An automatic flue damper is an energy-saving device that closes off or restricts an appliance flue when the appliance is not operating and is in its “off” cycle. It traps residual heat in the heat exchanger after the burners shut off, and prevents the escape of conditioned air up the vent pipe.

Chimneys should extend at least 2 feet higher than any portion of a building within 10 feet, but not less than 3 feet above the highest point where the chimney passes through the roof. This is known a the 3-2-10 Rule for Chimneys.

Fuel-Gas Vent Terminations

The type of venting materials used for fuel-gas vent terminations depends on the operating characteristics of the appliance being vented. Appliances can be characterized with respect to:

Connectors should be used to connect an appliance and equipment to the vertical chimney or vent, except were the chimney or vent is attached directly to the appliance. The vent connector should be as short as practical, and the appliance should be located as close as practical to the chimney or vent.

Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6_ubGlXmjg&feature=youtu.be

Flexible (semi-rigid) appliance fuel connectors are typically used with cooking ranges and clothes dryers where the gas connection is located behind the appliance. Some degree of flexibility is needed to facilitate the hook-up of the appliance. Flexible connectors are usually made of stainless steel. They should be labeled with tags of metal rings placed over the tubing.

Each piece of equipment and appliance should be provided with a shut-off valve which is separate from the appliance to permit maintenance, repair, replacement and temporary disconnection. The shut-off valve should be adjacent to the appliance, no farther away than 6 feet, conspicuously located, and within reach.

Most fuel-gas appliance manufacturers require the installation of a sediment trap. Sediment traps prevent debris from entering the gas controls and causing hazardous malfunctions.