Furnace flue damper problems. (For large boilers see Exhaust Draft .
Furnace flue damper problems. Next since the flue damper is in closed position, I verify 24VAC to the flue damper. Older equipment and most small boilers still rely on natural draft. interplaylearning. A barometric damper controls draft and air pressure in coal boilers, stoves, or furnaces by fitting into their flue pipes. The furnace flue pipe has a damper inside the stack that adjusts the pressure difference between the furnace air and outdoor air. If it malfunctions, the furnace won’t get enough oxygen Feb 13, 2013 · Barometric dampers are installed only on boilers with negative venting. I’ll also cover what happens if your exhaust vent is blocked, and what symptoms your furnace will exhibit with a blocked exhaust vent. When these silent airflow regulators go rogue, they can upset the delicate balance of temperature, comfort, and efficiency in your home or office. Over the past few months I've had nights that it doesn't kick on, which I can usually fix with a few power cycles or a hard tap on the control box the damper is attached to. The position switch action signals the furnace control to I moved into a place with a Vitorond VR1-27 oil furnace. The issue is that the damper does not begin to open when the thermostat triggers. Gas Vent Dampers work automatically to allow natural draft during appliance operation while preventing air from escaping during off cycles. This pressure difference forces exhaust gas out of the furnace's combustion chamber and into the flue pipe. The fan on an 85% furnace is designed to deliver the products of combustion to a chimney where they should flow naturally up the chimney. Vent Dampers Overview Gas fired furnaces, small boilers and water heaters require a flue that has a good draft in it to get rid of the products of combustion after most of the heat has been removed. The flue barometric damper has a washer added as a weight to the adjusting screw and the screw is all the way "forward". You know it's happening by the loud buzzing sound it makes -- The flue damper is working properly. A furnace flue pipe is a metal tube containing a damper that regulates the air pressure between the outside air and the air coming from the furnace. Mar 7, 2025 · How Does a Damper Work on a Wood Burning furnace? A damper is simply a metal plate that sits inside the stove’s flue system and controls the amount of air that enters the combustion chamber. Fix attempt: A few days ago, I got a replacement blocked vent switch and installed it. But it's enough greasy little particles that get on other things in the room, it's not ideal and they don't easily wipe off (they just smear because they are sooty). It's not a huge amount and it's not a black cloud of soot coming out. May 5, 2025 · Zone dampers might be hidden, but the problems they cause are impossible to ignore. Use this guide about how to fix furnace flue condensation to troubleshoot the issue and fix it quickly and easily. Nov 25, 2022 · Conclusion If your furnace is showing signs of flue condensation, don’t ignore the problem. Therefore I try to move the damper by hand. There is supposed to be a spindle running from the motor to a flapper inside the flu - and there isn't one. Mid-Efficiency Furnaces (85%) Issues: Rusted metal flue pipes can also be a problem in 85% furnaces if they are not venting properly. Conversely, when the damper is closed, less air enters the stove, decreasing the heat output https://www. Acting quickly can help extend the life of your furnace and prevent further damage to your home. Figure 9 shows a close-up of the stains on the draft fan housing. The barometric damper, or draft regulating device we are discussing here, is normally used only on oil-fired heating equipment and not on gas-fired equipment. Since I have power, the flue damper motor is defective. Newer appliances have fans and are called ‘forced’ or ‘induced’ draft venting. This comprehensive guide will walk you through diagnosing damper problems, balancing residential airflow, and optimizing your HVAC system’s performance. fresh air intake for combustion air or for the house/duct work? Feb 10, 2017 · Properly adjusted a barometric damper may swing a bit during a burn but shouldn't be banging all the way open and closed. Boilers with pressurized vents would spill flue gases out of the barometric dampers into the room. Any way to Jan 17, 2025 · Common Furnace Draft Problems While a well- functioning draft system is essential, several issues can arise: Blocked Flue: A clogged flue pipe can restrict airflow, leading to poor combustion and potentially dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Feb 4, 2010 · Some fireplace issues can be solved by troubleshooting fireplace damper problems. By placing the manual override switch in the open position, your closed damper should open automatically (mechanically operated by a spring). Sometimes when the furnace starts up, a puff of air comes out of the barometric damper and sooty black particles are dispersed in my furnace room. Barometric dampers are used on oil-fired heating appliances (furnaces, boilers, water heaters) to assure constant draft and thus uniform combustion. This video is part of the heating and cooling series of training videos made to accompany my May 25, 2022 · Boilers - Home Heating Steam and Hot Water Systems - Issue with Gas Furnace Automatic Vent Dampener - Hi everyone, New Homeowner here who as of late has been way overwhelmed and in over his head In any case here's my latest issue. The damper acts like a window inside the flue which keeps cold air from flowing into the house when the fireplace is not in use. When the damper is open, more air flows into the stove, increasing the heat output and combustion efficiency. (For large boilers see Exhaust Draft This one covers the barometric damper on the oil furnace and how to set it for proper vent vacuum. Hi All, Rarely in the cellar, but noticed that when the oil boiler is not running, the damper is ajar. Until now, the system has worked properly for this heating season (since September/October of 2009). Dec 2, 2011 · It's a two-zone gas furnace with a damper. When choosing a barometric damper, you will find two types: single- and double-acting. The damper should operate a position switch when fully open. On the first floor of the house we have a wood stove and the chimney has a double flue, one for the wood stove and one for the oil burner. The following is a method to eliminate a possible source. A single-acting damper has a stop that only allows the damper to swing one way. Faulty Draft Inducer Motor: This motor is responsible for drawing fresh air into the furnace. Sep 1, 2004 · If the motor driven flue damper closes at about the same time that the gas valve closes, won't a certain amount of products of combustion (Carbon Monoxide) spill out of the draft hood into the room? Oct 19, 2023 · Barometric Dampers are devices used to regulate the draft on oil-fired heating equipment such as furnaces, boilers, or water heaters. The primary aim is to stop drafty conditions. Mar 24, 2017 · Intermittent problems are difficult and usually solved by elimination. May 1, 2025 · In this article, I’ll go over what you should do if your furnace’s exhaust vent is blocked. comTim Smith from Hudson Valley Community Colleges details the entire process troubleshooting a vent damper on a gas boiler usi Jan 23, 2010 · The system is connected to a flue with a 5 inch pipe and that has a damper on it, I assume that is for intake air. DRAFT REGULATOR, DAMPER, BOOSTER, a barometric draft control, also called a "damper" or barometric damper, is a hinged, weighted door on an opening at a heating flue. The FieldControls Model GVD-6 vent damper motor to my Carrier gas furnace keeps getting stuck. Mar 23, 2010 · The heater guy wants to install a fresh air intake for the furnace, which prompted me to wonder about the damper. If the flue has been obstructed by bird nests or a dead squirrel carcass or spalling flue liner or something it can change the affect of the draw, leading to erratic damper behavior. Just recently we have heard loud noises from the basement when we are using the wood stove. On startup of the system, I can tell the combustion gases are rising through the flue because the flue gets hot. Sep 1, 2025 · This article explains what a furnace damper is, the main types, how dampers operate, how to inspect and maintain them, signs of failure, and when to repair or replace. A flue pipe can be routed into a home's chimney or connected to an outlet point. . Recently, it was called to my attention that while I have a 7" flue damper motor (RVGP-KS-7BKF) hooked up by wires to the furnace, it's not attached to anything in the flu. HVAC dampers control airflow throughout your home, but when they malfunction, you’ll notice uneven temperatures, poor air quality, and skyrocketing energy bills. thnrdmqrpkwpfp8bybllk0olw8ka5l6urcp4lsfaitcxluyrw4ndkp