I recall he was expounding retrofitting warm air ducting into a house as an easy and minor task. I believe it was Ed Sirrett who brought things down to earth with the question "easy compared to what - Demolition?"
Warm air boilers
Dec 09, 2022
Last reply: 3 years ago
24 Replies
We rented a flat ( well masonette) in late 70s/ early 80s which had hot air heating ( initially we were students ).
The boiler was self contained, a large lump by today’s standards. Even if it contained asbestos, it could be lifted out as a ( heavy) lump.
The ducting was just galvanised metal. No sign of any insulation. A couple of ‘plates’ to act as valves to direct the air flow.
It had a thermostat but tended to be either very hot or artic in winter.
I might also wonder about smoke redistribution in the event of a fire...
#Paul
If the circulation fan is running, then yes, smoke gets redistributed. The furnace filter is not designed for removing smoke particles (the electrostatic air cleaner might handle that, but it would rapidly be overwhelmed by the amount of material).
If the fan is not running (furnace not firing), then the duct work is benign. Hot air rises. In a fire situation, you get down on the floor on your belly and crawl out. That's where the air is clearest. This should also be factored into your choices in emergency lighting.
Paul
You mean emergency lighting should be fitted to skirting boards and pointing across the floor, not up ?. Ideally a trail of LED lights that leads to an exit door.
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