Energy Efficiency Experts

 
CAZ testing or combustion area zone is a safety test whose protocols have been developed by BPI. This safety test is essential to perform for the safety of the occupants of a home. It primary goal is to identify proper operation of combustion appliances in a home.

Because our appliances such as our heater and water heater fire when in use the combusted gases a need to vent to the outside. During the CAZ test we want to know if there is any spillage or back drafting of these gases from the appliances. Furthermore we are looking for flame roll out or evidence of it which creates a fire hazard.

During an Energy Audit we monitor ambient CO at all times. This is done with a monitor often on the belt.

During the CAZ we check it during steps of procedure and record results.

We start with obtaining ambient CO levels outside. We then check the outside gas meter for leaks with a gas sniffer including all visible connections. Should we find leaks with the meter we double test with bubbles specifically for gas leaks. We note and tag any found leaks and recommended action.

We perform the same gas sniffer test procedures inside.

Next we visually inspect the appliances. Looking for signs of spillage and make sure the area looks right with draft chimneys with at least ¼ inch per foot rise.

We check our ambient CO

We perform this test under worst case depressurization. First we set all combustion appliances to pilot or off.  We winterize the home or close all outside doors and windows and open all interior doors. We set up our manometer with reference to outside and measure the baseline pressure of the combustion zone

We then establish worst case depressurization by turning on all mechanical equipment including hood fans, bathroom fans, dryers and the air handler for the HVAC unit. We then measure the pressure under worst case in the combustion zone and compare it to our baseline.

We prepare the area for test by drilling test ports where necessary.

We always start with the smaller appliance.

We now perform a spillage test by using a smoke pencil or equivalent all the way around the atmospheric draft appliances all the way around to test for proper draft.
Next we check the draft pressure within flue with reference to outside and check the numbers to our chart.

Next we perform combustion analysis on the appliances to determine the efficiency of the burn.