In the bitterly cold winters of New Jersey, your furnace is essential, burning gas or oil to keep your home warm. Dangerous gases are created during the combustion process. Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide are all examples of this. To keep your home safe, these gases must be evacuated outside.

The flue, a huge metal pipe that runs from the furnace to a chimney liner or an independent flue pipe, is responsible for this.

How to Check the Flue in Your Furnace

The flue safely transports combustion gases through your home and up through the roof, where they are expelled over the roofline. Any obstructions, leaks, or damage to the flue could allow combustion gases to enter your home, posing a risk to your health.

 

Flue Problems in New Jersey Households: What Causes Them?

When the following conditions exist in the flue, combustion gases can enter your home:

 

• The pipe has a leak.
• A blockage in the flue caused by a foreign object
• Backdrafting

When the furnace is unable to pull enough air from the interior of your home to feed the combustion process, it must instead draw air through the chimney itself, carrying the combustion gases with it.

 

Flue issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

 

Corrosion: Combustion gases contain a lot of moisture and acidic chemicals, which can corrode steel flue pipes and cause leaks over time.

Loose couplings: As the flue expands and contracts with temperature changes over time, loose joints can form, causing leaks.

Damage to the flue pipe can restrict airflow and cause backdrafting if it is damaged due to an accident or improper installation.

Inadequate airflow: If your furnace doesn’t have enough air to burn, it will backdraft. A powerful exhaust fan that creates negative pressure can produce this. It could also be caused by too many fuel-burning machines in a compact mechanical room or a poorly balanced HVAC system, which creates negative pressure and draws combustion gases within.

Broken tiles, bricks, and other debris can fall into the flue and stop it if it connects to a chimney liner or travels through an existing chimney.

If the cap is missing where the flue pipe exits the roof, debris can fall into the flue, or animals such as birds can establish nests in the pipe during the summer.

Where Can You Look For Your Furnace Flue?

The flue for the furnace is normally found on the top or back of the furnace. It will connect directly to a chimney or a vertically extending metal flue pipe on the roof. Although it may be visible in the attic, the majority of the remaining pipe will be hidden as it runs through your home.

 

How to Inspect Your Furnace Flue in Your New Jersey Home

The visual inspection of your flue pipe is the most important part of the process. Check the flue pipe for indicators of damage before each heating season, such as:

 

Corrosion

Holes

Joints that are loose

White streaks or water stains

Deposits of soot on the pipe or furnace

A missing flue cap or chimney damage may also be seen from the ground.

 

It is, nevertheless, advisable to consult a professional for HVAC repair service for a comprehensive flue inspection. Celestial Air can ensure that your flue is in good working order, clear of blockages, and correctly drafting.

Brands of Furnaces to Watch in 2021

When replacing or upgrading a furnace, choosing one of the best furnace brands may assist ensure you get a respected and trustworthy unit.

Options for the Best Furnace Brands

The furnace is the heart of the home heating system, ensuring that the indoor atmosphere is kept warm even in the coldest of weather. That means it’s critical to select an energy-efficient new or replacement furnace in order to properly heat the home without incurring exorbitant heating costs. Most of the leading furnace brands have been in business for decades, with some dating back over a century.

This list of the best furnace brands for 2021 is a great place to start looking for a new furnace or one to replace an existing one. Take the time to read about the benefits of each brand and pick the one that best meets your needs and budget.

 

1. Lennox

Known for: Lennox furnaces come with a variety of features, such as noise-reducing features and variable blower motors.

Editor’s Pick: This Lennox SLP99V variable-speed gas furnace uses SilentComfort Technology to operate softly while achieving up to 98.7% efficiency.

Long before Lennox became a global corporation, the company began as a modest machine repair shop in Marshalltown, Iowa, in 1895. Dave Lennox, the company’s founder, saw potential in a revolutionary furnace design and invested in the patent. Later that year, he formed the Lennox Furnace Company and started about improving furnace design, which led to several breakthroughs in heating and cooling systems.

With over a century of experience in the heating and cooling industry, it’s no wonder that Lennox products are dependable and efficient. This forward-thinking company also puts a lot of effort into inventing new features for their furnaces, such as high efficiency rates, noise-reducing insulation, and variable capacity motors.

2. Trane

Trane gas furnaces have been around since the late 1800s, and the company is considered as one of the best heating and cooling professionals in the market.

Editor’s Pick: The Trane S9X1 gas furnace has been thoroughly tested for long-term performance and durability, and it is Energy Star qualified with a 96 percent efficiency rating.

Trane began as a plumbing and pipe-fitting company in 1885, but it wasn’t until 1916 that it began producing heating and cooling systems. Reuben Trane, the company’s founder, designed the convector radiator around a decade later to replace the heavy cast-iron radiators that were prevalent at the time. This innovation aided in the company’s long-term success by establishing its reputation. Trane was purchased by American Standard in 1984.

Trane’s focus has always been on innovation and dependable technology, so its products are supposed to be long-lasting, efficient, and packed with cutting-edge features. While the upfront cost may be prohibitive for some budgets, the investment pays off in the long run, with fewer repairs and maintenance issues than competitors.

3. Goodman

Goodman furnaces are known for their strong construction and long-term reliability. In addition, the corporation offers a number of warranty options to assist protect the system from any unexpected problems.

Editor’s Pick: This Goodman GCVM97 gas furnace is a terrific choice for most households thanks to its 60,000 to 120,000 BTU per hour heating input and 98 percent efficiency.

While Goodman began as a maker of flexible air ducts and plastic blade registers in 1975, its founder, Harold V. Goodman, set out to make HVAC equipment that was inexpensive to the typical family. Goodman bought Janitrol in 1982 and joined the HVAC market, later expanding into gas heating equipment in 1986.

Goodman is well known for producing dependable and long-lasting gas furnaces and other HVAC systems. When consumers choose to invest in a Goodman product, they can anticipate a high level of quality at a reasonable price, but if there is any uncertainty about the goods’ performance, Goodman also offers different warranty packages to provide customers with peace of mind.

 

4. American Standard

Known for: While American Standard furnaces may cost more up front than other manufacturers, they often require fewer repairs and upkeep over time.

Editor’s Pick: American Standard Platinum 95 gas furnace is durable and quiet, and it meets or exceeds regulatory efficiency criteria with a rating of 97.3 percent.

American Standard has gone through various names and owners since its founding nearly a century ago in 1929. The American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation was founded from the combination of the American Radiator Company and the Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company. This was the company’s name until 1967, when it was renamed American Standard Corporation.

After acquiring the Trane HVAC company, American Standard changed its name to Trane in 2007 after divesting all save the HVAC division of the corporation. The company was sold to Ingersoll Rand the next year, while the Trane and American Standard brands are still in use today.

Although the initial cost of the furnace may be too pricey for people on a tight budget, American Standard furnaces are known for their long-term efficacy and efficiency ratings. Those who invest in an American Standard furnace may expect high-quality heating with fewer maintenance issues and repairs.

 

5. Amana

 

Editor’s Pick: Amana AMVM97 gas furnace’s quiet variable-speed motor and excellent 98 percent efficiency rating are more than adequate to meet federal energy use restrictions and lower monthly heating expenditures.

Despite its beginnings in 1934 as a commercial walk-in cooler producer, Amana has gradually expanded to include a wide range of goods, including HVAC systems. However, when Goodman bought Amana in 1997, it only kept the HVAC division of the corporation, while the home appliances division was sold to Maytag. Amana furnaces and air conditioners are manufactured by a distinct business from Amana kitchen equipment such as stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators, despite the fact that they have the same brand name.

With a focus on reliability and entire product options, Amana’s products have stayed relatively stable over the years, ensuring that users don’t have to obtain HVAC equipment from multiple manufacturers. Amana furnaces are a cost-effective alternative to American Standard or Trane furnaces, allowing customers to improve their systems at a lesser cost.

6. Bryant

Known for: If you want to install a furnace with a high efficiency rating, Bryant is the manufacturer to go with.

Editor’s Pick: The Bryant Evolution 98 gas furnace has a hybrid heat system that can operate a combined gas furnace and heat pump arrangement, and it has a fuel efficiency of up to 98.3 percent.

Charles Bryant, the company’s founder, is honored with the Bryant name. He founded the company in 1904, investing in dependable innovations and high-quality materials to establish the Bryant name and grow the company’s product range throughout time. Bryant’s long history has earned the company a strong reputation among specialists, and customers can anticipate a high level of expertise from Bryant workers when deciding on the ideal furnace for their home.

Bryant offers a comprehensive range of HVAC products, including air conditioners, boilers, ductless systems, and geothermal heat pumps, allowing customers to customize their home’s comfort. Bryant furnaces are noted for their high efficiency ratings and creative integration systems, such as the Bryant Hybrid Heat system, which combines a gas furnace with a heat pump to heat and cool a home.

7. Carrier

Carrier is a top-rated furnace company that is well-known among specialists for producing long-lasting home heating and cooling equipment.

Editor’s Pick: The Carrier Infinity 98 gas furnace is Energy Star certified and provides consumers with long-lasting heat and up to 98.5 percent fuel efficiency.

Carrier, which is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was founded in 1915 as Willis Carrier’s namesake brand. Carrier began as an independent manufacturing and distribution company in Syracuse, New York, producing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, but the company has since expanded its product offerings to include commercial refrigeration, food service equipment, and fire and security equipment.

Carrier furnaces are not cheap, but they are less expensive than certain luxury brands, allowing users to attain the same level of quality at a lower cost. These long-lasting furnaces come in a variety of performance and price options, ranging from low-efficiency units with an 80 percent fuel efficiency to high-efficiency systems that can reach 98 percent efficiency.

 

8. Rheem

Rheem is well known for its boilers and hot water heaters, but they also manufacture high-quality furnaces.

Editor’s Pick: Because of the low quantity of nitrogen oxide produced and released by the Rheem Classic Plus Series gas furnace, it is excellent for ecologically conscious homeowners.

Rheem was founded in 1930 by brothers Richard and Donald Rheem when they purchased Pacific Galvanizing, although it didn’t start manufacturing residential heating systems until 1956. Prior to this time, the firm was the leading maker of automated water heaters in the United States, albeit manufacturing was delayed during WWII to focus on military products. Rheem opted to purchase the Ruud brand in 1960 due to the popularity of its home heating systems, and has used both brands to build high-quality furnaces ever since.

Rheem furnaces are a dependable alternative at a reasonable price, making them a popular choice for families who want high-quality features but don’t have the financial means to purchase a premium product. These furnaces are not only constructed to survive, but they are also designed with the environment in mind, assuring excellent efficiency and low emissions.

9. Ruud

Ruud furnaces and heating units are known for their long life, durability, and high quality.

Editor’s Pick: Due to its blocked drain sensor, the Ruud EcoNet Ultra Series gas furnace can both heat and protect the home. It will instantly turn off the furnace if it senses a blockage, preventing spillage and potential water damage.

Ruud Manufacturing Company was founded in 1897 by Edwin Ruud to manufacture automatic water heaters, and Rheem purchased the company in 1960. Since then, the company has focused on manufacturing high-quality furnaces, air conditioners, hot water heaters, and other HVAC equipment.

Consumers interested in Ruud furnaces can rely on the company’s over 125 years of experience in the HVAC industry to provide long-lasting machines that require minimal maintenance. While this does not imply that the furnaces are maintenance-free, it does indicate that they are a high-quality product that reliably heats the home during the worst winter months.

 

10.  Heil

Heil furnaces are known for having more advanced features and a wide range of price ranges, ranging from low-cost versions to high-end furnace home heating units.

Editor’s Pick: The Heil Ion 98 gas furnace has a variable-speed motor, a 98 percent efficiency rating, and WiFi-enabled remote access via the Ion System Control, to name a few features (available at Heil).

Heil, which began as an HVAC producer and distributor in 1929, sold products to Sears until 1957, when the two firms teamed up to buy the Florence Stove Company’s Quaker space heater line and a production factory in Lewisburg, Tennessee. In 1964, Sears sold the new Heil-Quaker firm to Whirlpool, and the company was bought again in 1986 by the present owner, International Comfort Products, albeit it was still known as the Inter-City Gas Corporation at the time.

Despite ownership changes throughout the years, the Heil brand continues to provide high-quality but reasonably priced HVAC equipment. Premium items with a variety of features, such as WiFi-enabled access and hybrid heating systems for both furnaces and heat pumps, as well as high-efficiency ratings to assist cut heating expenses, are also available.