High-efficiency furnaces have different designs from conventional furnaces. For example, high-efficiency furnaces produce condensation, whereas conventional furnaces do not. The condensation calls for a unique design and creates problems that other furnaces don’t have. Read on for an overview of condensation in high-efficiency furnaces.
The Condensation System
A high-efficiency furnace has two heat exchangers. The first heat exchanger works the same as a conventional furnace’s heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger extracts more heat from the exhaust gases and cools them enough to liquefy their moisture. The furnace requires an elaborate drainage system to handle the condensation it produces.
Some critical parts of the drainage system include the following:
Drain Pan
The drain pan collects moisture that the second heat exchanger extracts from the exhaust gases.
Drainpipe
The drainpipe drains the condensate from the drain pan. Depending on the system setup, the drainpipe can drain the moisture directly out of the house, into a floor drain, or into a drain reservoir.
Reservoir
A furnace that doesn’t empty its condensate into the floor drain has a reservoir to hold the condensate. That way, the condensate drainage doesn’t occur continuously – the reservoir only empties once it’s full.
Drain Pump
Furnaces with reservoirs (condensate holding tanks) also need a drain pump. The drain pump has a floater that switches it on once the condensate level reaches a certain point.
Condensate Drain Causes
Your furnace’s condensate drainage system is a small but critical part of your high-efficiency furnace. Condensate drain issues can trigger serious problems. Condensate leakage is a common issue with the drain system. Three common causes of such leaks include the following:
Blocked Drainage
The condensate drain usually collects debris and dirt as it accumulates in the pan. The accumulated debris can block the drainage channels over time. The blockages can force the condensate to overflow and spill around the furnace.
Corroded Parts
Condensate drainage is acidic since it is a mixture of water and acidic exhaust gases. The acid can corrode some parts of the furnace’s drainage system. For example, metallic drain pans can corrode over time and leak moisture.
Damaged Pump
As previously mentioned, some high-efficiency furnaces require reservoirs and pumps to handle their condensate. For such furnaces, the condensate can overflow the reservoir and spill if the pump malfunctions and fails to pump the collected moisture.
Condensate Drain Problems
When the condensate drain doesn’t work, several problems result, including the following:
High Humidity
A typical high-efficiency furnace produces considerable condensate every hour. The moisture will increase your house’s humidity to extreme levels if most of it spills in the house. Increased humidity is bad for your health and may make you uncomfortable.
Mold Growth
Mold thrives in moist places, especially moist places with organic matter. Condensate spillage can trigger mold growth on and around the furnace. Mold can damage your house’s structure and trigger respiratory ailments in your house.
Corrosion Damage
Since condensate drainage is corrosive, it can damage the materials it spills on. For example, if condensate spills on your plumbing pipes, it can damage them and necessitate costly repairs.
The Solution
Preventive maintenance for your high-efficiency furnace is the best way to prevent drainage problems. For example, you should clean the furnace, specifically the drainage system, to remove of debris that can cause blockages. You should also regularly service and inspect the system to prevent and identify emerging drainage problems.
Take care of your high-efficiency furnaces, and they will give you the comfort you desire with minimal energy consumption. Apollo Heating & Air installs, maintains, and repairs different heating systems, including high-efficiency furnaces. Contact us for a consultation or quote on all your heating needs and benefit from our experience of over 40 years.
