Gas Hot Water Heater Ventilation Requirements

[Scott Weaner]

Good evening everyone. I just purchased a duplex, and one of the HWH is in a separate room off the back of the building. The room is probably about 30-40 sq ft. There is a heater duct in the room, but nothing else.

The township inspector has requested that I install vents in either the wall or the door. I have a problem with this. This is a heated space, and opening it to the outside could cause problems, especially in the winter when pipes may freeze. the HWH was installed by the previous owner just 4 months ago and was inspected.

Any thoughts on what the requirements for combustion air are in a situation like this?