If you’re in the market for a new gas furnace, here are some areas to review with every contractor before you choose one for the job. The suggestions are made by ACCA, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, a group which teaches best practices for heating and cooling buildings.
Preparation?
You want a contractor who will take pains to perform basic tasks like read the manual before undertaking the job!
“Skipping the manufacturer's instructions during installation may result in a furnace that fails within six months or less,” says achrnews.com, adding, “This happens all the time when installers rush through jobs.”
The manual contains important data about the furnace’s vent size, airflow requirements and other details needed to ensure a smooth, safe installation.
Venting?
Different furnaces have different venting requirements and use different materials.
Use the wrong vent size and you will have moisture rolling back into the system rather than leaving the system. This leads to corrosion and rust, which can cause a crack in the heat exchanger. Next thing you know, you have carbon monoxide in the house. (Just in case, you need a carbon monoxide detector in your house. They’re cheap and they save lives.)
Make sure a “drip leg” is attached to the gas line that goes to the furnace. The “drip leg” captures dirt and sediment before they can enter the gas valve.
Piping
The manual specifies which type of pipe to use for your specific type of furnace. Use another type of pipe and you can get excess vibration and eventually a gas leak.
Airflow
The furnace can pump out ample heat but it does little good if the warm air doesn’t quickly get to your rooms.
This is why airflow must be tested repeatedly before you accept the furnace. Poor filters and improperly sized ducts are two common reasons for airflow problems when a new furnace is installed.
You can get more details on furnace installation at
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