90% plus afue furnace disadvantages?

[hvac1]

I have a heat pump in my house and I live in New england. Matter of fact 70% of my business is heat pump work. I would go with a 90 % afue. You will need to insulate the drain line in the attic,I wouldn't run it outside, run it down through interior wall to basement or tie into sewer line below attic. The line won't freeze with warm condensate flowing through it. But if you use a wood stove and the furnace doesn't cycle on for several hours all bets are off. Carrier used to recommend heat tape on the line in uninsulated spaces, thats an option. or 80% furnace and pay the gas co more.

 

[hvac1]

I have a heat pump in my house and I live in New england. Matter of fact 70% of my business is heat pump work. I would go with a 90 % afue. You will need to insulate the drain line in the attic,I wouldn't run it outside, run it down through interior wall to basement or tie into sewer line below attic. The line won't freeze with warm condensate flowing through it. But if you use a wood stove and the furnace doesn't cycle on for several hours all bets are off. Carrier used to recommend heat tape on the line in uninsulated spaces, thats an option. or 80% furnace and pay the gas co more.

 

[hazmat]

I could relatively easily tie the drain line into one of the second floor bathroom waste lines...

Tell me more about the heat pump - I was under the impression that below 45 deg they need a boost whether it is gas fired or electric resistance?

The furnance install here is to heat a 450 sq ft walk up attic media room. Approx 20,000 btu/hr heat loss (R30 ceiling, R19 walls & 4 windows)

1st & 2nd floors have forced hotwater baseboard heat.

 

[hazmat]

I could relatively easily tie the drain line into one of the second floor bathroom waste lines...

Tell me more about the heat pump - I was under the impression that below 45 deg they need a boost whether it is gas fired or electric resistance?

The furnance install here is to heat a 450 sq ft walk up attic media room. Approx 20,000 btu/hr heat loss (R30 ceiling, R19 walls & 4 windows)

1st & 2nd floors have forced hotwater baseboard heat.

 

[kenmac]

I have a 90 + (nat gas) goodman FAF . I know some don't like goodman but they are good units for the $ . The condensate water goes into the same pump as the condensate for the a/c unit . I haven't had problems with the water freezing in the winter & it does get cold here .I like the 90 + units. The money savings on gas bills & the ease of venting with P.V.C. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I don't think there are any disadvantages to the 90+ units . My opinion only.

 

[kenmac]

I have a 90 + (nat gas) goodman FAF . I know some don't like goodman but they are good units for the $ . The condensate water goes into the same pump as the condensate for the a/c unit . I haven't had problems with the water freezing in the winter & it does get cold here .I like the 90 + units. The money savings on gas bills & the ease of venting with P.V.C. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I don't think there are any disadvantages to the 90+ units . My opinion only.

 

[Birdhunter1]

If whatever air handler unit you decide to go with (heat pump or furnace) if it has any drain at all connected to it make sure that if it sets over any ceiling that you don't want ruined make sure there is an auxillary drain pan installed under the entire unit several inches each direction and make sure there is an axillary drain pan drain line that is not connected to the same primary drain.
Best place to put the drain line off of the auxillary pan is to stick it out of the ceiling over your front door (outside) or in the attached garage. In other words you want the aux. drain to go to a place that sends a very clear signal that water should not be here and there is a problem.

Also seal every duct joint in the attic with a paint on type sealer.

 

[Birdhunter1]

If whatever air handler unit you decide to go with (heat pump or furnace) if it has any drain at all connected to it make sure that if it sets over any ceiling that you don't want ruined make sure there is an auxillary drain pan installed under the entire unit several inches each direction and make sure there is an axillary drain pan drain line that is not connected to the same primary drain.
Best place to put the drain line off of the auxillary pan is to stick it out of the ceiling over your front door (outside) or in the attached garage. In other words you want the aux. drain to go to a place that sends a very clear signal that water should not be here and there is a problem.

Also seal every duct joint in the attic with a paint on type sealer.

 

[Sigarms]

Apologies, after re readiing your last post, duel fuel (gas with heat pump) may not be the way to go (spending even more for the equipment for this small area).

Anyway you look at it, your going to spend some money to heat a small area of space.

 

[Sigarms]

Apologies, after re readiing your last post, duel fuel (gas with heat pump) may not be the way to go (spending even more for the equipment for this small area).

Anyway you look at it, your going to spend some money to heat a small area of space.