Inquiry: |
00-03 |
Subject: |
Combustion Air Requirements |
Code: |
UMC Sec. 104 (a) and (b): Additions, Alterations or Repairs to Existing Mechanical Systems |
Submitted by: |
MN B.O. Uniformity Committee |
Approved by: |
Thomas R. Joachim, State Building Official |
Issue Date: |
January 12, 2000 |
Question: |
Is combustion air required to be added into an existing home when the water heater is replaced, if not already provided? |
Answer: |
Yes. "Additions, alterations or repairs to existing systems must be made without requiring the existing mechanical system to comply with all the requirements of the code, provided that the addition, alteration or repair conforms to that of a new mechanical system. |
Comments: |
In existing buildings of 'ordinary tightness,' the UMC allows all, or a portion of, the combustion air for fuel-burning appliances to be obtained from infiltration. This, in most cases, will have to be a judgment call on behalf of the Building Official. Keep in mind the tightening of existing homes by means of replacement siding, windows and doors, insulation, etc. Approved by Building Codes and Standards Access Committee September 26, 1996 |