Power venting

[muncybob]

I undertsand that an oil boiler can be power vented through a sidewall and there are certain clearances you should follow with these. Can a wood boiler also be power vented? I really want to install a gassifier in my basement as opposed to an outside unit but it appears I will have to move my oil boiler and power vent it or leave the oil boiler in place and construct a new chimney for the wood boiler.

With regards to the clearances for the power vent...appears min. 4' from a window is ideal but if this cannot be obtained(looks like my location would be below a window and only 2.5' away) and the window is not allowed to be opened am I ok?

 

[WoodNotOil]

To my knowledge wood boilers can not be power vented. As far as windows and ground clearance on oil venting, it all comes down to exhaust getting in the house. It will vent fine, but if the window is open and the wind is right, some of it will come in. My oil boilers power vent is under a window and a little low to the ground. We just open the top sash of the window instead of the bottom and close the window altogether when it is windy. I use the oil boiler so rarely now, it has not been an issue. My guess is you would be fine in your situation as well. The idea with gasification is that in the long run when your boiler and eventual storage is all hooked up, the oil is just backup anyway.

 

[muncybob]

I forsee that the oil boiler will only be used for hot water in the non heating season. I just wish I did not have to relocate the oil boiler but there may be no avoiding it I guess. Will the exhausts from the power vent stain or discolor vinyl siding?

 

[WoodNotOil]

I have never noticed discolor of siding. I have white siding and it has not been a problem.