Bringing in fresh air with an old heating system

[New & Improved - N/F John]

PROBLEM: I have an old oil steam boiler that also heats the water. I am concerned about sealing the basement too much in my quest to save on energy bills.

I've read about carbon monoxide poisoning. I also have a gas dryer and two bathroom fans. All of the above four items could one day be running.

I experimenting with bringing in air at this time, but the air isn't warm when it comes in. I also made a damper for the four inch pipe.

I saw another post about a device that heats the air to room temperature. I wonder if I can do it myself.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: I propose putting the 4" pipe upto a steam pipe next to the boiler. The boiler is always warm because it makes our hot water. I would enshroud the pipe so the cold air coming in would pass the pipe and take the heat. In the summer, I propose one of those dryer diverter pipe kits so the air would not pass the pipe area.

My concern is not so much the extra cost of heating the water as a result of the cold air, but the possible contraction of the pipe with the cold air. I wonder if it would crack? The steam pipe is made of steel. The length of my air pipe is about 15', so it could pick up some warmth along the way.

What do you think?

[John Barry]

1. Consult with your local fire marshal first as to minimum required ventilation area (of opening) for space. Typically assumes that all devices are on simultaneously. Do like he/she says.
2. Unless you're planning on heating the makeup air with otherwise wasted heat, you're wasting time and effort. Maybe a stack-mounted economizer?

HTH, John

[New & Improved - N/F John]

Sounds like sage advice. This is house built around 1920 so I don't think I can super seal the home.

I agree the makeup air should be heated. I think I've seal the major leaks in the basement. The really cold spots (chases) have been sealed, and the furnance's damper seems to be opening just as much as before with dryer on. The two devices are in the basement of course.

What do you mean by a stack-mounted economizer?

What is HTH? Thanks.