Ella Walter
Upflow and downflow furnaces differ in the direction of airflow through the furnace and into the home. In an upflow furnace, air enters from the bottom, gets heated, and then flows upward into the home's ductwork. Upflow furnaces are usually placed in the basement or crawl space of a home. In contrast, a downflow furnace pulls air in from the top, heats it, and then disperses it downward into the ductwork. Downflow furnaces are typically installed in attics, garages, or on the main level of a home.
What You'll Learn
The benefits of an upflow furnace
An upflow furnace is the most preferred type of home furnace. Here are some of the benefits of an upflow furnace:
Energy Efficiency
Upflow furnaces are more energy-efficient than downflow furnaces, especially in colder climates. This is because heat rises, and upflow furnaces work with this natural flow of heat, whereas downflow furnaces work against it. As a result, upflow furnaces are a great option for homes in colder climates or areas with longer heating seasons.
Cost Savings
Due to their energy efficiency, upflow furnaces can lead to lower energy costs during the winter months. This makes them a cost-effective option for homes located in regions with long heating seasons.
Comfort
Upflow furnaces heat rooms from the floor up, which many people find more comfortable than the ceiling-down heat of downflow furnaces. This floor-level heating also provides a sense of warmth and comfort inside the home.
Installation Ease
Upflow furnaces can be easily installed in homes with basements, as they can rest directly on the concrete floor. In contrast, downflow furnaces typically require reinforced flooring and are usually placed in attics, which may not be present in all homes.
Compatibility
Upflow furnaces are compatible with homes that have basements or crawl spaces underneath the main living areas. They utilise the natural ability of heat to rise, so they need to be placed on the lowest level available.
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The challenges of a downflow furnace
Downflow furnaces are typically placed in the attic or at the highest point of a home. This can present challenges during installation, as there may be stricter building code requirements and the need for reinforced subflooring. This type of furnace also works against the natural tendency of hot air to rise, resulting in decreased energy efficiency during the heating season.
One of the main challenges of a downflow furnace is its installation process. Downflow furnaces often require reinforced subflooring and must comply with stricter building code requirements, particularly when installed in an attic or upper floor. This can increase the complexity and cost of the installation process.
Another challenge is the direction of airflow. In a downflow furnace, air is drawn in from the top and dispersed downwards into the home. This counters the natural rise of hot air, making it less energy-efficient during the heating season. As a result, downflow furnaces are more suitable for warmer climates with milder winters.
Additionally, the placement of a downflow furnace in the attic or upper level of a home can lead to physical discomfort for the occupants. As the hot air is expelled from the attic, it tends to heat the individual's head and upper body first, which can be uncomfortable compared to the more gradual heating from the floor up that is achieved with an upflow furnace.
Downflow furnaces may also present challenges in terms of maintenance and repairs. Accessing the furnace in the attic or upper level of the home can be more difficult and may require specialised equipment or knowledge. This can increase the time and cost associated with maintaining and repairing the furnace.
Overall, while downflow furnaces offer benefits for certain types of homes and climates, they also present several challenges that should be carefully considered before making a purchase decision. Understanding these challenges can help homeowners make informed choices about their heating systems and ensure they select the most suitable option for their specific needs.
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The importance of a condensate drain pan
The condensate drain pan is an important part of the entire central air system. This tray protects your home from water damage and protects the furnace from microbiological growth and failure. It also protects your home from any type of water-related safety issues.
The primary purpose of the condensate drain pan is to collect excess water that comes from the air conditioning process. When the thermostat is set to cool, the evaporator coil, part of the central air system and found in the furnace, fills with compressed refrigerant. This coil drops to very low temperatures and gets very cold. Warm air from inside the home enters the HVAC system from air ducts and passes through the air filter and into the open centre of the evaporator coil. This is where a heat transfer takes place, and moisture and heat are pulled from the air. As the heat transfer goes on, condensation creates excess water, which is collected by the condensate drain pan.
The condensate drain pan is part of the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is a box of tightly wound wires that sits around the furnace. Its exact location depends on the type of furnace installation in your home. For example, if you have a vertical furnace installation, the evaporator coil sits on top of the furnace, and the condensate drain line is right beneath the evaporator coil. If you have a horizontal furnace installation, the furnace is installed in the attic, and the evaporator coil sits beside the furnace with the air ducts in the attic.
In addition, if your furnace or AC air handler system is located in the attic, it is most likely installed horizontally, and a secondary drain pan is needed. This is a large pan that is placed underneath the unit and should be large enough to cover the length and width of the unit so it can collect any water that isn’t caught by the internal drain pan.
The condensate drain pan is meant to collect excess water generated during the air conditioning process. However, during the cold winter months, many homeowners only use the furnace. Because the condensate drain pan is located either directly above or directly below the furnace, the drain pan gets a blast of hot air with each heating cycle. The constant battery of heat sucks out the moisture of these plastic pans, which can eventually lead to cracks. A cracked pan is unable to hold water, and when air conditioning starts in the spring, water can pool at the bottom or trickle throughout the furnace interior.
A clogged condensate line, a cracked condensate drain pan, or a soggy furnace can lead to many unwanted issues, including microbiological growth, low indoor air quality, higher energy expenditure, and water damage to the home.
To maintain the efficiency and cleanliness of air conditioning systems, AC pan tablets can be used. These tablets are specifically designed to prevent microbial growth, algae formation, and mineral buildup in the condensate pan, ensuring smooth operation and prolonging the lifespan of the AC unit.
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How to determine your furnace airflow direction
The direction of airflow in your furnace is important to know when it's time to change the air filters. To determine the airflow direction, you can follow these steps:
- Locate the filter. In most furnaces, the filter is located adjacent to the furnace, where the ductwork meets the furnace.
- Find the arrow indicating the proper airflow direction on the filter. This arrow should face toward the furnace and away from the return duct that pulls the air in for heating or cooling.
- If there is no arrow on the filter, look for arrows on the furnace itself. Most furnaces have multiple arrows stamped into the metal near the filter housing. These arrows point in the direction of the airflow.
- If you still cannot determine the airflow direction, turn off your furnace and turn the fan option from "auto" to "on". Remove the filter and stick your hand or a piece of paper into the filter opening. You should be able to feel or see the movement of air, which indicates the airflow direction.
Once you have determined the airflow direction, you can draw arrows on your furnace with a permanent marker to make future filter changes easier.
In addition to the airflow direction, it is also important to consider the placement of your furnace when determining the airflow direction. If your furnace is located in an attic or upper story, it is likely a downflow furnace, which means the air flows downward into the home. If your furnace is located in a basement or crawl space, it is likely an upflow furnace, which means the air flows upward into the ductwork.
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The basic functions of a furnace
A furnace is a piece of equipment that provides direct electric or fired heat for industrial processes that require temperatures that exceed 752 °F (400 °C). The basic functions of a furnace are as follows:
Heat Generation
The primary function of a furnace is to generate heat. This is achieved through the combustion of fuels, such as natural gas, propane, or electricity. In a gas furnace, the burner ignites the gas, while an electric furnace uses inner heat coils. The heat generated is then distributed throughout the space via ductwork.
Temperature Control
A furnace allows for the control and regulation of temperature. The thermostat controls the burner, and when the temperature drops below the set point, the furnace initiates a heating cycle. Once the desired temperature is reached, the thermostat signals the furnace to shut down, ending the heat cycle.
Air Circulation
A furnace circulates air to maintain a comfortable environment. It pulls in cool air, warms it through a heat exchanger, and then distributes the heated air through ductwork and vents. This ensures that warm air reaches all areas of the space.
Ventilation
A furnace provides ventilation by exchanging indoor air with outdoor air. As the combustion process occurs, outside air enters the system, mixes with the heated air, and is distributed throughout the space. This helps maintain indoor air quality and prevents a buildup of stale air.
Air Filtration
A furnace filters the air to remove allergens, pollutants, and debris. The air filter ensures that the air circulated throughout the space is clean and free of contaminants. This is particularly important for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.
Safety
A furnace is designed with safety features to protect users. The flue and vent pipe exhaust harmful byproducts, such as carbon monoxide, outside the home. Additionally, modern furnaces have safety features to prevent overheating and regulate the fuel supply to maintain a consistent temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a drain pan is needed for an upflow furnace. The furnace pulls in air from the bottom, heats it, and then blows it upward into the ductwork of your home. The drain pan collects the condensation that is removed from the air and ensures it is safely disposed of outside the home.
Without a drain pan, you risk water damage to your home and HVAC system. A single air conditioner system can generate up to 20 gallons of condensation per day, which will have nowhere to go without a drain pan.
A drain pan prevents water damage to your home and HVAC system by safely disposing of condensation. It also helps to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy expenditure.
The type of drain pan you need depends on the type of furnace you have and where it is located. A vertical furnace, which runs air up and down, only needs one drain pan. A horizontal furnace, where air moves side to side, requires a primary and secondary drain pan.
