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The HM Series furnace modules are ETL and UL Recognized Components, intended to be factory installed as a component of a packaged HVAC appliance. As such, additional testing by the Certifying Agency is required to demonstrate proper operation and construction in the final product configuration.
The HD Series, Style CX, RX, ZX furnace modules are also ETL and UL Recognized Components. These modules incorporate an airside sheet metal wrapper that defines the air tunnel dimensions. This style furnace minimizes the amount of testing by the Certifying Agency for airside performance, however further testing is required to demonstrate proper construction in the final product configuration.
All other HD Series furnaces are ETL and UL Listed Duct Furnaces and include the complete gas heater enclosure and vent connector per our listing. This again diminishes the amount of airside performance testing required by the Certifying Agency, and construction reviews are not necessary.
All Listings and definitions are subject to interpretation of the ANSI standards and the Certifying Agency assessment.
Heatco recommends the use of our pre-painted beige material for installations that will require the provided enclosure be painted over. The interior surface of this material has a primer coating that will help prevent corrosion. The exterior surface is covered with a PPG brand paint and their recommended method to over paint is as below:
• Scuff sand the surface with nothing rougher than 800 grit or a scotch-brite® pad
• Wipe down scuffed surface with VM&P Naptha or isopropanol
• Topcoat with either an acrylic lacquer product (high VOC) or a 2 component urethane
The only duct heaters that are Class 1 Div 2 (Explosion Proof) are Electric. A couple of companies that manufacture them are Indeeco and Ruffneck. For more information about indirect-fired heaters and hazardous locations, click here.
We can measure the draft pressure in the combustion blower during operation. Readings below a certain point would indicate possible vent system issues. See Attached Sheet
Very few circulating air fans and duct work have uniform airflow or velocity profiles. Good engineering practice suggests that the common duct on the dishcarge side extend 4 to 10 times the hydraulic duct diameter of the duct (d=2ab/(a+b) to establish uniform airflow before before branch lines are introduced.
This allows time for mixing required for fairly uniform tmperature distribution. The back end of the heat exchnager typically exhibits the highest temperatures and the highest volume airflow should be directed over that area in zoned systems. Many of our customers also provide a hotspot limit (Thermodisc 10H11) in zoned systems to prevent overheating of the heat exchanger.
Section 2.14.3 of ANSI Z83.8 requires that the average discharge air temperature shall not exceed of 160 oF above room temperature when adjusted for minimum airflow at its maximum input rating, so this is determined by specifying the appropriate minimum air flow rates.
An additional test is conducted to determine at what point the heater will shut-off if airflow is reduced for any reason (blocked filters, low voltage etc.) The high limit location and setting is typically determined by this test. The minimum and maximum rise is determined by input, airflow, efficiency and combustion performance, typically all functions of the unit design.
Yes you can. Each heater requires a 6” diameter air inlet pipe, with maximum equivalent length of 25 ft.. I supposed it could be PVC, but you could also use single wall or type B vent with taped joints which would probably be less expensive.
Condensation in the tubes may occur during air conditioning operation, as the tube surfaces drop below the dew point temperature of ambient air in the tube. The tube surfaces cool below the dew point and water vapor in the air inside the tubes condenses out. This condensate is typically no more corrosive than tap water, and the heat exchanger is designed to allow drainage of this condensate and prevent build up in the tubes.
A drain tap is provided in the flue box to permit attachment to a condensate drain hose to remove condensate from unit. During cooling operation condensation may also occur on vestibule surfaces or the burner assembly. In these applications, it may be necessary to insulate outside surfaces of heater to minimize condensation and accumulation of water in vestibule area, particularly if the installation is in an unconditioned space. A collection trough and drain should be provided if surfaces are not insulated
Type “B” vent is acceptable for HM Indoor installations that are vertically vented, have exhaust gas temperatures less than 550 oF and meet criteria of Category I vent. Outdoor installations and horizontally vented indoor HM units are Category III venting systems. Category III applications should use the single wall AL29-4C sealed joint vent pipe. Outdoor units typically have a single vent connector which should be sealed at the point of attachment to the combustion blower.
Vent piping should not be run in the vestibule area unless it is the sealed joint type, to avoid flue gas leakage and re-circulation into the combustion air supply. The HE’s are Category III in all applications and should employ this pipe in all vent systems. I note that among the customer installation literature I’ve reviewed, mention of this type of vent pipe is made in such a way that it would leave the installer with the idea that it’s use was optional in lieu of more conventional vent materials.
Both double wall classes of vent pipe are really intended for vent systems under negative pressure, since the joints in the assembled pipe are not pressure tight.
The combustion process generates water vapor equal to approximately 1 gal per hour for every 100,000 Btuh of input (100 cu ft. of gas). Typically very little of this vapor actually condenses in HM style heater.
Most of the vapor is exhausted thru the venting system. If any condensation occurs, it is usually for a very short time at the beginning of the firing cycle. Condensation is a bigger issue during AC operation in the summer, if the heater is downstream of the cooling section. The moisture in the humid air condenses as tubes are cooled by the conditioned air flowing over them.
Type 409SS is a ferritic grade of stainless steel and is prone to surface rusting when exposed to moisture laden air or surface water. When located downstream of cooling coils, condensation can occur on tube surfaces resulting in spot rusting.
Outside air containing high moisture content or snow can deposit water on tubes, with similar results. This rust occurs only on the surface of the tube and typically does not penetrate the tube material. Usually this rust can be removed from the tube surface by wiping with a rough cloth or fine steel wool, if the appearance is objectionable.
In the rack assemblies, we pipe all the units in each rack assembly to a 1” PVC header, so there is one condensate discharge per rack.
The reason we have all the orientations listed and have always requested the direction of airflow be specified at time of order is to provide heat exchangers with dimples oriented to provide for drainage of condensate in applications where heater is mounted downstream of the evaporator coil (approximately 90% of all commercial HVAC applications). Dimple form alignment depends on airflow direction and burner tray alignment. Vertical burner trays with horizontal airflow tubes have dimple forms aligned differently than units with horizontal burner trays and vertical airflow tubes.
Most commercial and industrial regulators service a large range of gas flows for any given body size and therefore are typically equipped with a flow orifice for a particular capacity range.
It is likely that the orifice in the regulator installed is to small for your required gas flow rate. Your combined input rating should be less than the maximum flow rating of the proper sized orifice for the desired pressure drop. If the orifice is sized correctly, be sure that the spring provided with the regulator is for the desired pressure range.
The maximum gas supply pressure on either Natural or Propane Gas is 13.5 inches w.c. This is the maximum pressure that the combination gas valve is listed at. Also, certain combination valves incorporate a regulator design that will reduce or prevent gas flow above this pressure, while others do not. Excessive inlet pressure could lead to nuisance shut downs or over-firing unit and damaging heat exchanger.
The minimum inlet pressure for Natural Gas is 5.0 inches w.c. and for Propane gas is 11.0 inches w.c. If inlet pressure is less than the noted levels you will not be able to achieve maximum rated input to heater. In some locales Natural gas supply pressures are less than 5.0 inches. The burners should function properly down to 3.5 inches inlet pressure, but input rate will be reduced and temperature rise and maximum airflow rates need to be reviewed for the application.
Our furnace modules are listed for a minimum of 20 oF rise, as is all other equipment due to the standard requirements. Also, below 20 oF rise the risk of tube surface temperatures dropping below the dew point of the flue gases and continuous condensation increases. This specification would require the use of an air bypass with an adjustable damper. During high heat requirements, the damper would be closed, but as the input modulates down the damper would have to open to allow some air to bypass the heat exchanger.
This reduces the airflow over the heat exchanger maintaining a higher temperature rise and higher tube temperatures to avoid condensation of flue gases. In the example you provide, 50% of the air volume would be bypassed at minimum input , reducing the air flow over the heat exchanger to 50% and providing a temperature rise of 20 oF.
HM furnace modules can be installed in series or in parallel to achieve higher rises if necessary. Modules can be stacked up to five high or four deep to obtain the necessary temperature rise. Refer to the Applications section “Multiple Unit Installations” for recommendations on sizing and arrangements. Regardless of the rise requirements, the Duct furnace standard limits the maximum discharge temperature to 160 oF for any combination of listed heaters.
Insufficient oxygen supply to the burner causes similar problems to flue gas re-circulation (see above). The most common problem is sizing the opening based on the physical size of the opening alone. The recommended opening size would provide 1 sq. in. of free area for every 4,000 Btuh of input. So a 10in x 10 in opening (2would be right if no screens, louvers or expanded metal is applied to the opening. Screen materials typically vary from 60 to 85% open area, expanded metal, 45 to 70% and louvers 40 to 60%. If the opening is louverd with average louvers the opening dimension would need to be 2X larger to provide the required free area, or 200 sq. in.
Flue gases contain Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen (N2) and water vapor and may have traces of carbon monoxide (CO). Proper combustion of gaseous fuels depends on a supply of Oxygen (O2) present in the air drawn into the burner. The re-circulated flue gases displace a portion of the fresh air and reduce the amount of oxygen drawn into the burner resulting in higher CO2 and CO levels in the flue gases.
Eventually the oxygen supply is insufficient to sustain a stable or clean burning flames, and causing a floating flame with loss of flame signal and lockout, or trip of the rollout switch. The poor combustion can also resulting in sooting of the heat exchanger tubes that restricts the tube causing poor combustion and reduced operating efficiency. If blockage is significant, floating flames or flame rollout can occur.
The coefficient of heat transfer is affected by the direction of airflow and velocity over the tube surfaces. In order to maintain the required minimum 80% thermal efficiency, the maximum rise is limited to 60 oF in configurations where air flow changes direction in passing through the heat exchanger or is directed through the open side of the heat exchanger tubes.
IRI Information IM.4.3.1, covering Space Heaters identifies IRI position as follows. “ Use heaters that are listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL), that provide periodic inspections of the listed equipment or materials. Install heaters with minimum clearances to combustible materials as shown on plate attached to the heater.”
No. All vent terminations should be an approved type rain and windproof vent cap. In addition to preventing water from entering the vent system, these terminations compensate for wind and atmospheric conditions, and prevent downdrafts to insure proper venting of flue gases.
Category I appliances operates with a non-positive vent pressure and at vent gas temperatures at least 140 oF (78 oC) above its dew point, sufficiently high enough to avoid condensation. Because the vent pipe pressure is not positive, single wall or Type B vent pipe may be used, depending on the application, and requirements of Z223.1 the National Fuel Gas Code. HM series modules for indoor applications and vertically vented are Category I.
Categories were established to define the conditions in the vent piping under which the product operates. Category III operates with a positive pressure in the vent and at vent gas temperatures at least 140 oF (78 oC) above its dew point. Vent gas temperatures are sufficiently high enough to avoid condensation. Because the vent pipe is under positive pressure vent pipe listed for Category III applications, having sealed joints, must be used to avoid products of combustion from entering the heated space.
It should not. The HM Series module are listed as non-condensing heaters, either Category III or Category I. Flue gas condensate is highly corrosive and even the best grades of stainless steel used in duct furnace construction (Types 304L, 316 and 321) are subject to accelerated corrosion and premature heat exchanger failure if condensation of flue gases occurs in heat exchanger tubes. This also voids the heat exchanger warranty. Typically, condensation can be avoided by maintaining airflow over the heat exchanger to maintain a minimum 20 oF rise across the heat exchanger under any operating condition. Refer to the Airflow Considerations in the application section for more details.
Yes you should. Some condensation may occur in the flue box itself during operation of the air conditioning system. In applications with a horizontal burner tray, condensate will drain from the open end of the tubes. A collection pan with a drain hose should be provided at the base of the vestibule adjacent to the vest panel to allow for removal of this condensate.
For applications requiring a 20 oF to 90 oF temperature rise, aluminized steel can be used provided that the minimum return air temperature is above 40 oF and the minimuim input rate is greater than 50% of maximum input. Stainless steel should be used if 40% or more outside air is used, return air temperature are less than 40 oF or modulation below 50% of maximum input is provided. See Material Selection Guidelines in “Applications” section for more detailed guidelines for best material choice to provide maximum heat exchanger life.
At 800,000 Btuh input the rise would be 45 oF. The minimum rise for our heaters is 20 oF and therefore the minimum input would be 175,000 Btuh for the modulating heater (assumes that ½ the airflow passes over this heater) without any bypass. For lower rises, a % of air would have to be bypassed and mixed with the heated air to provide the desired 5.6 oF minimum rise.
As an example if 50% is bypassed, airflow over the heater bank would be (6600 cfm) and airflow over the modulated heater would be approximately half of that or 3300 cfm. At that airflow with a minimum modulated input of 100,000 Btuh, the rise would be 22 oF. Under this operating condition 75% of the air would be flowing over unheated surfaces and 25% over the heated surface, which should approximate a 5.5 oF overall rise condition, provided the air can be properly mixed. The above example assumes that return air temperature can be within 5 oF of the desired discharge conditions, since you are concerned about the +/- 5oF discharge air control.
Side Wall venting is permissible. Refer to the OEM Instruction Manual for HE’s, click the link button. Page 4 has diagrams indicating maximum and minimum equivalent vent lengths for horizontal and vertical venting. HE’s are category III in all applications and therefore you must use approved vent pipe for this category (has sealed joints because vent is under positive pressure). See Attached Sheet
The NYC code states “ Pressure regulators that require a vent……..” which clearly recognizes that not all regulators require an external vent. Combination gas valves used on HM series units are listed under ANSI Z21.78 / CSA 6.20 which permits the use of integral vent limiters on the regulator as provided on the Honeywell VR8305 Series controls.
Regulators that are not integrally vent limited are required to have a port marked “Vent” for connection to an external vent by the ANSI standards for regulators and combination controls, hence the requirement above in the NYC code. Click here for more information from Honeywell
The current Gas Duct Furnace Standard under which we are evaluated is a harmonized standard (ANSI Z83.8 and CSA 2.6). Our Listing Mark designates listing in the US and Canada, so the listing on your product will cover Canada as well. Your rating plate would need to bear the mark shown below indicating listing in both Canada and the US. Click for ETL Information
The minimum velocity is 500 fpm / the maximum velocity is 1,500 fpm. The typical velocity we see our customers design to is in the 900 fpm range.
The highest static we’ve tested with cetifying agencies is 3.0″, which is typical for most duct heater manufacturer’s. However, some customers do leakage tests up to 10″ static pressure without any issues.
HTA heaters- Temperature Rise up to 125 F and Max Discharge Temperate of 160F. ANSI Z83.8 Gas-Fired Duct Furnaces. Only approved for the positive side of the air circulating blower.
HPA heaters- Temperature Rise up to 125 oF for individual heaters and 250 oF for tandem installation. Maximum discharge air temperatures to 325 oF. ETL / ITS Recognized Air Heater Module – IAS 9-90 Gas-Fired Desiccant Dehumidifiers, ANSI Z21.47 Central Furnace and ANSI Z83.8 Duct Furnace.
Application flexibility – Heaters listed for operation on negative pressure (suction) side of circulating air fan. Maximum discharge air temperatures to 325 oF. Designed to provide regenerative heating for Desiccant Dehumidifier Applications.
Natural Gas consumption = 1cfh of gas per 1000btu input Propane Gas consumption = 1cfh of gas per 2500btu input. Fresh air requirements = 10 cfh air/ 1 chf gass 60% excess air =16 cfh air/ 1 chf gass Example: 500,000 btuh/1000 btu =500 Gas X Excess Air X Air= cfh/min=CFH 500×16+500= 8500 cfh 8500cfh/60min= 142 cfm
Separated combustion means that air required for combustion is brought to the heater by means of a duct connected to the outdoors. Both the vent and air intake can be provided by the customer. Sealed combustion means that air required for combustion is brought to the heater by means of a duct connected to the outdoors. When installed that way the heater is stand alone , not affected by barometric or pressure changes within the room. The manufacture must provide the vent system, the fresh air duct work, and should not have more the a +8% leakage.
By convention the industry favors mounting heating units on the positive pressure side of the circulating air fan. The rational is that this location minimizes the likelihood of flue gases entering the circulating air stream in the event of a breach in the heat exchanger. Heating units listed under ANSI Z83.8 (Gas-fired Duct Furnaces) must be installed on the positive pressure side as a requirement of their listing.
The Central Furnace standard (ANSI Z21.47) has construction provisions that would permit installations on the negative pressure side of the circulating air fan. Heat exchangers located on the negative pressure side of the fan must be welded to provide an air tight joint as determined by the certifying agency and comply with a heating element cycling test. Our HM, HD and Rack series units are listed under the Z21.47 standard when employing a welded, stainless steel heat exchanger. At the time of quotation, you would need to advise us that the application is for negative pressure side application.
On HMB and HDB models, a high temperature ceramic fiber gasket is used on the flue cover panel. By design, the flue collector box on these models is located in the air stream and the gasket insulates the cover panel to reduce heat flux into the vestibule area. Even though the gasket is compressed when installed, the gasket does not provide a water tight seal and will “wick” water (condensate), especially during periods when the AHU is operating in the cooling mode. This may cause rust on exposed surfaces and /or water accumulation in the vestibule base. This may be more evident in applications with vertical burner trays, since all the condensate formed inside tubes will drain to the collector box.
In order to minimize wicking, be sure drain tubing from the collector box is pitched downward to maximize flow of condensate though the drain tube. Inspect and clean drain tube(s) regularly to maintain maximum flow through the drain tube. Additionally, provide a drain hole in the vestibule base and provide a drain connection. In applications with horizontal burner trays, the condensate primarily drains from the open end of the tubes, and minimal condensation occurs in the collector box. An optional drain pan is available to collect condensate which drains from the tubes. Typically, the “wicking” is minimized in heating mode, as condensate formation is minimal and the adjacent temperatures are sufficient to evaporate moisture and dry out the gasket material.
All other models employ an external collector box with a different method gasketing and insulating the collector box. However, on heaters where “silicone free” construction is specified, a woven ceramic fiber gasket is used and will similarly wick condensate as outlined above. Additionally, some surface condensation is possible on uninsulated vest panel and induced draft fan surfaces during cooling operation.
The American Gas Association, founded in 1918, is a trade association that represents more than 200 local energy companies that deliver natural gas throughout the United States. For many years this Association supported a testing laboratory which certified the design of appliances. Support for this laboratory was discontinued in the 1990’s and operation of the Laboratory has gone through a number of ownership changes. Use of the Blue Star certification symbol was discontinued during this time.
Product design certifications to ANSI and CGA standards are now conducted by certified Nationally Recognized Test Laboratories (NRTL’s), including Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek Testing Services / ETL, Canadian Standards Association (CSA) as well as a number of other approved agencies. All of our products are listed by Intertek / ETL and/ or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and bear a nameplate with the symbol of the certifying agency. We would suggest that you contact the Authority Having Jurisdiction regarding their acceptance of a particular NRTL.
All units need to be sized at sea level and Heatco will de-rate them if your elevation will be higher than 2,000 ft. See below for a detailed explanation: Gas furnace capacity ratings are based on sea level operation. Furnaces are designed and listed based on heat exchanger size, combustion volume and vent capacity. For any given gas furnace design, the heating capacity depends on the density and oxygen content of the air, along with the pressure drop across the heat exchanger. Altitude affects each of these factors, since density and oxygen content of air decrease with an increase in elevation.
“Thin” air carries less heat, resulting in a loss of furnace capacity compared to sea level ratings. Therefore, the gas input of the furnace selected, based on sea level ratings, needs to be reduced to maintain comparable airside (temperature rise) and safe combustion performance at altitude. Current guidelines for gas furnaces sized at sea level ratings, provide for a 4% de-rate per 1000 feet of elevation for elevations over 2000 feet.
All of our HM/HD and HE/HF units are approved to Mass Code. Please click the following link for confirmation: Click Here
Yes, in VAV (Variable Air Volume) applications. See rule below:
VAV Applications – Minimum Airflow
HM/HD and HE/HF Series duct furnaces may be applied to VAV (Variable Air Volume) applications with 2 speed or variable frequency drives. In these applications the minimum allowable CFM supplied to the duct furnace can be 67% of the minimum CFM listed in the ratings table.
Furnaces must be applied as follows:
• Unit must consist of only one air path.
• Unit is equipped with 2 stage (TS) or electronic modulating gas controls (MD, MA, MR or MB)
• System includes a discharge air temperature controller (provided by others) and set to prevent the unit from firing above its maximum rated temperature rise at or greater than the minimum CFM. The controller would reduce the furnace input (low fire) if the maximum rise condition is reached.
• The system is not controlled by a thermostat in the heated space. Since it is located remote from the unit, operation on the thermostat could cause the unit to over-fire at the reduced airflow and result in overheating and possible damage.
Concentric vent kits need to be listed with the product during certification testing. There are no “generic” concentric vent kits that we are aware of. Manufacturer’s offering this option have designed and listed their own adapters.
We have not designed or developed concentric adapters for our products, and solely recommend a two pipe system.
Typically residential furnaces employ fan controls for both on and off operating points. Circulating fan operation is delayed until the temperature rises to a certain point to avoid circulating cool air at the beginning of a heating cycle and continues to run for a short period of time until the circulating air temperature drops to a predetermined point at the end of the heating cycle, to utilize the residual heat from the heat exchanger.
Commercially, the choice of a Fan Switch to delay operation or maintain fan operation after burner shut down would depend on the application. Delaying the fan operation might be beneficial in applications where a significant % of outside air is utilized. Operating the circulating fan at the end of the heating cycle cools the heat exchanger and prevents heat buildup in the cabinet and provides the most benefit with On / Off heater operation.
For modulating systems, operating the fan after the heating cycle completion would probably have less benefit since it is very likely that the system would be operating at a reduced input rating just prior to shut down. In multiple heater installations, the modulating heater would be the last to turn-off, so again operating the fan at the completion of the heating cycle would provide minimal benefit.
Below is a link to a page from FM Loss Prevention Data Sheet 6-20 for Space Heaters, outlining FM’s positions on acceptance of equipment. Our HM/HD/Racks heaters are rated at less than 2,500,000 Btuh per heater and are listed by nationally recognized testing laboratory agency, either ETL or UL, and therefore are acceptable to FM Global. Controls provided meet or exceed the recommendations outlined in Table 1 of the data sheet. Click Here
Currently, large commercial furnaces with inputs between 175,000 and 2,000,000 Btuh are not regulated by SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District) . They do not anticipate having a rule in place for these products until 2023.
Rule 1111 applies to residential and small commercial fan-type central furnaces having input ratings less than 175,000 Btuh and provides an emission limit of 14 ng/Jl. We are not aware of any commercially available products that comply with the current Rule 1111 limits.
The terms “power venting”, “fan assisted combustion”, “draft induced system” are used interchangeably in the literature for products which incorporate an integral fan or blower as part of the heater assembly to provide metered air for the combustion process. We typically refer to the this fan as the combustion air blower or induced draft fan.
Even with these fans in place, certain applications such as horizontal side wall venting are limited in the length of vent piping that can be applied due to pressure drop in the vent. All furnace manufacturers publish information on the maximum acceptable vent lengths for their products based on certification testing. These lengths will vary depending on furnace input, combustion air fan and heat exchanger design, and vent diameter. As an example, our HMA, HDA series furnaces are limited to a maximum vent length of 50 lineal feet of 6” diameter pipe. Depending on the pipe diameter, fittings such as 90o elbows, Tee’s etc., need to be included in determining the total lineal feet. A 6” diameter wide sweep 90o elbow is the equivalent of 5 lineal feet. Depending on heater location, routing of the vent pipe and other requirements, vent piping may exceed the maximum vent length listed for the product.
In these cases, a vent booster fan (also referred to as a power venter) may be applied to the vent system to overcome the additional pressure loss and insure products of combustion are properly exhausted. Precision Vent, and other vent system manufacturers, provide venting solutions in applications where the required vent system exceeds the manufacturers recommendations. These systems typically include a booster fan (power venter). There are also companies that specialize in draft booster fans (Field Controls, Tjerlund Products and Exhausto) and can also assist with booster fan selection and provide design guidance.
Since the integral draft fan is tested and listed at the specified vent limits, substitution is not permitted in order to accommodate vents which exceed the specified maximums.
1) One of the following operating parameters:
– Temperature Rise and Airflow (CFM)
– BTUH Input and Temperature Rise
– BTUH Input and Airflow (CFM)
2) Inlet air temperature (inlet air temperature effects BTU requirements)
3)Elevation
4) Dimensions:
– Height
– Direction of Airflow (Width)
– Depth of Air Tunnel (Depth/Length)
5) Airflow direction:
– “Left to Right”
– “Right to Left”
– “Top to Bottom”
– “Bottom to Top”
6) Turndown Requirements:
– HM/HD: SN(On/Off), TN & TS (Two Stage), MD (“5 to 1” Modulating) or MB (“10 to 1” Modulating)
– HE/HF/EF: “10 to 1” turndown (Power Flame) or “20 to 1” turndown (Midco)
7) Material Requirements (If Any):
– 409ss or 304ss (we quote 409ss by default)
8) Is the application constant velocity or variable air volume (VAV). If VAV, what is your minimum CFM?
9) Indoor or outdoor installation.
10) Any special requests: Vestibule, venting, installation on the suction side of the fan, etc…
Identify Design Conditions
• Entering Air Temperature (EAT)
• Supply Air Temperature (SAT)
• Temperature Rise Required = SAT – EAT
• Design Airflow Rate (ACFM)
• Site Elevation (0-2000 ft. = Sea level)
HEAT LOAD (Sensible)
Heat Load (Btuh) = lbs. air/hr x Sp. Ht. (Btu/lb-oF) x Δ T (oF)
(Heater Output)
or = (ρair x 60 x ACFM) x 0.24 x (ΔT) (1)
The familiar formula used for calculating required heat load is:
Heat Load (Btuh) = 1.08 x CFM x Δ T (2)
It is important to note that formula (2) is based on a 70 oF inlet air temperature and 29.92 “Hg barometric pressure (Standard air density) and is fairly accurate for return air applications. However, for make-up air applications this formula may result in an undersized heater.
Example: Design Conditions – Make-up air application EAT (10 oF), SAT (80 oF), ACFM = 3100, Sea level installation
Using standard formula (2) above the Heat Load = 234,360 Btuh
Using design formula (1) above the Heat Load = 264,278 Btuh
At design conditions the fan is moving more lbs of air and using the standard formula (2) the heater selected would be undersized by 30,000 Btuh for this make-up air application.
Sizing the Heating Unit
Ratings for most heating units and duct furnaces are based on input rating in Btuh.
The heat load determined above is the output of the heating unit or furnace.
In order to select the appropriate heating unit based on input divide the heat load (heater output) by the rated efficiency for the furnace:
Heater Input rating = Heat Load (Heater Output) Btuh
(Efficiency %/100)
In the above example for a furnace with 80% Steady state efficiency:
Standard Calculation: Heater Input = 234,360 / .80 = 292,950 Btuh
Preferred Calculation: Heater Input = 264,278 / .80 = 335,347 Btuh
The correct heater for this application would have an input rating of 350,000 Btuh. Using the standard formula an undersized 300,000 Btuh heater would be selected.
We have a number of customers who have successfully completed seismic testing under IBC and OSHPOD requirements for our products. Agencies conducting these tests have indicated that acceptability of components is dependent on the method of mounting, and therefore individual certification of the heat section component would not preclude the need to evaluate the finished product.
Currently the AQMD regulates boilers and small residential and commercial central furnaces used for space heating. Boilers, depending on size, are subject to Rule 1146, 1146.1 or 1146.2. Residential and small commercial fan-type central furnaces are regulated by AQMD Rule 1111. Large commercial furnaces are not currently regulated by the AQMD unless they have a heat input rating of more than 2 million BTU per hour. Units with a rating of more than 2 million BTU per hour require an AQMD permit and are subject to a NOx BACT limit of 30 ppm (at a reference level of 3% oxygen).
“Click Here” for more information.
ULC S636 is divided into two classifications. Class I venting systems are suitable for gas-fired appliances producing flue gas temperatures of more than 275°F but not more than 473°F. Class II venting systems are suitable for gas-fired appliances producing flue gas temperatures of 275°F or less. HM/HD Series furnaces have flue gas temperatures in excess of 275°F and will reach temperatures as high as 425°F Based on application and performance requirements. PVC and other plastic alternatives meet requirements of ULC S636 Class II and can not be used for HM/HD Series furnaces that fall under Class I requirements.
You might be using the familiar formula shown below and not the fundamental formula we use. See below for detailed explanation:
Heat Load Calculation
The sensible Heat Load Calculation depends on the pounds of air flowing through the heating unit in accordance with the following fundamental formula:
Q (Btuh) = lbs. Air / hr. X Specific Heat of air (Btu/lb-oF) X ΔT (oF)
or = ( ρair X 60 X ACFM) X 0.24 X (ΔT)
The familiar formula used for calculating heat load is:
Heat Load (Btuh) = 1.08 x CFM x Δ T
It is important to note that this formula is based on air delivered at standard conditions i.e. 70 oF and 29.92” Hg barometric pressure, and therefore is fairly accurate for return air applications. However, for make-up air applications this formula may result in an undersized heater.
As an example assume that a sea level installation requires 6000 cfm at an 80 oF supply air temperature with entering air temperature of 0 oF. The required heat output per the fundamental formula is 746,600 Btuh. According to the familiar formula the required heat output is 648,000 Btuh. Using the familiar formula, the application would be 98,000 Btuh undersized and could only provide a 69 oF rise with 0 oF entering air instead of the desired 80 oF rise.
Ratings for most heating units and furnaces are based on input rating in Btuh. The heat load determined above is the required output of the heating unit. To select the heating unit based on input divide the output determined above by the efficiency % /100. In the above example, a heating unit with 80% efficiency requires an input rating of at least 932,500 Btuh or the next highest Btuh input in the selected model series.
Direct gas-fired heat modules operate with a 100% combustion efficiency, meaning that all products of combustion go into the circulating airstream and eventually to the heated space. For output rate considerations, the thermal efficiency for direct gas-fired heat modules is 92%. So, the output rate can be derived by (Gas Input x 0.92). The 8% heat loss is due to water formation during the combustion process.
Heatco DF Heat Modules are classified as direct gas-fired heaters, meaning that all combustion takes place in the circulating air stream. The DF Heat Modules are rated at 92% Thermal Efficiency. They are listed under ANSI Z83.4 / CSA 3.7 and so meet the requirements of not producing over 5 ppm Carbon Monoxide (CO) or 0.50 ppm Nitrogen Dioxide (NO). NOx production for standard DF Heat Modules can be between 60 ppm to 90 ppm when corrected to 3% O2.
If return air is introduced either before or after the Direct gas-fired heat module then it becomes a recirculation application and the Heatco DF module recognized component listing is voided. Heatco can provide the Direct gas-fired heat module if it is installed in the outdoor air stream only; however, this does not allow a recognized component listing. The performance and safety compliance listing would be on the Original Equipment Manufacturer. If the return air damper is closed during heating operation and only the heated outdoor air is introduced into the heated space then the Heatco Direct gas-fired recognized listing is still intact.
When Natural Gas is burned it produces 2 cubic feet of water vapor for every cubic foot of gas. That equates to 90 pounds of water vapor per hour for every 1,000,000 Btus.
There are several things that can affect the amount of vapor produced. Input rate, if the heater is not running at 100% input the entire hour, then the amount of water vapor produced lessens. Inlet temperature and inlet humidity conditions change the dew point temperature that plays a role in vapor production. These things need to be considered when designing the heating/exhaust system. This should already be done by the specifying engineer of the job.
Heatco indirect gas-fired products are listed under the ANSI Z83.8 / CSA 2.3 (Gas unit heaters, gas packaged heaters, gas utility heaters, and gas-fired duct furnaces) standard. Heatco direct gas-fired products are listed under the ANSI Z83.4 / CSA 3.7 (Non-recirculating direct gas-fired heating and forced ventilation appliances for commercial and industrial application) standard.
Intertek, UL, and CSA are all Nationally Recognizable Testing Laboratories (NRTLs). So, It does not matter which NRTL actually has the listing. All NRTLs use the same standard to list products.
Heatco products are dual listed with Intertek and UL for both Canada and US installations and applications. Heatco does not use CSA as a NRTL.