Ventilation and air for combustion
To enable gas appliances to operate efficiently, fresh air is required for complete combustion. This is an important factor to consider in the positioning of any gas appliance as they often take air for combustion from the room in which they are fitted.
As well as providing a constant supply of air for combustion, ventilation is required for any room in which a gas appliance is fitted. A change of air flow ensures complete comfort for the occupants of the room and helps to circulate the heated air within the room.
Manufacturers recommend room sizes for each gas appliance, to ensure an appliance is not fitted into a room too small or too large as this would hinder the appliance’s performance. It is important that the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations are followed carefully.
Non-flued appliances and ventilation
Ventilation requirements for the installation of non-flued appliances must be in accordance with NZS 5261:2003.
Non-flued gas appliances must not be installed in bathrooms, bedrooms or any other area used as sleeping quarters.
Ventilation Calculator
A = F x T
A = the minimum free ventilation area (mm)
F = the factor given in table 1
T = the total gas consumption of all gas appliances (MJ/h)
The minimum vertical dimension of any free ventilation area shall be 6mm.
(Ventilation requirements as per NZS 5261:2003 2.6.6.1)
Table 1 (ref: NZS5261:2003 Table 13) |
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Gas appliance location |
Source of ventilation |
Factor F |
| Gas appliance in a room or enclosure, other than a plant room |
- Directly from the outside - Via an adjacent room |
300 600 |
| Gas appliance in a plant room | - Directly from the outside - Via an adjacent room |
150 300 |
Appliance manufacturers set down the minimum room sizes required to ensure adequate ventilation for the appliances in compliance with regulations. Check the individual appliance installation specifications for the correct guidelines and requirements.