I found this high efficiency furnace with unique plumbing for the condensation, also the condensate was leaking. What specifically is wrong with this plumbing? Do you think the plumbing has contributed to the leaking? Any advice is appreciated.
What is the model number? What do the manufacturer’s installation instructions say?
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The evaporator is not plumbed properly. Condensate has been leaking for some time.
Nor is the high efficiency condensing furnace.
Brain brings up a great question. Manufacture, Model and serial numbers, please.
I see it is a Lennox pulse condensing furnace. Serial number
How about for the air handler, not the condenser?
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That is a typical configuration for a Pulse furnace. Do you have pictures with the doors removed?
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What exactly was leaking? What was operating at the time?
What’s all that pipe in the picture connected to?
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Old Lenox Pulse, 98.2% chance the heat exchanger has a hole large enough to pass a cat through it!
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If your observations are correct, you may have already answered your question. Report your findings, refer to a specialist, move on. You found a defect. Let the Pro ascertain and make repairs as necessary.
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speaking of correct observations, is there any time when running a pvc pipe through another one without using a fitting allowed in any jurisdiction? or do the rules only apply when used as plumbing?
A high efficiency furnace has a pvc exhaust vent and a pvc combustion air vent. It also has a evaporator condensate drain and a exhaust condensate drain. The evaporator condensate has to run separately by gravity to outside (typically). It looks like whoever installed it was confused. It looks like he ran the exhaust condensate drain through the combustion air vent. The exhaust condensate drain needs it’s own trap and on some models ties in to to the evaporator condensate downhill of it’s trap. Try to download the manual for this model and it’ll probably have some pretty pictures of how they want it done. Meanwhile you can check out this article I wrote about it that may help. Understanding AC Condensate Drains | Summerville's Blue Palmetto Home Inspection
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Could be as simple as a clogged condensate line or dirty evaporator coil
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I agree. I believe the evaporator causes the issue. Condensate rust staining from above is all down the side of the unit.
I do not have an issue with the condensate configuration unless it is leaking or not performing. Apparently, we will not be offered the actual model number, but I found a similar offering from Lennox.
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Hi guys, thanks for the advice. Sorry I gave you the wrong serial tag picture, and didn’t check the forum until tonight. The correct one is below. I reported the active leaking and advanced age of the furnace, and recommended further evaluation and repair. I just was curious about the plumbing configuration because it was so different from what I usually see.
The Pulse was one of the greatest furnaces ever manufactured and way ahead of its time. That was until they decided to save money by using mild steel welding wire on a stainless heat exchanger.
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Have you seen the installation instructions?
LennoxG14.pdf (1.6 MB)
I wonder what Lennox would think about that u-shaped condensate trap that’s been added in addition to the condensate drip leg? Screenshots from the manual:
Wow… a Lennox Pulse. 25 years ago when I started training those were basically the Federal Pacific of furnaces. I only recall seeing a handful. Pretty rare find all these years down the road
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From today. Similar condensate drain set up. Manufactured 1989. Mine came with a bonus bat inside (last picture).
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FYI on these Lennox Pulse Furnaces for those that don’t already know.
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