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Negative Pressure Warning
The Fireplace Xtrordinair wood fireplace relies upon natural convection to supply cooling air to the
fireplace. If installed in a house experiencing negative pressure, air may be pulled into the fireplace. This
leads to the face becoming cold while the fireplace is not in use, and in severe cases, air being pulled into
the room.
What Causes Negative Pressure
Today's air-tight homes are not 100% airtight. If air leaks are found at the top of the home enclosure, air
may be pulled through the home due to convection (the warmer air moves upwards, leaving the home,
causing air to be pulled into the home from a different location). See the illustration below.
How to Measure Negative Pressure
Digital pascal meters (also called "pressure meters" or "manometers") can measure negative pressure
readings inside a home. They typically cost around $600. They measure pascals (1 pascal is equal to
.004" Water Column). Typical homes have 0 to -1 pascals. Homes with negative pressure have -2 or
more (we have measured homes with upwards of -8 pascals). We strongly recommend measuring the
pressure in homes suspected of encountering negative pressure. This allows the homeowner, and
fireplace installer, to view an objective measurement.
How to Remedy Negative Pressure
The only proven method to reduce negative pressure is to install an "air exchanger". This device allows
outside air to enter the home after going through a "heat exchanger" to minimize cold infiltration.
© Travis Industries
Installation
(for qualified installers only)
4/5/2023 - 1582
11
44 Elite NGH Install
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