Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On 2/17/2015 1:13 AM, Tony Hwang wrote:

Hi,
Mod mid-efficiency furnace haad fresh air insulated dampered intake duct
for combustion. In this case intake can be inside the basement. Our
local code allows this.

CAN BE does not mean SHOULD BE.

Using outside air for combustion is more efficient. You are using air
that you paid to heat and sending it up the flue. Sounds to me the
contractor for the OP is just lazy.
Hi,
Any how, today's new houses are so air tight we have to bring in
controlled outside fresh air into the house.