What does a barometric draft regulator do?

Draft regulators or barometric dampers are devices used to regulate the draft on oil-fired furnaces, boilers, and water heaters.

Where is the barometric damper located?

The barometric damper will be installed in the flue between the boiler and the chimney. The barometric damper will be set for the desired draft conditions using weights and adjustment screws. If the draft inside the chimney is excessive, the damper will open and allow air from the boiler room inside the chimney.

Do all oil furnaces need barometric dampers?

Each fuel or combination of fuels requires a specific type of barometric damper. Single-acting is traditionally used for oil-fired burners and double-acting is used for gas burners. The stops found in double-acting dampers should be removed if firing only with gas.

Why do you need a barometric damper?

A barometric damper is needed to help assist the chimney with proper function. A barometric damper regulates the chimney draft. Over time pressure can build up in the chimney ducts and the barometric damper job is to regulate and release the built-up pressure.

Does a wood furnace need a barometric damper?

All wood-burning stoves do need a system that enables air to reach the fire. The airflow can be regulated by a barometric damper, a flue damper or simple vents that allow air to access the fire. A great option is to install a barometric damper until you figure out the workings of your wood stove.

How are drafts measured?

Draft intensity is measured in “inches of water”. Just as a mercury barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure in inches of mercury, a draft gauge is used to measure draft intensity (pressure) in inches of water.

Where should the barometric damper be installed in the chimney connector?

On oil fired equipment the barometric damper, or draft regulator is typically a round Tee inserted in the flue vent connector between the heating appliance and the chimney.

Does an oil furnace need a draft regulator?

In short, draft matters because it impacts the functionality of the oil burner. That’s why it’s important to regulate, and you can do so using a barometric draft regulator or damper. With newer heating appliances you won’t need to, as they’re designed to operate without one.

What is a barometric damp regulator?

Barometric dampers or draft regulators (synonyms) are sold in a variety of sizes for residential and larger commercial heating systems. Draft regulator sizes are specified in inches, representing the diameter of the moving regulator door assembly.

What should the barometric damper be set to?

“The barometric damper should be adjusted (by adjusting the weight position) to maintain as low a draft as will give good combustion and meet the requirements for heat. The bracket is marked “Lo”, “Med” and “Hi” which correspond to draft settings [if draft is measured inside the flue immediately before the regulator] of 0.2″, 0.4″, and 0.6″ w.c.”

What is a draftdraft regulator?

Draft regulators are sized to match the flue vent connector to which they are mounted – in turn implying that the draft regulator will also be properly sized for the operating requirements (and draft requirements) of the heating appliance as well.

What is a draft damper on a gas fired furnace?

at DRAFT HOOD, GAS HEATER for gas fired equipment. Barometric dampers are devices used to regulate the draft on oil-fired heating equipment such as furnaces, boilers, or water heaters. The barometric damper or draft regulating device we are discussing here is normally used only on oil-fired heating equipment, not on gas-fired equipment.