draft hood on top of a fossil fuel burning appliance
What is a draft hood A draft hood on top of a fossil fuel burning appliance with a vent system helps to prevent puffs of air from the outside from blowing out the burners or pilot light. It also helps cool down the vent as it allows air to be drawn up into the vent along with the hot rising air. It allows the vent gases to escape in the event of a vent stoppage and also neutralizes the effect of stack action upon the operation of the appliance. Stack action refers to the speed hot air rises in a vent. Sometimes it rises so fast that it draws too much heat away. The inspector will enter this item if the draft hood is missing or damaged or if the wrong hood is installed. Many draft hoods are built into the appliance and are not readily recognizable. The most obvious draft hoods sit atop water heaters between the vent and the appliance. The particular size of draft hood may be available at home improvement centers. If not, you should contact a sheet metal, air conditioning, or heating contractor. Usually they will have a draft hood from a used appliance that will suffice. Caulk or otherwise seal base of forced air heater to heater stand or platform: This is necessary for at least two reasons. Caulk helps to secure the fireplace unit to the platform and reduce vibration, but more importantly it serves as a seal to reduce the potential of circulated air/combustion air contamination.