scope:

This guide describes and compares different methods for assessing the potential for, or existence of, depressurization-induced backdrafting and spillage from vented residential combustion appliances.

Assessment of depressurization-induced backdrafting and spillage is conducted under either induced depressurization or natural conditions.

Residential vented combustion appliances addressed in this guide include hot water heaters and furnace. The guide also is applicable to boilers.

The methods given in this guide are applicable to Category I (draft-hood- and induced-fan-equipped) furnaces. The guide does not apply to Category III (power-vent-equipped) or Category IV (direct-vent) furnaces.

The methods in this guide are not intended to identify backdrafting or spillage due to vent blockage or heat-exchanger leakage.

This guide is not intended to provide a basis for determining compliance with code requirements on appliance and venting installation, but does include a visual assessment of the installation. This assessment may indicate the need for a thorough inspection by a qualified technician.

Users of the methods in this guide should be familiar with combustion appliance operation and with making house-tightness measurements using a blower door. Some methods described in this guide require familiarity with differential-pressure measurements and use of computer-based data-logging equipment.

This guide does not purport to address all safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Carbon monoxide (CO) exposure or flame roll-out may occur when performing certain procedures given in this guide. See Section 7, for precautions that must be taken in conducting such procedures.