There is much to the HVAC system, trickling down the line for central heating lands us at the furnace. The most commonly fueled furnaces in most homes is either gas or electric; both have many important parts to play to ensure safe and efficient operation. At this time, we at NY NJ A/C Connection would like to take the opportunity to discuss gas furnaces and even more specifically, the exhaust flue of the gas furnace.
How Does a Gas Furnace Exhaust Flue Work?
Understanding how your unit works can help in many different ways. It can help you troubleshoot minor problems, or help you express to the professional the likely area of the malfunction are two prime examples. Taking a closer look at the exhaust flue in gas furnaces, as they are one of the most essential parts of the furnace, is the objective. The gas furnace creates heat through the gas jets along the burner unit. The heat created from this gas is then transferred to the air through a metal chamber that will glow hot from the combustion gas that enters is the heat exchanger. The blower fan sends air across the heat exchanger before the heated air is pushed through the air ducts. During the process through the heat exchanger, combustion exhaust is produced which results in toxic carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gases. To safely avoid the toxic gases from entering the home, it vents out with the exhaust flue, which is the pipe, generally made of sheet metal that leaves the furnace cabinet vertically. The exhaust flue pipe is specially sized to efficiently handle the amount of exhaust the furnace produces. To expel its exhaust gases in the older furnace models, the exhaust flue ascends directly to the roof. Typically engineered out of PVC piping, the flue can leave either horizontally or vertically from the furnace. High-efficiency condensing furnaces particularly, are equipped another PVC pipe runs next to it to bring in fresh air to the furnace in modern furnaces.
Gas Furnace Exhaust Flue Must Be Clear of Obstructions & Not Clogged or Blocked
So that the exhaust gas easily flows out of the furnace, it is crucial that the gas furnace’s exhaust flue is clear of any obstructions. Even if the flue is partially blocked, the exhaust fumes are forced out of the furnace and then filters into the home. Because of the improper venting that lowers the overall efficiency and leads to a reaction between the exhaust gases and the heat exchanger corrosion and cracks along the exchanger is inevitable. Before the carbon monoxide has an opportunity to leak, a heat exchanger will have to be replaced in the event that there is even the smallest of cracks.
Furnace Inspections, Emergency Repairs, Maintenance & More in Manhattan, New York
More often than not, to prevent cracks on the exchanger and the potential of toxic gasses leaking into the home, professional maintenance, tune-ups, and inspections are needed. During these surfaces, the integrity of all the parts, including the exhaust flue, is assessed, the efficiency of the unit is evaluated, and any issues that required lubrications, cleaning, and removing obstructions is done. While looking over everything with a fine tooth comb damaged is discovered, the proper solutions are presented. If you haven’t had your central heating serviced by NY NJ A/C Connection yet, give us a call and let our experts ensure your furnace is up to par.
