Furnace Vent Bug Screens

[tigersharkjd]

I ask a Winnebago tech about using these devices and he said he did not beleive it was needed. A Winnebago dealership tech recommended thier use. I read in a recent web RV Tech article that he did not beleive anything should cover the furnace vent to allow proper ventalation. I wanted to hear what others think on using these "mud dauber covers".

[Clay L]

The manual for mine says not to use screens.

[Norm4015]

Many years ago I got a mud dauber nest in the furnace and after I cleaned it out I installed the screens over the vents. I have used the screens over 11 years on two motorhomes and they have never caused a problem with the furnace operation.

[becks]

I to got a mud dauber nest in a furnace of a past rig. It was a mess. I have used the screens ever since and always will. Can't see where they restrict the vents in any way. Choose what you feel is best.

[Navy Flier]

It is all well and good that the referenced people stated their opinion regarding these screens but I would like to see what their reasoning is. Just stating that their should be no air restriction is a bit simplistic. Like others I have used these screens for years without any problems.

[JMonroe]

If you use a commercial product, engineered and manufactured for this purpose, you'll have no problem (and I suspect your own visual inspection will confirm that there is no way it is going to restrict airflow). Where some may get in trouble is when they decide to put something over the exhaust outlet that was not designed or intended for that purpose. Something with a much tighter 'weave' to the screen material, or made from materials that can't stand the heat. My suspicion is that even then, at worst, it would keep the furnace from working properly, or at all (or melt a hole in the material). Assuming the heat chamber is in good repair, its not going to force flu gasses back into the RV.

Sure beats having to take the furnace out, and apart, to clean out a nest.

[CaptPat]

I too have used screens over the furnace outlets for years without a problem.

[rebelone]

I also used screens for several years, no problems

[Finhawk]

Just wait until a small bird gets in there. Actually I wouldn't leave home without them

[smlranger]

Ditto on the screen. After having multiple problems with the furnace on a previous RV due to mud dauber nests, I have used the screen for 5 years on my current rig with no issues.

[ernieh]

Remember, the furnace manual is written by the manufacturer AND their lawyers. Also, they make money off repairs.

I've used a "common sense" screen of some sort for over 30 years and never had a problem.

[tinman1]

In the past 20 years, I didn't use screens for the first 10 years and had problems with daubers - the past 10 years has basically been free of problems.
I recommend screens based on my experience.

[Easyrider]

I believe the main reason the screens are not recommended is that they can can become plugged up from dirt and debris, and that can affect the performance of your furnace. As long as you check them occassionally and they remain free of any blockage you should be ok.

[akadeadeye]

I use screens while on the road and camping. While in storage, I plug up the exhaust with a rag. We had a bad experience last February where the hydronic furnace would not turn on. Turns out the reason was that a dirt dauber had done its thing in the exhaust pipe and there is an auto shut down in the furnace unit if there is an obstruction in the exhaust.

Never again. I don't care what a manual or lawyers say, I will do what is necessary to keep the exhaust clear. That event caused us to endure 35 degree temps inside the coach. No fun.

Don