Does a high-efficiency furnace need a condensate pump?
The purpose of the second heat exchanger is to get more heat from the exhaust before it is vented. As a result, high-efficiency furnaces require condensate drains because their exhaust gases cool enough to allow the moisture in them to condense from steam into water droplets.
Do high-efficiency furnaces produce condensate?
High-Efficiency Furnaces Produce Lots of Condensation As the exhaust product cools, it produces condensation. High-efficiency furnaces extract as much heat from their exhaust products as possible, so the exhaust products in high-efficiency furnaces produce lots of condensation.
Why does my furnace have a condensate pump?
Condensate pumps are also used to pump away excess water that flows through a furnace humidifier during the winter. As it is a mechanical item, a condensate pump can fail over time, although they’re usually pretty reliable.
How much condensate does a high-efficiency furnace produce?
Typical high-efficiency furnaces will actually produce about 0.8 gallons per hour of condensate for a 100,000 input BTU furnace running constantly. Since furnaces do not run constantly, this amount of condensate is reduced even more.
Can a furnace run without a condensate pump?
All condensate drains go into a trap. The condensate trap is absolutely mandatory for a high-efficiency gas furnace. 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.
Where do I drain my high efficiency furnace condensate?
The condensate drains out through a pipe, usually on the bottom of the furnace. Most high-efficiency furnaces also have a secondary drain line that comes out of the flue pipe. This secondary line is used to drain any residual moisture so it doesn’t leak into your furnace.
Do high efficiency furnaces leak water?
This condensation means that high-efficiency furnaces need a way to drain the water away from the system. This is accomplished through the use of a drain line, drain pan and floor drain. Any clogs, leaks or damage in these components can lead to water leaking out of the furnace instead of draining away as it should.
How often should furnace condensate pump run?
It is essential that the condensate pump system is regularly checked for correct operation. The frequency will depend on the environment in which the unit is operating but should be a minimum of once every 3 months.
Do high efficiency furnaces need a drain?
A high-efficiency furnace (also called a condensing furnace) will always have condensation as a byproduct of heating your home. A floor drain is necessary for your high-efficiency furnace because the water has to go somewhere and a floor drain is the easiest and most effective outlet.
Can I run my furnace without a condensate pump?
Where do you drain the condensate on a furnace?
What is a condensate pump and purpose?
In the simplest terms, a condensate pump is a small sump pump designed to pump water from a central collection point to a remote location like a floor drain or utility sink. When it comes to your air conditioning system, the condensate pump works to collect the water that builds up within your system.
What is causing my furnace to produce condensation?
– Clogged condensation tubing – Clogged condensation drain – Breaks in the condensation line – Issues with the condensate pump (if you have one)
How do you Prime a furnace condensate trap?
– Participate in over 40 different forums and search/browse from nearly 3 million posts. – Post photos, respond to polls and access other special features – Gain access to our free AOP (Ask a Professional) Section to get real answers for your questions.
Where to drain furnace condensate?
– The discharge tube is clear vinyl and attaches to check valve. – White pipe to the left is drain from furnace. Black tube from the right is drain from A/C. – This dirty old unit was clogged with algae and guck. – For neatness & safety the tube and power cord should be clamped to the side of the furnace.