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Do you install air extraction systems?
Did you know that renovations and other building work that involve the installation of air extraction systems or air-tight joinery can compromise the operation of open-flued gas appliances, and other combustion appliances such as wood burners? Open-flued appliances take the air they need for combustion directly from their surroundings and expel it outside through a flue that relies on natural draught, without mechanical assistance (such as a fan).
Properly installed gas appliances will have adequate ventilation when first installed, however the effectiveness of this ventilation will likely be compromised by subsequent installation of air extraction systems or relatively air-tight joinery (such as aluminium windows or double glazing), particularly when they occur in combination. The operation of appliances with mechanical (fan-assisted) flues or balanced-flued appliances (which take the air for combustion from outdoors) is less likely to be affected by air extraction systems or joinery.
When installing air extraction systems or new window joinery where an open-flued gas appliance is installed, we strongly recommend you ask a gasfitter to check that your appliances have adequate ventilation. For advice on ventilation requirements for liquid-fuelled or solid-fuelled appliances, ask the installer or seek the manufacturer’s advice.
Gasfitters should refer to section 6.4 of AS/NZS 5601.1 Gas installations – General installations for procedures to ensure adequate ventilation of gas appliances, and to Appendix R for spillage tests to verify effective operation of flued appliances.
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