Condensate in HVAC intake/exhaust
Another chapter in the HVAC install saga. We are installing a gas furnace/AC system in the kneewall of our attic. We built ‘mechanical room’ for this purpose, to be able to store the equipment, of course, but also to be able to have access to it for maintenance purposes.
Now, the HVAC installers decided to run the PVC for the intake and exhaust pipes directly across the doorway to the mechanical room. So, now, you can’t get in the room at all. Granted, it was very tight before, but there’s a difference between sucking your gut to squeeze in a room and suspending yourself via pulleys ala Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible to get in a room.
Looking at the setup, I would think it would have been possible to go directly up, across the slope of the kneewall ceiling, and then back down. The only thing I don’t know is whether there is a lot of moisture in those pipes, and how concerned you have to be with pitching them (this would of course be a problem with the up and back down model). I’ve attached photos of the setup.
Edited 9/28/2008 2:11 pm ET by CeltsFan
Replies
If one of those lines is for condensate, it must drain water by gravity. Hence, I don't see how it could be run up and over. No?
Scott.
Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.â€
Neither line is for condensate. There is a separate condensate line attached to the pan underneath the unit.
My question is whether significant condensation occurs in the exhaust line, and whether significant condensation occurs in the intake line (seems less likely I would think).
Ahhh.... In that case I can't think of any reason why they couldn't do as you say. It might be good to check the mfg. suggestions on venting/intake, but I doubt you'll find anything negative.Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.â€
Both lines (especially the exhaust) must be sloped so that they drain either to the outside or to the furnace, with no low spots in-between.
Corporation: n. An ingenious device for obtaining individual profit without individual responsibility. --Ambrose Bierce
Real cold climates the slope needs to be to the inside. Moderate climates it doesn't matter. as previously stated no low spots and I think there is a minimum fall required.
We've got something resembling a "real cold" climate here. So long as it drains, doesn't matter much whether to the inside or the outside.
Corporation: n. An ingenious device for obtaining individual profit without individual responsibility. --Ambrose Bierce
First of all, that ain't no "mechanical room".
The pipes have to pitch back to the furnace.
Any reason you couldn't go straight up through the roof?
Side note, is there enough room to remove the fan from the furnace? Most require 24" service clearance.
It's a slate roof. Going up through that would have been difficult and expensive.