Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine January 2026

ARHVACR NewsMagazine January 2026

S tate, National, Chapter News State national Chapter News

2. Combustion Air: Sealed Homes Change the Rules

Best Practices •

Install a corrosion-resistant drain system: Use PVC or vinyl tubing rated for acidic condensate. Avoid metal components downstream of the trap. • Provide proper trap configuration: A missing or improperly installed trap can cause flue gas leakage or drainage problems. • Use condensate neutralizers when required: Particularly important when draining into septic systems or older cast iron plumbing. • Protect against freezing: Route condensate lines through conditioned space whenever possible and insulate exposed sections. Oversizing remains a persistent issue, especially when replacing older equipment. High-efficiency furnaces must be sized correctly to deliver expected performance. Perform a Manual J load calculation: Do not rely on the size of the existing furnace. Improved insulation, windows, and air sealing can significantly reduce heating loads. • Account for Arkansas' climate zones: While winters are mild, cold snaps do occur. Proper sizing Best Practices • 4. Furnace Sizing: Oversizing Is Still a Persistent Issue

Many Arkansas homes — especially new construction and remodeled properties — are far tighter than older homes. High-efficiency furnaces are sealed-combustion appliances, but incorrect intake placement can still cause problems. Best Practices • Maintain separation between intake and exhaust: Follow manufacturer minimum distances to prevent flue gas re-entrainment. • Avoid attic or crawlspace contamination: Ensure combustion air intakes are not pulling in insulation dust, pesticides, or moisture — common issues in crawlspace installations across the state. • Inspect gaskets and connections: Small intake leaks can trigger pressure switch faults and reduce efficiency.

3. Condensate Management: The Silent System Killer

High-efficiency furnaces produce acidic condensate that must be handled properly. In Arkansas’ humid climate, condensate-related failures are common.