A high-efficiency condensing gas furnace can save you money on heating during the McKinney area’s cold rainy winters and reduce your risk of carbon monoxide exposure, too. For the furnace to work efficiently and safely, though, it must be installed correctly. These furnaces have different requirements from non-condensing furnaces, so there are a few things to think about if you’re having a new condensing furnace installed.
Location
As with other furnaces, a condensing gas furnace should be installed in a central location to minimize the distances air has to travel to the rooms. This may be the basement, garage, attic or a crawl space. Keep in mind, though, that because condensing furnaces draw in outside air for combustion, they shouldn’t be placed where chemicals are used, such as the laundry area or where indoor air quality is poor. In such locations, traces of airborne chemicals can enter the furnace and corrode the components.
Venting
A condensing furnace doesn’t require a chimney. Instead, these furnaces are vented in one of two ways:
- Direct vent (two-pipe) vent system – This system uses one pipe to bring in outside air for combustion and another to remove exhaust gases.
- Non-direct (single-pipe) vent system – This system uses only one pipe to remove exhaust gases.
Although the direct vent method is more common and generally preferable, the ideal system for a particular installation depends on the furnace’s location, the amount of combustion and your household’s needs, among other factors. For instance, the non-direct method may be used for a furnace in a basement with good air circulation.
Drainage
Condensing furnaces produce liquid condensation as the secondary heat exchanger reclaims heat. This condensation is primarily carbonic acid and must be drained properly to prevent it from backing up and damaging the furnace components. For good drainage, the furnace must sit level or titled slightly toward the drainage lines. The drainage lines should be installed free of kinks and should run where there’s no risk of freezing.
For expert guidance on choosing and installing your new condensing gas furnace, get in touch with us at Bill Joplin’s Air Conditioning & Heating. We proudly serve homeowners in and around McKinney, Frisco and Allen.
