Director's Advisory FS-232-17 - Furnaces Used for Construction & Finishing Heat

Started by Admin, October 04, 2017, 06:40:37 AM

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bster352

It says a minimum MERV11 furnace filter be installed prior to finishing heat. Anyone using MERV11's?

Admin

Yes, I think I found some 1" MERV 11 for around $5 a piece.  Let me know if you have any luck.  I'm hoping all it takes is for one furnace manufacturer to allow use during construction and then all the other manufacturer's will follow suit.  This new policy is a pain for the builders.


DaveP

anyone hear of any changes coming down the line on this?  I hear one particular manufacturer broke the agreement and will allow theirs to be used for "construction heat" provided a 4" merv 11 is used???

Admin

I know for sure that soon Lennox, Trane and Goodman will allow their furnaces to be used during construction with the 4" MERV 11 filter, during any stage of construction.

DaveP

I'm talking about right from day 1, construction heat, not finishing heat.
Goodman GMVC96 current manual 05/18
QuoteGas furnaces manufactured on or after May 1, 2017 are not
permitted to be used in Canada for heating of buildings or
structures under construction.

Admin

I'm not sure what you mean.  In the past all furnaces could be used during construction.  Then HRAI forced all manufacturer's to remove this "USE DURING CONSTRUCTION" from their manuals.  Any furnace manufactured after May 1, 2017 had to complete the new Finishing Heat process in order to be used during construction.  This meant the prime coat was completed and a checklist and 1" MERV 11 filter were installed.

Your GMVC manual is newer.  The new Finishing Heat process is a way to use your furnace during construction.

You can download the older GMVC manual before these new May 1, 2017 changes were made,

https://www.hvactechgroup.com/files/GMVC95.pdf

DaveP

Yes I'm aware of the changes, I'm talking of going back to the "old days" and using the furnaces to heat the house from the moment the foundation is poured, when all the cutting/framing is happening, drywall installation, mud/sanding stage.  Way before prime coat....

Admin

Yes, soon it will be like the "old days" but you'll need to use a 4" MERV 11 filter.

It will take some time before you see revised installation manuals.

NoDIY

I had thought that Manufactures asked for this??, i dont see them going backwards now. For the most part its working. Builders and installers have been doing well at adjusting to the the changes.

That said i dont believe there is anything stopping them from selling a furnace that they have approved for use during construction.. OF course the installation manual will have to state that its approved for that use..


Curious where u heard about this? And what manufacturer?

Admin

My Goodman rep called me today to advise of these changes.  I'm certain she mentioned Lennox was doing the same.  Trane called me a month ago about the same thing.

The problem with the Finishing Heat process is that builders want to heat the home before drywall and prime.

All the builders would have to change their contracts to include a 4 inch filter rack before we could use 4" filters.

NoDIY

interesting.. So it was never the manufactures im guessing? Because these current manuals said canada only and ok in the USA.. it was the HRAI that pushed it?

regardless if the manuals accept it.. its approved



DaveP

Then you heard the same thing I did... :)  Seems one of the big ones decided to revert back to the old way for whatever reason, and others following suit.  Manuals should be updated in the next couple months to reflect this.  Totally agree, but tough to get anymore money for a 4" filter out of them lol. 

DaveP

I was always under the impression it was the manufactures who pushed for this also, warranty claims for motors burning out, secondary's plugged, homeowners upset at the condition of the furnace when they take possession.  But if one of them is going to back out, then can't blame the others for following suit

NoDIY

Ya it would be suicide to not follow everyone...


Oh well for a few years people had new furnaces at closing LOL :)

Admin

This is how the new Goodman furnace manuals will be worded to allow the use of the furnace during any stage of construction;

QuoteThis furnace may be used as a construction site heater ONLY if all of the following conditions are met:
• The vent system is permanently installed per these installation instructions.
• A room thermostat is used to control the furnace. Fixed jumpers that provide continuous heating CANNOT be used and can cause long term equipment damage.
• Return air ducts are provided and sealed to the furnace.
• A return air temperature range between 60ºF (16ºC) and 80ºF (27ºC) is maintained.
MERV 11 pleated minimum 4.0" thick (Example P/N AMP-11-2025-45) air filter(s) are installed in the system and inspected daily and replaced as needed during construction and upon completion of construction.
• The input rate and temperature rise are set per the furnace rating plate.
• The furnace must be installed as a two pipe system, using 100% outside air for combustion during construction.
• The furnace heat exchanger, components, duct system, air filters and evaporator coils are thoroughly cleaned following final construction clean up by a qualified person.
• All furnace operating conditions (including ignition, input rate, temperature rise and venting) are verified by a qualified person according to these installation instructions.
• Furnace doors must be in place on the furnace while the furnace is operating in any mode.
• Damage or repairs due to failure to comply with these requirements are not covered under the warranty.

Admin

Here are Lennox upcoming changes.  Notice how they don't specify a 4" MERV 11 filter.

Hvacpimp

As NoDIY mentioned, I thought it was the manufacturers that asked for it. I bet those smart bastards changed the wording on their warrantys to not cover if it's damaged due to this! This might be why they changing their minds!

Admin

Finishing heat will be retired Oct 1, 2020, with more changes to the process coming in October 2021.

Download the Enbridge newsletter - Here

Admin

The good news for Goodman installers is they have agreed to revise their North American installation manuals and remove the 4" Merv 11 filter requirement for construction heat.  We can continue using 1" Merv 11 filters as required by the finishing heat process.