I just bought bug screens made by Camco for my furnace outlet.I plan to make screens for my HWH and frig out of aluminum screen wire. They will not be visible like the furnace so a perfect fit won't matter.My question is : Will the aluminum screen wire be too small of opening so as to restrict air flow? Opening is a little smaller than the Camco screen but I can't see where it will matter. Opinions?2017 249rbs Apex if it matters.Thanks in advance

If you have a fan somewhere, take your existing screening material and place it right in front of the fan. Now turn it on. Is the flow restricted? If no, you will probably be OK. If it is, then I wouldn't do it.

No one can answer that question. You would have to try it and see but I recommend not reinventing the wheel.The ready-made screens and very durable and properly sized - and not that expensive

I believe I have seen caution statements on the manuals that comes with the water heater and the furnace not to use any cover.Because of that I cover mine with vinyl screen wire and ribbon magnets when stored.

I have the stainless screens (Camco I believe) for all three appliances with no issues. I had to modify the one for the water heater as the fit wasn't right and there was a space large enough to let bugs in. One episode with a wasp nest and you will wish you had them from the outset.

I used aluminum screen mesh and zip ties, which worked out fine for the refrigerator. For the water heater you'll need wire to attach the screen.

specific question on bug screens | Good Sam Community

DutchmenSport
Explorer
May 03, 2017
If you have a fan somewhere, take your existing screening material and place it right in front of the fan. Now turn it on. Is the flow restricted? If no, you will probably be OK. If it is, then I wouldn't do it.
ScottG
Nomad
May 03, 2017
No one can answer that question. You would have to try it and see but I recommend not reinventing the wheel.
The ready-made screens and very durable and properly sized - and not that expensive
12th_Man_Fan
Explorer
May 03, 2017
I believe I have seen caution statements on the manuals that comes with the water heater and the furnace not to use any cover.

Because of that I cover mine with vinyl screen wire and ribbon magnets when stored.
Durb
Explorer
May 04, 2017
I have the stainless screens (Camco I believe) for all three appliances with no issues. I had to modify the one for the water heater as the fit wasn't right and there was a space large enough to let bugs in. One episode with a wasp nest and you will wish you had them from the outset.
Mortimer_Brewst
Explorer II
May 04, 2017
I used aluminum screen mesh and zip ties, which worked out fine for the refrigerator. For the water heater you'll need wire to attach the screen.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
May 04, 2017
I used the fiberglass/nylon screen for my fridge and water heater. No issues with either of them.
riven1950
Explorer
May 04, 2017
OP here. After comparing the opening on the factory made screens vs screen wire I decided to buy SS Camco made screens. More air flow and easier to keep clean I think.

BTW best price I found was at Wally World. Plus they are now giving about a 5 percent discount if you pickup in store rather than ship.

Thanks for all the input
beemerphile1
Explorer
May 04, 2017
All of the manufacturers recommend AGAINST using any type of screens.

FWIW, the typical window screening blocks 50 percent of air flow.
riven1950
Explorer
May 04, 2017
beemerphile1...I never heard that, although no reason to doubt it. My guess would be a liability issue, at least in part, because they have no control over how the screens are maintained / kept clean. My hwh has a factory screen on one side. Anyway, thanks for the info.
BarneyS
Explorer III
May 04, 2017
I have had the SS screens on my trailers since 1997 and have never had a single problem with them blocking air flow. The only thing they block, as far as I can tell, is bugs.
Barney