Today’s high-efficiency, gas heating appliances produce acidic condensate, which must be properly managed with a purpose-built solution called a condensate neutralizer. In this condensate neutralizer FAQ, we answer the most common questions HVAC and plumbing contractors, installers and service technicians have about these must-have accessories so that you can install and service them with confidence.
Q: What is acidic condensate?
A: Acidic condensate is a byproduct of the condensing phase in high-efficiency, gas heating appliances (think high-efficiency furnaces, water heaters and high-efficiency boilers). Unlike HVAC condensate that rolls off the coils in an AC unit, acidic condensate is corrosive (with low pH of 2.9-4.0) because it includes various acids from burning natural gas. If discharged untreated, this residue can damage plumbing, concrete foundations, floor drains, septic systems and other wastewater infrastructure.
Q: What is a condensate neutralizer?
A: A condensate neutralizer is a reliable, purpose-built solution, which works like a filtration device to safely and effectively treat the acidic condensate created from today’s high-efficiency, gas heating appliances.
Q: Why should best-in-class HVAC and plumbing pros offer a condensate neutralizer?
A: HVAC and plumbing pros should install a JJM® condensate neutralizer with every high-efficiency, gas heating appliance for multiple reasons:
- Protect facilities and the environment and prevent costly damages
- Ensure code compliance
- Do right by the homeowners and building owners
- Capture margin and recurring service revenue
Q: What kind of HVAC and plumbing systems require a condensate neutralizer?
A: All high-efficiency, gas heating equipment requires a condensate neutralizer, including 90+% AFUE boilers, furnaces and hot water heaters.
Q: How do I explain the importance of installing a condensate neutralizer to a homeowner?
A: Most homeowners are not aware of how important it is to have a condensate neutralizer properly installed and maintained on their high-efficiency, gas heating appliance. It’s your job to educate them. Read up on these key talking points to inform the homeowner, help prevent costly damage from condensate corrosion, and capitalize on this recurring service opportunity.
Q: What are the most expensive kinds of damages caused by acidic condensate that has not been treated?
A: If discharged untreated, homeowners and building owners may be left dealing with the consequences of untreated acidic condensate. Remind your customer that the top three most expensive damages caused by acidic condensate corrosion include:
- Damage to floors, floor drains and concrete foundation
- Damage to the plumbing system
- Damage to sewer lines, the septic system and wastewater treatment infrastructure
Q: Should a condensate neutralizer be included on EVERY high-efficiency, gas appliance install?
A: Yes. A condensate neutralizer should be included on every high-efficiency, gas appliance install (90+% AFUE boilers, furnaces and hot water heaters). Installing a condensate neutralizer is not only a must to prevent costly property damages—it’s also a code requirement in most of the U.S. Best-in-class pros standardize the use of specific JJM® condensate neutralizer model(s) in each of their installation packages.
Q: Can I install a condensate neutralizer on an existing system?
A: Yes. If a condensate neutralizer was not previously installed with the condensing heating appliance a savvy service technician can quickly install a JJM® condensate neutralizer during the service call. Boom. Crisis averted and maintenance done.
Q: Are condensate neutralizers required by code?
A: Installing a condensate neutralizer is not just best practice but it's also critical for code compliance. Regulatory bodies have created several overarching codes that apply to acidic condensate. For example, the EPA code prohibits discharge of corrosive pollutants (defined as pH below 5) into the public works (Section 403.5(b)(2)). Local municipalities across the country have followed suit and are introducing similar code requirements. Further, the industry has begun to take action as well: the International Plumbing Code (IPC), which has been adopted by at least 37 states and various municipalities, now considers neutralizing devices to be essential (Section 803.1).
Q: How do I correctly size a condensate neutralizer?
A: Selecting the appropriate condensate neutralizer is critical to ensuring the safe and effective treatment of acidic condensate. HVAC and plumbing pros should consider four distinct criteria:
- BTU input of the heating appliance and efficiency rating correlates to condensate volume
- Raw gas composition burned during combustion
- System design influences condensate neutralizer features
- Heating appliance’s operating hours impact condensate production
Q: What is the neutralizing media made of?
A: Purpose-built condensate neutralizers are powered by a neutralizing media, which interacts with the acidic condensate to raise its pH and reduce its acidity. But not all neutralizer media is created equal. JJM® condensate neutralizers use pH Power Pellets®, the proprietary media found exclusively in JJM® products. Proudly produced in Massachusetts, USA, pH Power Pellets® are shelf-stable and non-toxic, with magnesium hydroxide as the active ingredient. pH Power Pellets® are long-lasting and won’t “waste away” into silt like other neutralizing media.
Q: How long does the condensate neutralizer media last and how do I know if the media needs to be replaced?
A: Generally, condensate neutralizer media will need to be replaced at least every 12 months. However, every installation varies based on the BTU capacity, operating hours and volume of acidic condensate produced. To ensure continued performance and protection, service technicians should regularly test the pH of treated acidic condensate leaving the condensate neutralizer with a digital pH meter. If the pH is lower than 5.0 (or the local water authority threshold), then the tech should immediately replace the neutralizer media. To help ensure quick and accurate service every time, pH Power Pellets® refill kits are individually weighed and packaged for each JJM® condensate neutralizer model.
Q: Can I get product and sales training on JJM® condensate neutralizers?
A: Yes. To ensure your success, JJM® provides factory training opportunities—both in-person and online—designed and taught by the industry's leading manufacturer of condensate neutralizers. Get in touch today to get your team trained by the best.
As the industry pioneer, JJM Alkaline Technologies® has been supplying HVAC and plumbing industry pros with reliable, purpose-built condensate neutralizers to effectively treat acidic condensate for 20 years. JJM® products are designed with industry pros in mind: versatile to install, quick and easy to service, and purpose-built for specific appliances, like condensing furnaces and tankless water heaters. JJM® condensate neutralizers are proudly Made in America. To buy from the pHirst and the best, click on our “Where to Buy” page to find a JJM® authorized distributor. If your preferred distributor doesn’t stock JJM® yet, ask them to contact us (Ask for the Blue Label).