Maintain horizontal separation so exhaust air cannot be drawn back into fresh air intakes.

For whole house HVAC systems the core rule is to keep intake openings far enough from exhausts to prevent short circuiting and reentry of contaminated or moist air. Aim for a horizontal separation of between ten and twenty five feet where possible, but always confirm the equipment manufacturer requirements and local code which may be stricter. When space is constrained place intakes higher than exhausts so warmer, buoyant exhaust plumes rise away from the intake, and orient intake openings away from prevailing wind directions that could push exhaust toward the inlet. Seal and weatherproof intake louvers and use bird screens and insect mesh to maintain airflow characteristics without creating backpressure. For combustion appliances follow combustion air code provisions, including dedicated ducts or direct outdoor air connections, to avoid creating depressurization that draws exhaust back indoors. Finally check system operation after installation by running fans and walking the building perimeter with a smoke pencil or incense stick to verify plume behavior and adjust locations before finishing work.

The three most common mistakes are placing intakes too close to exhausts, mounting intakes below or at the same level as exhaust outlets, and ignoring wind patterns and nearby openings like dryer vents or garage doors. If intakes are too close relocate one opening or extend the exhaust or intake with ducting to reach the ten to twenty five foot guideline or the manufacturer specified distance. If intakes sit at the same elevation raise the intake or lower the exhaust so the exhaust plume will move away from the inlet. If you ignore wind and nearby exhausts observe prevailing winds and reorient or add baffling to prevent direct airflow from exhaust to intake.

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