Today’s gas-fired, high-efficiency furnaces utilize advanced combustion technology to achieve a much higher annual fuel utilization efficiency rating (90+%) compared to the old-school furnaces from yesteryear. Soon, all gas-fired furnaces sold in the United States will use this condensing technology. Beginning in late 2028, new regulations will require gas furnaces to achieve an annual fuel utilization efficiency of at least 95%. These cutting-edge gas furnaces translate to reduced energy consumption and lower heating bills for homeowners and building owners.
Furnace condensate is acidic
However, these high-efficiency, gas furnaces create an often misunderstood item: acidic condensate. Acidic condensate is a byproduct of the condensing technology that extracts additional heat from the combustion gases, which then cool inside the furnace. Unlike air conditioning condensate, the gas furnace condensate is corrosive (i.e. 2.9–4.0 pH) because it includes various acids from burning natural gas (or propane). If discharged untreated, this residue can corrode plumbing, concrete foundations, floor drains, septic systems and other wastewater infrastructure. It can also pollute groundwater and the surrounding environment. That’s why it’s so critical to effectively treat the acidic condensate before it is discharged from the home or building. And code requires it!
Condensate neutralizers are the solution
So, how can contractors and service technicians prevent damage from acidic condensate? It’s simple. A condensate neutralizer should be installed with every gas-fired, high-efficiency furnace. These are purpose-built filtration devices that raise the pH level of the acidic condensate (reducing its acidity) to a safe level before it’s discharged into the plumbing and wastewater systems. In turn, home and building owners can mitigate the risk of such property damage.
Early neutralizer solutions were crude devices, often just a large box filled with marble or limestone chips. Today, leading manufacturers like JJM Alkaline Technologies® design and manufacture purpose-built neutralizing solutions that are much more effective. Best-in-class condensate neutralizers feature an engineered filter housing that is filled with a neutralizing media such as pH Power Pellets®, JJM®’s proprietary neutralizing media that is non-toxic and uses magnesium hydroxide as its active ingredient.
Code requirements
Installing a condensate neutralizer with every gas-fired, high-efficiency furnace is not just best practice but it's also critical for code compliance. Regulatory bodies have created several overarching codes that apply to furnace condensate. For example, the EPA code prohibits discharge of corrosive pollutants 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 International Plumbing Code, which has been adopted by at least 37 states and various municipalities, considers neutralizing devices to be essential (Section 803.1).
Next steps
To learn more about the critical role of acidic condensate neutralizers in furnaces or any other gas-fired, high-efficiency heating appliance, visit our Resources page.
