Overview
The Elite Software GasVent program quickly calculates the correct vent sizes for Category 1 Gas Powered Appliances. GasVent is a true Windows program designed to be simple and easy to use by both contractors and designers. The program is very graphical and especially easy to use. Recent advances in technology have improved the average furnace efficiency to over 80%. These new mid and high efficiency furnaces can cause significant condensation in the vent. If a flue gas vent is either oversized, undersized, or of the wrong material, there is a high probability that corrosive condensate will cause pitting which will ultimately result in the failure of the vent pipe. The failure of a vent pipe can be deadly because the building occupants could be subjected to carbon monoxide poisoning. Besides gas poisoning, there are many other hazards from improperly designed vents. Masonry chimneys can collapse from the acid in the condensate dissolving the mortar between bricks and possibly causing a fire. Condensate can accumulate back at the furnace and cause severe rusting. There are so many potential problems with incorrect venting, that all contractors should make every effort to do the job right. GasVent is a great help in vent design.
Calculation Method
The calculation method used by GasVent complies with the National Fuel Gas Code published by NFPA and the International Fuel Gas Code published by ICC. All output results produced by GasVent can be easily verified by hand to conform with results from the NFGC and IFGC vent tables.
Program Input
The GasVent program uses standard Windows data entry techniques that provide a full screen, simple "fill in the blank" input procedure. All input data is checked at the time of entry so that no improper data can be entered. If you have a question about what the program is requesting, you can press the F1 key for context sensitive help.
Three major types of data are requested: Customer Information, Single Appliance, and Multiple Appliances. The customer information includes the customer name, address, city, state, and phone number. The information for a single appliance includes the appliance function (water heater, space heating, etc.), input MBH rating(s), vent lateral and height dimensions, outlet diameter, vent connector type, specification of natural or fan assisted draft, vent type (masonry, flexible liner, or Type B), the number of elbows, and the presence of a vent damper. Only standard connector sizes are allowed.
The same data is requested for each appliance in multiple appliance situations. Multiple appliance scenarios also allow the entry of a "floor" number for multi story buildings. All data is saved to disk and can be reviewed and edited whenever desired. Input sheets are provided for the easy organization of your data.
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