BLDG 2046

HIGH EFFICENCY FURNACE

What is a high-efficiency furnace?

A high-efficiency furnace has an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90 to 97 per cent. In other words, a furnace at the high end of this range will convert 97 per cent of the combusted natural gas to usable energy, with the remaining three per cent exhausted to the outside. By comparison, many older furnaces have an AFUE of only about 60 per cent, meaning 40 per cent of the fuel is wasted.

How do they work?

Most high-efficiency furnaces use a condensing process. Two heat exchangers draw enough heat from combustion gases that moisture in the gas condenses, releasing additional usable heat. The condensate is piped to a floor drain and exhaust gases are cool enough to be vented out a sidewall with a four-inch piece of plastic pipe, thus eliminating the need for a chimney. Because the combustion in these furnaces is sealed, there is also no risk of carbon monoxide

Typical configuration for a high efficiency gas furnace and ductwork. Inset photo shows new venting material

Gas vale for a high efficiency furnace

 Combustion air chamber. Black pipe is 2 ABS plumbing pipe. This pipe conveys combustion air directly from outdoors.

 Example of Duel Venting.

Exhaust vent Combustion air vent

Exhaust Venter and motor

 Pressure switches. These are safety devices which ensure safe operation

 Example of sealed or enclosed circuit board.

 Multispeed blower with direct drive motor. Motor start capacitor.

 Exampl e of base elbow for the return air duct system.

Example of an expanded collar. This fitting provides more efficient air flow then a standard Butt Connection.

 Example of an exposed circuit board. Note terminals for thermostat wire connections.

 Condensate drain. Note 1 air gap between condensate pipe and receptacle.

 Close-up of exposed circuit board.

 The schematic drawing shown in this picture is found on the back of the front panel of the furnace cabinet.

Typical manual heating/cooling thermostat.

This is a digital heating/cooling thermostat.

Photo showing inside circuit board of a digital thermostat. Note wiring