Unlike many other things you can purchase for your home, the results you get from your heating or cooling system has as much, or more, to do with how it is installed, as with what brand or model you purchase. A furnace or air conditioner is not like a refrigerator, stove, or washer and dryer – You can’t just plug them in, hook them up, and expect them to work right! As the Lang’s in Issaquah, WA found, there is a right way, and a wrong way to install a comfort system.
During an annual maintenance service, the Lang’s old Payne furnace was found to have cracked heat exchangers. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause Carbon Monoxide to leak into the home’s air. They chose to replace the furnace, rather than repair it due to it’s age. During our consultation, we discovered that the return airflow back to the furnace was inadequate. This can shorten the life of the equipment, and can create problems with air balance and comfort in the home. We also found that the venting for the furnace was not installed properly, and vented out under their deck which is a code violation, and can cause a life/safety hazard! All of these problems were avoidable with proper installation of the original furnace – and the Lang’s wanted them fixed.
They selected a new Trane XC95m modulating, variable speed furnace with the addition of a new return air duct and revised venting. They elected to retain their existing electronic air cleaner, which was still working well. With the addition of the new return air duct, this furnace will provide gentle, even comfort – delivering only as much heat as their home needs at any given time. The variable speed fan motor will not only save money on operating costs, but runs quietly and continuously to gently mix and filter the air they breathe, providing great comfort and indoor air quality.
When their furnace was remove, we found duct liner had come loose, and was blocking most of the duct. Like a clogged artery in your body blocks blood flow, this prevented air from flowing properly in the duct system. We also found problems with the design of the duct work. these problems were corrected with removal of the duct liner, installation of turning vanes to better channel airflow, and sealing of the duct plenums and joints from the inside to ensure optimum air delivery. Finally, the venting was corrected – extending it beyond the edge of the deck to ensure it met code requirements, and would not pose a health or safety hazard.
The Lang’s have seen the difference that a quality installation can create, and now have a heating system that will deliver years of reliable, safe operation, and will make their indoor environment more comfortable and healthier! Congratulations to BelRed’ Installers Lyle Gardner, Jose Salmeron, and Braxton Tacbian, our installation of the week winners for the week of 6/18/12 – they made it right at the Lang’s home, and they can do the same at yours!
