Combustion Analysis - The Science behind Furance Ignition

The efficiency of a furnace is calculated by a ratio of 'energy in' to 'heat out'

  The minimum efficiency requirement in America for a furnace is 80%.  This means that 80% of the energy taken in is directly converted into heat and 20% is lost during conversion.  Fuel-fired furnaces are by far the most popular style of home heating systems and they operating using natural gas or propane for their fuel source.

   The most efficient furnaces are around 98.5%, only losing 1.5% of converted energy – which means your paying a lot less in lost energy!  But how is this calculated?  How can a consumer know that their furnace is running at peak efficiency?? By hiring an HVAC Professional like Unified Comfort Systems to a look at the by-products (the gasses) left over after the combustion process of the furnace.  This process is called Combustion Analysis, and it saves energy, money, and lives.

   Any fuel-fired appliance can require a combustion analysis and one should definitely be done when the appliance is installed.  We're going to go with a Furnace as the appliance for our examples, because Unified Comfort Systems is an HVAC provider and we deal with many, many furnaces in and around Akron, Canton, Ravenna, and beyond.  One of the benefits to having combustion analysis done when installed is that we can show you loss of efficiency over time, as the device ages and has given you all that it can.  Doing this analysis on a new, 10, and 20 year old furnace will show different results, and different levels of combustion efficiency, even on the same unit.  Its one of the ways we can actually show our customers that their unit is under-performing, and costing extra just to keep running, due to loss of efficiency as the unit has aged.

Combustion Produces Measurable by-products

   Furnaces produce gasses after combustion, these are; Carbon Monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Oxygen (O2). Carbon Monoxide is poisonous to humans and can endanger those inside a home when emissions are too high, CO monitors are highly recommended in homes because of this.  Carbon Dioxide, is generally not harmful, but in concentrated amounts can lead to serious health problems.  Oxygen is perfectly fine for humans, but is highly combustible, meaning that its PPM or parts-per-million must be managed properly when near to an open flame!

Three types of combustion: Perfect, Complete, and Incomplete

•    Perfect Combustion AKA Stoichiometric (Stoy-kee-oh-meh-trick) combustion: This is the theoretical goal.  All of the fuel will completely combust with no deficiency or excess of the reagent (fuel), it is all consumed, and it is 100% efficient.  It is only theoretical because of 2 reasons, #1 Perfect combustion assumes 100% Oxygen is present in the air.  The reality is that the Oxygen in the air is only at 20.9%.  Reason #2 is because of heat loss, or thermal loss in any combustion.  There is no way to stop heat transfer during a combustion, it can only be reduced.

•    Complete Combustion: This is the actual goal in combustion analysis!  Unified Comfort Systems will read and balance your ratio of fuel to air, so that all of the fuel will burn, while no carbon and hydrogen composites are left.  Complete combustion ensures the highest level of burning efficiency that your furnace can achieve, that your family is only breathing clean air, and that the appliance is going to enjoy a longer lifespan!

•    Incomplete Combustion: This is what combustion analysis was designed to fix.  An inadequate supply of air, and fuel not fully combusted, will combine and release Carbon Monoxide.  For a natural gas furnace, fueled mainly by methane gas (CH4), when the levels of oxygen are insufficient, only 1 oxygen atom will attach to 1 carbon atom, creating Carbon Monoxide. We want 2 oxygen atoms to attach to 1 carbon atom, creating CO2, or Carbon Dioxide, and releasing only CO2, H2O (water) and moderate heat into the flue of the furnace.  Incomplete combustion releases Carbon Monoxide, Methane (found in natural gas), high heat, and possibly smoke/soot into your flue.  It not only is a threat to human life but presents a real fire hazard.

Your Home, Your Safety: Unified Comfort Systems Is Here to Help

  At Unified Comfort Systems, we believe that home comfort starts with safety.  When one of our highly-trained HVAC/R technicians arrives at your home to perform a combustion analysis, we’re doing more than just fine-tuning your furnace. We’re ensuring that the heart of your heating system is running at peak performance—balancing a precise chemical reaction for your family’s comfort and protection.

Spotting Potential Hazards Before They Become Problems

  During every visit, our technicians take the time to give your entire HVAC system a quick safety inspection.  This includes checking for red flags like improperly installed exhaust stacks, such as PVC piping, which can pose serious risks.  Our top priority is your safety, and we’re here to ensure that no hidden dangers go unnoticed!

Equipped with Cutting-Edge Technology

  We come prepared with MeasureQuick’s advanced tools and software to thoroughly analyze, track, and optimize your system.  This specialized equipment helps us deliver a complete, data-driven assessment, ensuring your system operates efficiently and safely for the long term.

A Comfortable Home, A Comfortable Wallet

  At Unified Comfort Systems, we don’t just stop at your system’s performance.  We offer flexible financing options, making sure your budget stays as comfortable as your home.  With manageable monthly payments, upgrading your HVAC system has never been easier or more accessible.

Experience Comfort Reimagined

 
  Imagine a home that feels just right, where every detail—from safety to comfort—is taken care of.  With Unified Comfort Systems, you’re choosing more than an HVAC service; you’re choosing peace of mind and total home comfort.  Call 330-952-4822 today, or book your appointment with our convenient Blue Booking Buttons at www.unifiedcomfortsystems.com