High Efficiency Gas Furnace Condensate Drain Freezing

A high efficiency condensate furnace can save you lots of money on your heating bills.

High efficiency gas furnace condensate drain freezing.

The main difference between a conventional furnace and a condensing furnace is the heat exchanger technology used to extract heat from the combustion process and exhaust the combustion gases. However you need to make sure the system is operating properly. In the northern united states it s important to make sure the condensate pipe won t freeze up during winter when you re installing a new furnace especially if you re installing a high efficiency furnace as these models produce. In high efficiency furnaces the gas temperature is low enough that it can go through pvc which is good because the low temp gas produces lots of condensate which would corrode a metal pipe.

Since the drain taps into the exhaust system leaving it open to the air would allow for a potential exhaust flue gas leak in the living space which is a big no no. Condensate drains on the high efficiency condensing units were freezing where the drain pipes terminated outside the house. The condensate trap is absolutely mandatory for a high efficiency gas furnace. These pipes direct condensation that collects during the heating process out of the heater and usually outdoors.

A high efficiency condensing furnace is a little more complex than a conventional furnace and troubleshooting is somewhat more complicated since there are more potential problems. If the condensate from a high efficiency furnace leaks out of the pvc pipes or if the pipes are not draining the condensate correctly you could experience damage to your home and you may not.