More and more high-efficiency, gas heating appliances (think 90+% furnaces, boilers, and tankless water heaters) are being installed in retrofits and new construction to meet evolving regulations and reduce energy consumption. Demand shows no signs of slowing down.
However, the condensing technology used in these next-generation appliances creates a silent and often misunderstood issue: acidic condensate. Unlike other 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 or propane. If discharged untreated, this residue can wreak all sorts of havoc. If you work in the field, you’ve likely seen the consequences yourself; we’re talking about damage to floor drains, concrete foundations, plumbing, septic systems and wastewater treatment infrastructure.
But there is a reliable, purpose-built solution that all HVAC and plumbing installers and service technicians should know about. A product called a condensate neutralizer must be installed with every high-efficiency, gas heating appliance. This purpose-built accessory will not only prevent costly property damage—it's also now required by the plumbing code in most of the U.S.
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A CONDENSATE NEUTRALIZER?
Not all condensate neutralizers are created equal though. To ensure protection and effectiveness, it’s very important to purchase a high-quality condensate neutralizer from a proven, trusted manufacturer. Best-in-class HVAC and plumbing pros should look for a condensate neutralizer that is:
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Designed with industry pros in mind:
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Versatile installation options. For example, designs with optional inlet/outlet ports and the ability to be wall-mounted or floor-mounted, and a connections kit that includes enables hard pipe or vinyl tubing.
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Quick and easy to service. For example, the JJM® model NBT-400 features a removeable tray that enables lightning fast replacement of the pH Power Pellets®; the proprietary condensate neutralizer media found exclusively in JJM® neutralizers. In addition, individual refill kits are sized to the exact model requirements, which saves time in the field and removes all the guesswork for service. Not all condensate neutralizing media is created equal either!
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Purpose-built for specific installations, like condensing furnaces or tankless water heaters. For example, the JJM® model NBT-400P is a tank style neutralizer that includes a built-in condensate pump that can handle acidic condensate and non-acidic condensate and pump to a remote drain.
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Versatile installation options. For example, designs with optional inlet/outlet ports and the ability to be wall-mounted or floor-mounted, and a connections kit that includes enables hard pipe or vinyl tubing.
- Made in America, which helps provides high-quality manufacturing and short lead times JJM® products are Proudly Made in Massachusetts.
- Correctly sized condensate neutralizer to ensure safe and effective treatment of acidic condensate.
- Backed by relentless sales and product support, including factory training opportunities.
NEXT STEPS
Buy the pHirst and best from JJM Alkaline Technologies®, the industry pioneer. Since 2005, JJM® has been supplying HVAC and plumbing industry pros with purpose-built condensate neutralizers to effectively treat acidic condensate from today’s high-efficiency, gas systems. We built the pHirst one. Now, we build the best ones.
JJM® products can be purchased by authorized wholesalers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Locate a JJM® distributor here: “Where to Buy”. If your preferred distributor doesn’t stock JJM® products yet, ask them to Contact Us (Ask for the Blue Label).
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