Existing Conditions
Three low efficiency atmospheric style furnaces supply heating to the offices, washrooms and changerooms. This type of furnace is a low first cost item, but is expensive in long-term energy consumption. The inability to properly control combustion air results in low efficiencies.
These furnaces are also limited, as they are not designed to cope with the acidic water that can condense out of the flue gas. As a result, the flue gas temperature must be kept high enough to avoid condensation. This heat lost out the stack adds to the inefficiency of these furnaces. The overall efficiency on a seasonal basis is between 65% and 70%.
Retrofit Conditions
We recommend replacing the existing furnaces with new high efficiency condensing furnaces.
We recommend condensing furnaces because:
• | They are specifically designed to withstand the acidic condensate in the combustion air. |
• | They use pvc piping for venting, which can go out the side wall of the furnace room instead of up through the ceiling. |
• | They use pvc piping for drawing combustion air from outside. This makes them a sealed combustion unit, which is much safer than an atmospheric burner. (storing combustibles in the vicinity of the furnace is no longer a concern as there is no direct contact with a flame. |
Further Benefits
Application Details
Issues and Concerns
References
Analysis
Analysis text here