TOPIC: Venting Question

I found this on an inspection today.  PVC vent/fresh air intake protrude through the roof, but shouldn't they be further apart? 

There are better ways to install the vent than the one pictured. It would look better and would of only required one roof penetration.

The furnace manufacturer would have venting tables and installation requirments for this application. Some can be differant.

Take a look at this document. http://www.docs.hvacpartners.com/idc/groups/public/documents/techlit/iik-kgavt-01.pdf

Look at the roof installation.

Not sure this helps. Maybe if Dave Anderson see's this he could advise.

Here is another pic I got of the set up.  Seems to me that water is going to get down the straight pipe (I could see condensation as I looked down it) and the vent is pointed right at the intake. 

But then again, I think I'm losing my mind.  I know I hung my coat somewhere in my house tonight, and can not find it...anywhere... ??? ???

It seems to me they are trying to prevent a "snowball" in the intake pipe. That will shut down the system.

The straight pipe should be the exhaust. It's ok for water to go down it. Condensation will occur in the pipe and should flow "Back" to the furnace (so it doesn't freeze) where there is a drain for this condensate.

Considering your climate zone, snow is a factor and the intake can not be blocked. Thus the high neck.

Also we do not want exhaust blowing across the intake as the low pressure causes it to freeze (even when it's not freezing).
The neck turn down is below the exhaust  and they put it close so the exhaust vapor doesn't get sucked into the opening.

As David pointed out, a concentric termination kit is generally the norm. Just one roof penetration. Exhaust and intake can't mix...

Thanks guys...I started thinking that I'd mixed the 2 pipes up after a closer look and thinking of the snow factor.  I was even thinking if they had turned the elbowed pipe the other direction it would have been better.  Something new every day...

Thanks Dave A.

appreciate the expertise!!