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Draft Much?

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JakeCK
JakeCK Member Posts: 1,356
in THE MAIN WALL
To those who suggested it wasn't worth the coin to install an automatic vent damper this is how much my flu sucks:

https://youtu.be/j38eqlJOOs4

Ya'll can't tell me I won't recoup the couple bucks I spent on parts and the value of my saturday afternoon installing it. I also replaced the clean out door too. Now on to replace my 14yr old hot water tank.

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  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,677
    edited September 2021
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    Try it when it's 0F outside and the basement is warm and the flue is hot. If it's warm outside (40s-50s) then you haven't seen anything yet.

    I know my 30' 6" B vent drafts really good but I also don't know how much it actually would cost if left wide open.

    Also, fresh air is beneficial sometimes.

    But, I do use an automatic damper.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    JakeCK
  • Robert_25
    Robert_25 Member Posts: 527
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    My house has a 35' chimney up through the house with an 8"x12" flue. Even with the baro wide open it will sometimes exceed -0.05 "WC.
    JakeCK
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,677
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    Robert_25 said:

    My house has a 35' chimney up through the house with an 8"x12" flue. Even with the baro wide open it will sometimes exceed -0.05 "WC.

    If you're seeing excess draft using the next size up damper, or even multiple dampers isn't unheard of.

    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • JakeCK
    JakeCK Member Posts: 1,356
    edited September 2021
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    ChrisJ said:
    Try it when it's 0F outside and the basement is warm and the flue is hot. If it's warm outside (40s-50s) then you haven't seen anything yet. I know my 30' 6" B vent drafts really good but I also don't know how much it actually would cost if left wide open. Also, fresh air is beneficial sometimes. But, I do use an automatic damper.
    Oh I bet. I was just curious this morning since the boiler had fired not that long before. And this house is approaching a hundred years old, it gets plenty of fresh air. I just wish I could leave the basement door closed that would help tremendously, but my cats need access. :/
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,835
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    Better keep the cleanout closed, or the chimney will pull those cats up to the roof.

    I'd love to put a draft gauge on that, just to put some numbers on it............
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    JakeCK

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