PVC Vent Screen Installation and Removal

[@HobbyOrganist]

Glad I found these, I ordered 3 just now. I know at my workplace we've had birds get in the pipes and into the vent blower and UGH, not only ruined the motor but it's defintely no fun having to pull the unit out and deal with feathers and bones or worse all jumbled in there. One bird got down the old brick chimney and into the horizontal water heater flue that went into the chimney, and all the way in to the end of the flue over the actual water heaters' open flue portion on top of the tank and got stuck there, we kept smelling something like burnt chicken or feathers, I looked and saw a bird's beak sticking out of the cross-mesh, I had to remove the pipe and dump it out, the bird was blocking the exhaust from the water heater and caused a dangerous condition! Installed a new furnace at home now, and went to find some kind of cap, local hardware store knew of none, so I figured I'd search and there was your web site with the PERFECT solution. I terminated the vent with a tee, and the intake with a snorkled set of 3 elbows, so the 3 screens will do it and having a tee on the exhaust is best, it also means that instead of one screen causing a slight reduction in airflow, it will have twice the open surface area with 2 screens which will reduce that nominal airflow reduction to practically zero

[@pvcventscreens]

A word of caution for those smelling foul orders from their boiler, furnace or hot water heater. It's not uncommon to have multiple animals lodged within pipes or trapped inside appliances. Though in many cases the animals are dead, opening up a pipe or furnace cabinet can release a partially burnt animal and/or other living animals into the dwelling. The same concerns apply for bees/wasps which often nest inside pipes and appliances. We discuss this in more detail at: pvcventscreens.com/putrid-furnace-odor/ Our vent screens are designed to work with existing intake and exhaust vents without modifications to the terminations. While seasonal airflow is extremely important, altering terminations can have unintended consequences such as reducing the flow velocity. Using tees and/or enlarging vents can reduce the exhaust discharge flow and limit how quickly this exhaust is discharged beyond the termination. In many cases, perceived improvements in airflow are negated by a major reduction in flow velocity. It's more important to use our vent screens seasonally as noted on our website. PVS-I and CVC-I series vent screens guard against insects and rodents during the warmer months. 90% airflow rated PVS-R and CVC-R series vent screens are designed for use during sub-freezing temperatures (winter). Using both types of vent screens, seasonally as noted on our website, will guard vents in all seasons from all active threats.

[@miltownusa]

Is the larger vent screen going to prevent mice from entering the pipe?

[@pvcventscreens]

Yes. PVS-RS and CVC-R series rodent vent screens follow industry standards to prevent mice from gaining entry into vents. See our best practices page at pvcventscreens.com/best-practices/ to view the Fairfax County Health Department's "Controlling Rats & Mice" brochure. As the brochure notes, "mice can squeeze through spaces as small as a nickel!" A much smaller dime won't fit through our rodent screens. Also discussed on our best practices page is the importance of maintaining a high rate of airflow. Since combustion is involved, the screen's impact on airflow is extremely important during winter. When insects are active (spring, summer and fall), PVS-IS and CVC-I series vent screens are designed to guard vents from rodents along with insects (bees, wasps, etc.).

[@Mikec80]

Can I use an insect screen year around? I prefer the tighter mesh screen for bugs/insects. Is there any need for me to switch vent screens?

[@pvcventscreens]

If you reside in a region that experiences sub-freezing temperatures, the insect screen should be removed and replaced with the appropriate 90% airflow rated PVS-R series vent screen for winter use. All-season kits that include both types of screens are available in our store. More information regarding the importance of maintaining a very high rate of airflow during winter is available on our website.

[@Mikec80]

@@pvcventscreens Thanks for the reply! Much appreciated.

[@HobbyOrganist]

In the winter- condensation or melting snow can cause blockage on fine screens which doesnt happen on the more open winter screen's larger openings, I easily understood why they have two season types