Natural Gas Appliances Operating Under Depressurized Conditions in High Performance Houses: Issues and Solutions

The energy-efficiency levels of new homes built in the U.S. has improved significantly in the past decade with developments in building science and improved construction practices according to the United States Department of Energy (DOE). The improvement in the building thermal envelope and several other factors can cause the house to operate intermittently at a negative pressure.  Natural gas appliances can vent properly at a negative pressure, but some appliances only operate within limits.  This presentation explores the operating limits and provides data on performance from recent laboratory testing of appliances under depressurized conditions.