Barometric Damper

jhagarty · March 13, 2011, 12:56am

Are they required for Oil Fired Boilers?
Found my first Boiler without one (barometric damper)…

Other concerns related to the heating system and flue but curious about lack of damper

gbell · March 13, 2011, 12:57am

That is one question I never got right on the NHIE.

jhagarty · March 13, 2011, 1:02am

I think the answer is “not required” but “not a good idea either”…
Can not find a specific code or manufacturer requirement…

jhagarty · March 13, 2011, 1:03am

LOL

I think the answer is “not required” but also “not a good idea”…
I am looking for a code or manufacturer requirement.
I have been unable to find one…

jhagarty · March 13, 2011, 1:06am

Also
No cleanout (which is unusual for masonry chimney)

mlarson · March 13, 2011, 1:14am

http://www.cbs.state.or.us/bcd/programs/boiler/boilerdampers.pdf

jhagarty · March 13, 2011, 1:21am

Agreed
as the article suggests, they are recommended for many reasons
but
…
are they required?

mlarson · March 13, 2011, 1:36am

As with most things the manufacturer knows best.

jhagarty · March 13, 2011, 1:49am

Part of the problem.
Installation manual shows one in the schematic drawing…
but
the installation requirements or settings are not mentioned anywhere in the installation and service manual that I have.

mlarson · March 13, 2011, 2:34am

I would have no problem recommending an HVAC tech service the unit periodically and determine if a barometric camper could improve performance.

Oil fired units are more likely to need maintenance on regular basis anyway when compared to gas fired units.

Having owned both I speak from experience.