What You Need to Know About High-Efficiency Furnace Venting

If you’re in the process of building a new home or replacing an outdated heating system, you’ve likely spent a considerable amount of time trying to ensure you’re choosing the right system for your home. With so many options, finding the perfect model can make all the difference in how well your home is heated. Your heating system is one of the most important choices you will make for your home because our Ohio winter can become frigid.

5 Things You Need to Know About High-Efficiency Furnace Venting

If you have a furnace and you’re considering replacing it with a high-efficiency condensing unit, here are a few key differences you need to know about how high-efficiency systems work and are vented so you’re prepared going forward.

Traditional vs. High Efficiency

Furnaces can be gas or electric, but those that are gas create byproducts that must be channeled out of your home using a venting system. The byproduct created is a mixture of combustion gases and condensate. Conventional furnaces use an attached exhaust system placed vertically to send the byproduct up and away from your system. High-efficiency furnaces use a special venting system that pulls any remaining heat remaining in the combustion byproduct before releasing it into the ether.

Higher-Efficiency Furnace Venting Means Spending Less Money

Higher-efficiency furnaces provide many cost savings, and some systems even qualify for tax rebates. In comparison, high-efficiency furnace systems may save money just by being newer or more efficient than the system it replaced. High-efficiency furnace venting systems help these furnaces do a better job of warming your home. The additional heat pulled from the unit’s venting system helps keep your home warmer, which means your system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home warm. When your system doesn’t have to work as hard, it translates into less money spent paying larger electricity bills.

Specialized Venting Needs Specialty Piping

A high-efficiency furnace has a specialized venting system that uses the heat from the unit’s byproduct to keep your house warmer during cold months. The venting system that makes this possible requires pipes able to withstand the acidic water created during this process. High-efficiency furnace venting systems use PVC pipes, whereas traditional systems don’t need specialized piping. Installing these specialty pipes is not complicated, but it’s a difference that should be noted.

Inspect Your System for Leaks or Drainage Backups

Check your high-efficiency furnace venting system for drainage and leakage issues. The acidic water formed from your furnace’s venting process can be damaging to your home. It’s essential to ensure your system’s venting setup is connected correctly and draining as intended. Check the specialized PVC pipe and any connected systems to ensure everything is working.

Minding Your Maintenance

A high-efficiency condensing furnace requires regular maintenance, but that’s not unique to these types of systems. HVAC professionals would suggest that all heating systems adhere to an annual maintenance schedule. A standard inspection gives HVAC professionals the opportunity to ensure your system is ready for the winter months. You don’t want to risk breaking down right when you need your system most. Additionally, the PVC pipes connected to your venting system need to be inspected every season to ensure they’re in good condition and leak-free.

For installation, repairs, or maintenance for your high-efficiency furnace or venting system, contact Arco Comfort Air today at (216) 236-5860 to schedule an appointment.