How to Use a Combustion Analyzer on a High-efficiency Furnace

[@scottwillis5434]

Before drilling a hole, maybe look for a test port, or a plug left by previous service?

[@Infowarrior-1776]

Great foundational info. Very helpful. Thank you!

[@whitesheatingairappliancer7101]

I to would like to know where you get those plugs?

[@JA-vy1gp]

Great video explanation

[@andydaly3341]

I've been looking everywhere where do you find those plastic plugs for the test holes.

[@ScoobyJoobyJew]

You can slap a piece of silver tape over it on a 90%. For an 80% I fill the hole with high temperature RTV first then put silver tape over it.

[@JPTinioMedia]

@@ScoobyJoobyJew No, that silver tape is going to fall off. That's positive pressure with condensation in the flue stack, that tape over time will come off from the continuous flow of acidic water running down it. 80% furnaces if you forget to plug it and its type b venting, its not the end of the world as the draft pressure is negative, and will suck air outside of the flue into the stack, but you should patch it up regardless, tape would do fine in that application.

[@QueBeraBera]

This is ridiculous. I would be LIVID if an HVAC tech drilled a hole in my PVC to test combustion. I'm a Scientist, not an HVAC tech and know there.are.other ways to test combustion without damaging your client's equipment. Like the flue temperature insert. Insane.

[@jayc6841]

@@QueBeraBera how is that damaging equipment?

[@QueBeraBera]

@@jayc6841 drilling into your brand new PVC leaving a hole there...again not a HVAC tech, apologies if I incorrectly commented here (I was in quite a bad place when I posted this, had to replace not only my condensing boiler and indirect water tank, but also all of the piping as the previous owner hired someone that apparently did everything wrong...months after the 40+ yr old carrier central AC shit the bed and also had to be replaced...1st world probs I know but FML still). I'd just assume a system like this w/ pressure/condensation being piped out of your house shouldn't have holes in either intake or exhaust PVC pipes? Sorry again, not an expert, just a screwed home owner that did his best to learn and ended up paying...way too much. But hey...home improvement credits and shizz right? 😜

[@normancole8580]

please tell us what terms to use to search for the plugs on the internet. i skip these test a lot because i cant access the flue term on a 3 story house in the rain at night on a 12 12 roof lol.. please inform us about the plugs! they would be a life saver literally...

[@bobbyrich2013]

great video. I laugh when technicians dont know what a combustion analyzer is. I would be lost without mine.

[@ryanspence7239]

Yeah im sure all too many of them don't. Im not a tech but i install or repair furnaces in our properties from time to time as well as for friends and like to learn this stuff to be informed if ever needed, altho I doubt ill ever do this test. What kind of situations would prompt you to use your analyzer?

[@karlschwab6437]

Excellent Tim. I have a home in Lapeer County, MI with a Lennox G-26 furnace that is leaking flue gasses into the house just recently. Also just recently, when the furnace first fires up after being off for about a week, it starts up with a big boom! This furnace is on propane too. I'll find a tech in the Lapeer that can check it out for me. Keep the informative videos coming too! Karl

[@josuecastillo1143]

Thank you for the tutorial!!

[@brianellsworth4767]

All the valve adjustments are sealed with something so you don't play with it. Only the manifold pressure needs to be tested on a new 90+installation. The pressure at the draft should be tested.

[@gurmailsandhu973]

I am in Stockton ca and I can’t find anybody who has combustion analyzer. I need to get my Westinghouse water heater calibrated. Who do I find one other than calling around

[@rossr4222]

Water heaters usually don’t need calibration. Just a vacuuming in the bottom compartment and an analysis to make sure it’s not creating too much CO

[@simclardy1]

Great video. Thanks

[@fairgolfer]

They make PVC/636 combustion tees. 2&3"

[@reidantoniow6394]

drilling holes in venting to take combustion reading checklist... C vent- ya ok sure pvc, cpvc- this is why they have test port tees, beats having to go outside to take a proper reading

[@rossr4222]

No way is it safe to drill a hole in plastic venting. In Canada it’s code to use a tee with a test port.

[@666Eidolon666]

@@rossr4222 Perhaps you could tell me where this code is. I haven't seen that one in the B149.1 or B149.3, or any provincial regulation here in B.C.? Instead of a tee, you can drill and tap the pipe and put a proper plug in after.

[@stewartbaird86]

@@666Eidolon666 the pipe is not made for that. By drilling the hole it is now not free of defects and is compromised. It's more of a manufacturer thing than code. So can be tagged under section 4 I'm sure. You can't mix Royal pipe or fittings with Ipex or glues. I don't think that is covered under the code book but that is a manufacturer requirement.

[@philbergeron1234]

@@666Eidolon666 just cut it and add a coupling

[@rossr4222]

So you drill a hole in plastic vent and put a plug in it? How is that safe or to code? It’s not safe at all

[@brianellsworth4767]

You can only adjust manifold pressure. The manufacturer doesn't want you playing with it. You have no need to drill a hole in the vent unless you want condensate dripping on the furnace.

[@JPTinioMedia]

If you had a condensating furnace where its termination is unaccessible such as a roof termination on a 2 story roof how would you check it? Typically its preferred to check on the termination but know that your readings can change as opposed to right at the flue exit of the furnace. Doing a Combustion analysis is important on these furnaces, you may not see any defects with a visual inspection, but there is very few ways to tell if a secondary heat exchanger is plugged. A Combustion analysis will tell you in this came. A plugged heat exchanger will have rising co readings sometimes off the charts as well. I'd rather avoid drilling into the pvc pipe but if I must I will. You can use a brass or stainless steel NPT plug, I prefer the stainless steel as brass will eventually rot away in a couple years.

[@brianellsworth4767]

@@JPTinioMedia Sorry I'm referring to a new install. An older system or a system that tripped a safety should be checked. No, I wouldnt climb on the roof either.

[@ryanspence7239]

If you know the answer (supposedly) why are you asking

[@NoflectioN]

It's safe because it's in a negative. It will suck air in not expell flue gas. Besides flue gas is not toxic, co is.. if it's burning correctly there should be a high level of co, if any at all.. You could leave the hole won't hurt anything besides risk of a little water leaking out from condensation.

[@cameron3991]

Who else is here for PHCC 3rd year?

[@baivabmitra376]

Capturing data is fine but then what? Nothing about how to change, where to change. Rather useless video I'd say.

[@johnflaherty9945]

u are talking as if ur speaking to ur Sevice Supervisor..... NO to little explanation.... bad video,,,,. Hense,,, if you were making a video to seasoned I say professionals ur ok.... I cant use you video to do NoThInG

[@deadheart556]

He isnt doing this for a home owner to start playing games with their furnace so they can learn just enough to kill themselves

[@rvvfpr7947]

If you don’t understand this buddy then this video is not for you.