's safer.

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