HVAC question

[N80]

My HVAC system is in my basement so it has a small sump type pump that sits next to it that pumps condensation out. Well, the little pump unit failed the summer before last and overflowed. So I bought a new one and it worked fine. A few days ago I was down in the basement and the dang thing was full of water and had overflowed again. But it is winter. Does the heater (natural gas) produce condensation too? And is there any trick to finding one of these little condensate pumps that will last more than 18 months?

 

[murphy1244]

Get pump made by Little giant, 90+ furnaces create lots of humid exhaust that turns to water that is pumped out. also use tabs in the sump to keep clean.

 

[N80]

Thanks. Will look for a Little Giant pump.

 

[murphy1244]

Thanks. Will look for a Little Giant pump.

Its a complete pump and sump unit should run about75$

 

[N80]

Yes, their Nextgen pump is a good bit more than the flotec and other models at the big box stores but the reviews are much better. Has a two year warranty as well. I'd rather spend more money once than less money and have to replace every 18 months. Thanks again.

 

[KennyG]

If you are wondering where the condensate comes from, natural gas is mostly methane - CH4. When it burns, the carbon atom becomes a CO2 molecule and the four hydrogen atoms become two molecules of H2O - water. Because the high efficiency furnace takes so much heat out of the exhaust a lot of the water condenses.

 

[N80]

You learn something new every day!

 

[kenmac]

Buy 1 that has a built in safety switch. When the pump fails, the safety switch shuts down the unit so ,it doesn't over flow.The condensation from a 90+ furnace is acidic and will rust out the cheap pumps

 

[N80]

This one has two switches. A large float switch which activates the pump and then a small switch higher up that must be a shut off. I emptied it out and the tank was full of garbage that looked like fungus or something. I cleaned up the tank and slits where water goes into the pump. I blew out the tubing that carries the water outside. It might have been a little clogged. If I lift the float switch the pump activates so I think it is still working. Its all hooked back up again and I'll check on it this evening.

 

[kenmac]

The safety switch connects (usually) to the thermostat wires. A small amount of water stays in the pump and algae will grow .. You should out the pump every season..You can fill it with water to check & see if it's still working

 

[N80]

Unfortunately I checked to see if it would run in the kitchen. I did not realize how strong the pump was and it shot water on the ceiling.

 

[kenmac]

Unfortunately I checked to see if it would run in the kitchen. I did not realize how strong the pump was and it shot water on the ceiling.

Yes , the pumps are strong

 

[murphy1244]

Unfortunately I checked to see if it would run in the kitchen. I did not realize how strong the pump was and it shot water on the ceiling.

Thanks for the laugh!

 

[xtn]

You're going to have to wash the entire kitchen ceiling now, or that clean spot is going to stick out like a sore thumb.

xtn

 

[N80]

You're going to have to wash the entire kitchen ceiling now, or that clean spot is going to stick out like a sore thumb.

xtn

Kitchen is brand new! Or, as Inspector Clouseau might say " Not anymore!" :shocked:

Since cleaning the old one out it works again. Sometimes. Works a few days. Over flows a few days.

Home Depot says they carry the Little Giant but local store does not have it. The do have a much more substantial looking and feeling Flotec that is about the same price and has the full 2 year warranty.

Do you guys think the Little Giants are worth ordering or is the beefier Flotec worth a try.

Funny thing: When I went into HD and asked where the condensate pumps, two of the guys working there did not know what I was talking about. They looked in the HVAC area and they were not there. They said the only pumps they had were sump and irrigation type pumps. That's were the condensate pumps where.

 

[N80]

Update, bought the Little Giant NextGen pump which you guys and everybody else say is the best. It is 9 months later and it is dead and overflowing again. When I installed it I put in a whole new tube which is under the maximum length recommended for the pump. The tube is clear and I can blow the water out easily with my mouth. There is a little algae in the tank but not much. When I remove the pump, drained the remaining water out, plugged it in and activated the float switch it makes a humming noise and the motor starts smoking. So I think this one is toast too. I think I've been here three years and I've gone through three of these and this expensive one lasted less time that the cheap ones. The difference is that I can get my money back on this one since there is a warranty. I just wish I knew what it is that keeps killing them. Could be the algae but is was minimal so I don't think so.

 

[Papasmirf]

Is this a condensate pump for your a/c system? What is the lift ( height the pump has to overcome)? Or is this a circulating pump for a closed loop geothermal heat and a/c system? What tonnage is your equipment, manufacturer? I'm a retired hvacr master contractor and I'll give you all the help I can. You should not be having this much problem.

 

[N80]

Yes, it is a free standing condensate pump for my HVAC system. It is a gas furnace...not sure about what the a/c is....have no idea about tonnage. It is at least 20 years old. The pump sits on the floor and a pvc pipe drains into it from the HVAC unit. The lift is about 2 feet max, length of tubing is about 12 feet. This one worked fine all summer long when there is a huge amount of condensate output. The last pump also failed in winter but it does not freeze in the basement and the tubing has no ice plugs or anything.

I seem to recall something about cleaning the pump and reservoir tank periodically and I have not done that. Maybe the algae is clogging the impeller or something but I've seen outdoor fountain pumps work with far more gunk in them than what I'm seeing on this one, which is not much.

Any help appreciated.

 

[Papasmirf]

This pump, if your furnace is an 80% eff. Furnaces of 95% need a condensate pump even in winter

 

[Papasmirf]

This pump, if your furnace is an 80% eff. does not require a condensate pump . Furnaces of 95% need a condensate pump even in winter. In the winter unplug pump and clean, making sure the float assy. works freely and keeps the pump off. Only when the pump float raises should the pump work. Let me know if I can help further.