Backdrafting places dangerous gases and chemicals back into the home and is a potential fire hazard. Backdrafting is most common in atmospheric open-combustion appliances during the combustion process. It occurs when appliances that burn fuel are malfunctioning, causing spillage. As the spillage builds up, negative pressure increases, preventing gases from flowing smoothly out of the house via ductwork or a chimney, but instead back into it. Backdrafting also creates a serious fire hazard by placing these chemicals back into the home and creating pressure within confined spaces.
Gases like Carbon Monoxide can be produced and sent back into your home from backdrafting, malfunctioning appliances. Keep your home safe, schedule your ecoProach evaluation today!
Sources:
Johnston, David and Kim Master. Green Remodeling: Changing the World One Room at a Time. Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers, 2004.
Krigger, John and Chris Dorsi. Residential Energy, Cost Saving and Comfort for Existing Buildings, Fourth Edition. Helena: Thompson-Shore, Inc., 2004.
