preventing IF code on heater when windy

[abfab]

When we replaced our heater last spring we didn't get a wind stack which the old unit had as we don't live in an area that has high wind issues. It was fine until the other day. I turned it on and when I came back to check on it there was an IF code. After doing some research I figured out that it was the wind - it was unusually breezy. It was back to normal yesterday when conditions were calm. Since we've had no other instances of that code and we don't normally swim when very windy I don't want to rush out and get a stack installed.

So, my questions are a) how windy does it have to be for this code to happen? b) where on the unit is the air entering to cause this code? I am wondering if placing some sort of barrier near the unit would block the wind enough to prevent this code? The unit is located at the narrower side of the house so it's somewhat sheltered.

Also, I want to check the orifices just in case. I've read that this should be done at start of each season. Are they easily accessible when opening the panel and an easy diy or do i need a tech to do this? I haven't found any videos on how to do this.

 

[ajw22]

Air flow is a science into itself that they build large wind tunnels to see how it flows since no one can be sure.

You can try different things but I think you will end up with the wind stack.

 

[JamesW]

If the heater is near a tall wall, wind can be deflected down into the heater.

What exact heater do you have?

The manual recommends the high wind vent for outdoor high wind locations.

Make sure that all installation instructions were followed.

Note that there might be some other reason for the ignition failure other than the wind.

 

[abfab]

It's a Hayward H250ED2C. It is located next to the side of the house. No error code all of last year nor the past two days when it's been running for several hours, so I'm confident that it's the wind. I would howevera like to determine if one or more blocked orifices could be contributing factor but not sure how to check. I found one youtube video on how to clean them but nothing on how to access them.

 

[JamesW]

If it's next to a tall wall and then the wind is coming directly at the wall, the wind can be diverted down into the heater.

I would get the wind stack as that seems to be an issue.