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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Depressurization, backdrafting, and spillage from vented gas appliances: A literature review. Topical report, August 1994-November 1995

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:210749
The focus of the report is to review studies on depressurization- inducedbackdrafting and spillage from gas-fired Category I furnaces and draft-hood domestic hot water heaters. This report reviews 50 research papers and other technical documents published in Canada, Europe, and the U.S. The studies have shown that exhaust fans operated simultaneously with fireplaces depressurize houses by 3 to 8 Pa on average. The reported indoor carbon monoxide (NO2) have been rarely measured. Drawing firm conclusions is difficult since a variety of measurement techniques and protocols have been used in the past. A well-conceived research plan is necessary to clearly understand the phenomenon of depressurization-induced spillage and to assess its frequency, duration and consequences in a broad cross-section of houses.
Research Organization:
Energen Consulting, Inc., Germantown, MD (United States)
OSTI ID:
210749
Report Number(s):
PB--96-140108/XAB; CNN: Contract GRI-5094-250-2888
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English