Gas Furnace Installation Tips To Achieve Maximum Efficiency And Optimal Performance
Gas furnaces are among the best heating systems on the market. They heat air faster than electric units, which translates to lower energy costs and better indoor comfort. However, the installation process for a gas heating system can affect its performance and efficiency. If you choose the wrong installation location, your furnace may experience inefficiencies and frequent breakdowns. Therefore, take note of these three installation tips to maximize the efficiency of your gas furnace.
Don't Use a Storage Room for the Installation
Gas furnaces are usually installed indoors, near a natural gas line connection. Many homeowners opt to install their units in rooms they rarely use. These include basements, utility closets, crawlspaces, and attics. Whichever location you pick for your unit, ensure no items are stored in the room, as they can impact the unit's performance.
Gas furnaces get a little hot when heating the indoor air. If you store boxes, furniture, clothes, or other objects near the furnace, they can limit airflow to the unit, causing it to overheat. Therefore, leave ample space around the unit to optimize its performance. Also, do not store flammable items in the room, as they can pose a fire hazard in your home.
Provide Adequate Ventilation
Gas furnaces have vent pipes installed with the unit to release combustion gases into the outdoors. You can vent your furnace through the roof or a wall. If the flue pipe is blocked by plants and shrubbery or clogged with debris, it can leak carbon monoxide into your home. This pollutes the indoor air and increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, when choosing an installation location, think about how you will vent the unit.
Don't vent the furnace through a wall that is likely to get blocked in the future. Clear shrubs around the flue pipe to allow exhaust gases to flow out of the system. If you opt for a roof installation, ensure the vent pipe isn't directly below overhanging tree branches—falling twigs and leaves can block the pipe and cause venting issues.
Allow Enough Space for Servicing and Repairs
Furnaces require annual servicing to operate optimally. Also, when the unit stops working properly, your contractor will need to access it for repairs. If the appliance is inaccessible, servicing and repairing it will be hard. Minor issues will go unnoticed for extended periods because you won't be able to access the unit for routine DIY checks. Therefore, select an installation location with ample space for servicing and repairs.
Keep the above issues in mind when installing your gas furnace. Your HVAC contractor can help you choose a perfect installation location to allow optimal performance throughout the winter.
Speak to a contractor to learn more about heating unit installation.
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