Q&A Fresh Air Intake for gas fireplace?

Question:

In older houses when the fireplace is located in the basement, is it important to have a fresh air outlet piped from the outside when none is present fot the existing gas furnace ?



Answer:

You say "older houses" , which usually means ones that are not very tight...If the basement area is tight (no leaky windows, basement doors, etc.) then it could be important to have a source of outside make up sir. This will allow the fireplace to updraft better (less flow reversal), and also assure that the gas furnace has enough combustion air.