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RoyF's avatar
RoyF
Explorer
Mar 19, 2014

Insect screen over furnace exterior vent can save big money

Just paid a big bill to have dirt dauber nests removed from RV furnace. Dealer said furnace was heating at only about 50% due to reduced air intake. Wasps got in at furnace exterior vent.

Installed inexpensive insect screen over furnace exterior vent to keep little buggers out in the future. I've still got things to learn about RVing. Wish someone had told me the story about dirt daubers and furnaces.

20 Replies

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  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2014
    Remove them because they get hot when the furnace is on. It's a COYA for the screen manufacturers so they won't get sued if someone burns themselves on one.

    Do I remove mine? No!
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 19, 2014
    down home wrote:
    I've held off putting screens in or on because of cautions from mfg.
    However one of the furnaces, fan was making a racket. It had a mud dauber nest on it.
    Wouldn't hurt to have them on the furnaces, in summer. Pull them off when cold so no ice forms on them.
    Maybe some kind ,of stick on base, for when you are parked and not using the RV.


    They're held on with little springs so it's easy to take them back off when ever you want and it will leave no marks.
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    Mar 19, 2014
    I've held off putting screens in or on because of cautions from mfg.
    However one of the furnaces, fan was making a racket. It had a mud dauber nest on it.
    Wouldn't hurt to have them on the furnaces, in summer. Pull them off when cold so no ice forms on them.
    Maybe some kind ,of stick on base, for when you are parked and not using the RV.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Mar 19, 2014
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    NOPE......

    The air flow balance is so close/critical to proper combustion that the intake/exhaust are wide open with NO restrictions.

    Due to that....neither mfg. recommends the screens be installed.
    I don't think so.

    I've used screens on my last two 5th wheels on the fridge and water heater vents. And the aftermarket hemispherical screens on the furnace intake. No mud dauber nests and no issues with anything not working properly. YMMV.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 19, 2014
    Of the rigs I've owned, the heater manufacturer's manuals always said not to use them but never do they explain why. Probably because they would cost something.
    For that reason I have been using the aftermarket screens on every RV I'v owned over the last 30+ years and have NEVER had any problem what so ever.
  • robsouth's avatar
    robsouth
    Explorer II
    Mar 19, 2014
    Some of those aftermarket screens come with a warning to remove before operating the appliance. Mind did.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Mar 19, 2014
    NOPE......

    The air flow balance is so close/critical to proper combustion that the intake/exhaust are wide open with NO restrictions.

    Due to that....neither mfg. recommends the screens be installed.
  • popeyemth's avatar
    popeyemth
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2014
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    Just make sure you routinely clean them aftermarket screens.

    Ever wonder why they aren't OEM?


    Just a guess:
    To save 3 cents? :)
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Mar 19, 2014
    Just make sure you routinely clean them aftermarket screens.

    Ever wonder why they aren't OEM?
  • popeyemth's avatar
    popeyemth
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2014
    Here's a heads-up :
    They get into the water heater and fridge vents too.
    I posted threads recently on DIY screens for them.
    Good Luck, Mike

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