If you want to keep birds and other critters out of a PVC vent pipe, you could have your dog guard the pipe, but there’s a better way.
Mike Simonsen of Black Diamond, Wash., quickly learned that the hardware store doesn’t sell a product to keep birds and critters out of a 3-in. HVAC pipe that exited the side of his house. Using a 2×6, a hole saw, and some hardware cloth, Mike rigged-up his own solution to screen the pipe.
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View Comments
This works really great in warmer climates. However in the winter in MN these tend to freeze up with the exhaust condensation thus shutting down the furnace. So beware.
Wouldn't it be easier to have an end cap with holes drilled into it to cover it up?
Agree with the comment above that in colder climates the exhaust tends to freeze and cause problems with your furnace. I found these (http://www.4heatac.com)that seem reasonable but have yet to try them. My furnace installer recommended leaving the pvc pipe open however to prevent furnace problems though.
I am Mike Simonsen. I first did this for vent holes in bird blocking. We were remodeling a house in Seattle that had no screen on the vent holes. I inserted the screen convex end first and smeared construction adhesive.
Good point about freezing condensation.