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12. Is the filter dirty? Does the system have a filter? The system may only have one filter. Many people think that it will enhance the air cleaning powers of the system to install multiple air filters. There is even a company on the market that is selling supply air register filters. These filters slip into the back of the supply register further filtering the air. This is a very large fire hazard. The furnace blowers manufactured today are designed to keep the firebox fairly cool. The blowers by design are forward curve blowers. No matter how big a motor or how fast the rpm’s are on a forward curve motor it will not pull a large vacuum nor will it push a lot of pressure. These blowers are designed for efficient airflow through system the exhibit approximately 0.5 inches of static pressure. A piece of paper can stop up these blowers. Only one air filter is allowed. Multiple air filters restrict the air and cause the firebox to operate at elevated temperatures. This situation can lead to firebox cracking and fires.

13. Does the furnace a have combustion air ducts? Are they the correct size? Are they installed correctly? Are they screened where required? Are they screened and blocked leading into the attic? The number source of flame roll out is insufficient combustion air. The flames will leave the front of the firebox looking for oxygen to burn if there is not enough air in the closet. See the section Combustion Air to verify that the combustion air ducting is correct.

14. Is the gas flex line made out of aluminum? Is it the correct size for its length? Aluminum gas flexes have not been allowed for more than 20 years. The reason for this is that they are flared and are too ridged. The flaring of the aluminum on the ends to meet the adapter flattens out and makes thinner the aluminum tubing that conveys the gas. The flaring tool can be over tightened and squish the aluminum to the point of near breakage. Over the years the aluminum gives way and a very dangerous gas leak is the result. The rigidity of the aluminum gas flex can cause it to break in a minor earthquake. This is the reason that all furnaces are now required to be hooked up with flexible gas lines. In this manual is a listing for sizing gas flex lines. If the gas flex line is the incorrect size ( too small) then the flames will be starved for gas. This can cause a Tiki torch like flame that can build up carbon in the flue and firebox. This is what causes flue fires. Brass gas flex lines are no longer allowed. They have a tendency to get brittle with age and vibration and break. Always replace them.

15. Does the gas flex line go through the furnace? A flex line is never allowed to enter the appliance. This is because the appliance vibrates. If the flex line is touching the metal enclosure of the cabinet the vibrations can cause a wearing out of the line. This can cause a rupture and a gas fed fire. Always the gas line leaving the furnace must be schedule 40 steel piping.

16. Does the gas cock have a spring on it? No gas cock may be sprung. This is code. The reason for this is that the spring assembly is what holds the packing in the valve in place. If the spring loses it’s tension (they all will over time) then the packing becomes loose and the valve will leak gas.

17. Is the vent run properly? Does the single wall vent pipe have at least 6 inches of clearance around it? Does the dual wall vent pipe have at least 1 inch of clearance around it? Is it properly secured against movement? Remember that the dual wall vent pipe is only allowed to have the three screws in it at its transition from the single wall pipe. No screws are allowed except at this connection. If clearances to combustibles are not adhered to the house may catch fire.

18. Is the vent pipe made out of asbestos and cement? Does the furnace have a standing pilot or an electronic ignition system? Electronic ignition systems are 80% AFUE or greater. These systems are not to vent into cement-asbestos pipe. The reason for this is that if the vent pipe is not keep warm enough then it will condensate moisture inside of it and that moisture will drip down onto the furnace causing electrical problems. If you come across one of these look at the white buildup and streaking from the connection of the cement-asbestos to the single wall metal flue. This is water. It can destroy the furnace.