The RV FurnaceMany people find that the slender spaces beside
their rv furnace is ideal for storing such items as
cookie sheets, cutting boards, even paper or plastic
bags. In addition to the obvious fire hazard, I would
like to point out another dangerous situation that could
result from this practice.
The air intakes (for the fan that supplies
return air to the furnace blower) are located on either
side and the top of the metal furnace housing. These air
intake slots draw air from the surrounding area and the
blower fan forces this air past the sealed combustion
chamber in the furnace and on to the warm air duct
work.
If this intake air flow is restricted, (with
loose plastic bags, aforementioned cookie sheets, etc.)
the fan motor speeds up. (the same effect is observed
when the intake hose of a vacuum cleaner is plugged
off).
There is a separate combustion air system,
sealed from the inside of the coach, that feeds fresh air
to the burner assembly inside the furnace. This system
draws in outside air to allow the proper combustion of
the fuel gas and then forces the exhaust products out
again. The fan for this system is powered by the same
furnace motor that runs the blower, therefor it speeds up
at the same rate.
The increased air flow in the combustion chamber
alters the burn characteristics of the flame - producing
a leaner, hotter flame. This overheating can lead to
failure of the furnace safety devices, damage to the
electronic components of some models or in the worse case
a cracked combustion chamber. Exhaust products, including
CARBON MONOXIDE, will now be forced into the living area
!!!! CO is odorless, colorless and extremely toxic - a
silent killer.
Please check your furnace compartment for air
flow restrictions.
If you have any doubts or concerns regarding
your furnace's condition, have it inspected by a
licensed, qualified RV gas technician.
A carbon monoxide detector installed in your
unit is a very inexpensive life insurance
policy.
Troubleshooting:
DSI RV Furnace Troubleshooting
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