Regular Maintenance Extends The Use Of Condensing Furnaces

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Contractors should ensure homeowners are scheduling regular maintenance visits


The first condensing furnaces were introduced in the mid-1980s, and it’s likely that the majority of those original systems have been replaced.
Inspect almost all gas pipe and connections to get leaks; "The inshot burners should be checked for the same deterioration."

FURNACE MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
To keep both condensing and noncondensing furnaces operating at peak efficiency, Lennox Industries Inc.
Inspect the furnace return air duct link with ensure the duct is definitely sealed to the furnace.
Perform complete combustion analysis during the furnace inspection to ensure proper combustion and operation. structurally sound; without holes, blockage, or leakage, and check that the exhaust pipe is certainly sloped toward the furnace.

Hall stressed that contractors shouldn't upgrade motors or handles or alter any section of a mature condensing furnace so that they can optimize its overall performance or efficiency. Lastly, contractors should verify/adjust gas pressures in the particular application according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and perform combustion analysis to verify that the furnace is usually operating properly and gets the proper combustion atmosphere volume. Remove the rubber hoses from the cold end header box, and inspect for just about any blockage - clean as needed.
If the furnace is equipped with a condensate drain and trap, inspect for leaks and cracks.

"As a unit ages or is not maintained, some lack of performance is expected," stated Dwayne Hall, product services coordinator of residential heating, Lennox Industries Inc. improved inshot burner designs;

"Components must be tested to ensure they're a safe substitute and offer equal or better performance," he said. Furthermore, while a replacement part may be a far more efficient alternative, like an electronically commutated engine (ECM) versus a long lasting split capacitor (PSC) electric motor, existing controls may not be compatible with the new components.

For those homeowners who are finally looking to replace their 20-plus-year-old condensing furnaces, they may be in for a surprise as today’s models offer higher efficiencies as well as many more features than their predecessors. "Contractors also needs to look for visible signs of drinking water leakage at hose connections, internal vent connections, and any metal surface below these connections. controls to reduce igniter failures;

Indeed, cleanliness, alongside proper combustion, could keep a condensing furnace working at peak efficiency for a long period. The drain and trap must be cleaned, and the trap should be primed with water. If strainers are installed in the hoses, remember to remove and clean before reinstalling the hoses; "Ideally, a furnace style incorporates components that optimize performance resulting in a safe, dependable, and affordable item for the customer. modular gas valves;

Also if a condensing furnace is still operable, if it’s over 15 years old, homeowners may want to consider replacing it with a fresh, energy-efficient model, which can save money and offer better comfort. "The majority of the furnace can be cleaned;"

Furthermore, during regular maintenance, contractors should verify that hoses are secure and fully-seated and inspect for worn or cracked condensate hoses, said Vinsant.
Evaluate the warmth exchanger integrity by inspecting heat exchanger per the Air-Conditioning, Heating system & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) warmth exchanger inspection procedure; Oxygen grilles and louvers (on the machine and in the area where in fact the furnace is installed) must be correctly sized, opened, and unobstructed;

"If there are low NOx rods, contractors should get them to intact, structurally sound, and free of corrosion and corrosion," he said.

To ensure proper combustion, 0iNVtIli8hOk+VEBQIv1ZVA8OergDasFA75OSphf7Bk contractors want to ensure that the vent and combustion pipes are unrestricted, well supported, and leak free, said Remley. clogged atmosphere filters; and
Verify procedure of CO detectors and change batteries, as required.
Ensure adequate combustion air is open to the furnace.

"There are also many factors which could result in a condensing furnace to avoid working, like a plugged condensate management system, plugged pressure switch hoses, an obstruction in the intake or exhaust system, heat exchanger restrictions, and incorrect gas pressure," he added. "Energy calculators might help customers compare the cost savings of different high-efficiency systems and determine whether to correct or replace a mature unit. and better motors, said Remley.
Check the health of the belt and shaft bearings in the event that applicable; "The bottom line is that today’s condensing furnaces lower operating costs for property owners while providing true comfort and ease solutions in both the heating and cooling season. and an unclean blower engine and wheel, to mention a few, said Hall.
On induced draft furnaces, inspect the combustion air inducer and clean; however, bringing a warmth exchanger back to an operable condition isn't feasible if sooting has happened.
Check the condition of the furnace cabinet insulation and repair; Consult item literature for correct combustion values; two-stage operation; "The secondary heating system coil, electric motor cooling inlet openings, blower steering wheel vanes, the cooling coil, air conditioning filter, and ductwork program all have to be free of dirt and dirt to ensure proper airflow over the temperature exchangers of a condensing furnace," said John Remley, product manager of home furnaces and packaged products, Nortek Global HVAC."

But actually condensing furnaces that are properly maintained will likely lose efficiency as time passes and eventually stop working.

Modern condensing furnaces give other innovative features as well, including stainless steel heat exchangers; intake and exhaust pipe recirculation; Sooting may be the end of a temperature exchanger’s life because it is constructed so that it can't be completely cleaned and cut back to a satisfactory operating condition.

"Not only have got the efficiencies improved, however the item warranties have improved as well, which delivers a larger degree of consumer and dealer self-confidence," said Jill Murphy, senior product marketing manager, residential heating, Lennox Industries Inc. New controls, more efficient motors, and better warmth exchanger designs are only a several features that today come standard on most condensing furnaces. Check for air leaks on supply and come back ducts, and seal where necessary;"

While most homeowners usually do not relish paying for a fresh furnace, they will be pleased to see how very much the technology has changed over the years. Of course, there may still be a few remaining in existence, especially if their homeowners took good care of them, frequently replacing their filter systems and getting the units maintained correctly. Inspect the rubber hoses linked to the pressure switches for cracks or loose connections, and replace as necessary.
Check the cleanliness of blower assembly, and clean the housing, blower wheel, and blower electric motor if necessary;
Check the condition and cleanliness of burners and heat up exchanger, and clean if necessary;

"By replacing a mature furnace that's 60-percent efficient with one that is 98-percent efficient, homeowners can save approximately 40 percent on energy expenses or more to $11,469 on the life of the machine," said Murphy.

"Be sure to search for any type of rust or corrosion that could have accumulated about the burners due to a condensate leak that may possess gone undetected at some time during the life of the furnace," he said.

Factors that can decrease the effectiveness of a furnace include incorrect incoming and manifold gas pressure;
Verify the cleanliness of filters and change if necessary;"

Burners may also have to be cleaned as wasps, spiders, and other pests can sometimes build nests inside the vestibule of the furnace during the summer months, noted Vinsant. a dirty heat exchanger;

"The furnace was designed, manufactured, and certified per industry standards for safety and proper operation.

"There is only so very much a contractor can do to bring an older condensing furnace back to life," said Remley."

Vinsant agreed, noting a replacement part that's not approved by the product manufacturer might void any remaining warranty. Inspect terminations to make sure they are free of obstructions and are structurally audio; Co. "In the springtime, it’s important to get the A/C coil cleaned, because a dirty coil make a difference the operation of the furnace, such as heat rise and maximum outlet air.
On condensing furnaces, inspect the furnace intake and exhaust pipes to ensure they are in place;

REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Condensing furnaces can provide higher efficiencies and better comfort, but they additionally require more caution than non-condensing furnaces. gives contractors these maintenance tips:

Verify furnace wiring for loose connections, voltage at the indoor device, and amperage of the indoor electric motor;"

In addition to higher efficiencies, the latest condensing furnaces offer new technologies, such as enhanced diagnostic systems with LED fault codes, which allow for quicker servicing for the contractor and home owner, said Vinsant. Which explains why contractors should make sure their customers are scheduling maintenance on the furnaces every fall and springtime, said Brian Vinsant, product support specialist, residential heating equipment, Rheem Mfg.

"The bigger tier furnaces even have smart real estate automation abilities, such as Rheem’s EcoNet® control center, which allows the unit to ‘talk’ and troubleshoot using Wi-Fi-connected features like alerts and notifications," he said."

TIME TO REPLACE
If homeowners have neglected the maintenance on the condensing furnace for too long, they may just need to consider replacing it.