With ever increasing design and cost options, high efficiency heating systems are quickly becoming the standard system for both new homes and replacement units in existing construction. The term hi-efficiency covers a wide range of systems with varying installation requirements. In general, however, these systems merit hi-efficiency ratings because they utilize more of the energy produced during fuel combustion (as high as 97%) than the conventional system which operates at efficiencies below 73%. According to the HouseMaster Technical Staff, this is accomplished in many cases by simply increasing the design of the heat exchanger – the heart of any heating system – so that there is more surface area and hence greater heat transfer.

Considerations
In the process of reclaiming more heat, the temperature of the exhaust gas which normally would vent through a chimney is reduced. This both slows down the exhaust movement and also allows water – a principal by-product of combustion – to condense out. For these systems to continue to work properly, it is essential that this condensate be controlled properly to prevent damage to the heat exchanger or venting system. Because of the lower gas temperatures, it is common to use plastic vent piping for units with very high efficiencies. These systems should only be installed by qualified heating contractors and need to be checked regularly.

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