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Will removing insulation cause condensation problems?

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Pamp81

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
We are planning to have a furnace installed. (Conventional 80%) Due to prior problems we have had with insulation (chemical sensitivities), our installer is planning to remove the insulation in the furnace (before he installs it.) Will this cause any condensation problems on the furnace? (We understand it will be noisier without the insulation.)
Thanks!
 
#3 ·
This will void the warranty and listing. Get tested to know what chemical sensitivities you have which will then guide you towards your choices. Typically, radiant heating is preferred for people with IAQ/ chemical sensitivities. You can install a boiler to a coil and keep your existing ductwork. The side benefit is the boiler can provide your potable hot water needs probably more efficiently than whatever you have. Check into low mass high efficiency boilers. That probably means finding another HVAC contractor.
 
#6 ·
It's not designed to run without the insulation, you could seriously damage it by doing that. Aside from condensation, I'd be worried about the longevity of the heat exchanger as well as all of that heat loss at the unit itself.

York used to make a furnace where the insulation was sandwiched between steel panels so it was sealed. I'm not sure if they still do, but you may want to check it out.
 
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Discussion starter · #7 ·
Thanks Doug.

I am very curious about the York system. Do you happen to know how I can research that one?

dougfamous said:
It's not designed to run without the insulation, you could seriously damage it by doing that. Aside from condensation, I'd be worried about the longevity of the heat exchanger as well as all of that heat loss at the unit itself.

York used to make a furnace where the insulation was sandwiched between steel panels so it was sealed. I'm not sure if they still do, but you may want to check it out.
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#8 ·
You'd have to contact York, it's been years since I worked for a York dealer. Anyone?
 
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#10 ·
dougfamous said:
You'd have to contact York, it's been years since I worked for a York dealer. Anyone?
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Most of their bigger stuff comes this way. It's been a long while since I saw any of their residential sized equipment. I'll try and check.
 
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#11 ·
I may be completely wrong but I believe the Rheem Value Series doesn't have any insulation in the blower compartment. The insulation in heat exchanger compartment has the foil faced side to the airstream. Check with a Rheem or Ruud dealer to verify. I believe it's the RGPS series. We used to sell Ruud but has been a few years.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Thanks for these replies.

I will check with a Rheem or Ruud dealer, thanks.

I called York and I do believe they said the insulation was sealed, however, when I specifically asked if the insulation has formaldehyde in it, they said yes.

I'm looking for a system that has formaldehyde-free insulation. I'm hoping one exists! (Does anyone know?) When I called Goodman, the woman that answered told me that theirs did not have formaldehyde, but when I tried to confirm it with her (like how does she know that, was that info at the site somewhere), she said I'd have to talk to a dealer (and she was a bit rude...) But wouldn't the dealer just have to call Goodman to find that info out anyway?

Thanks!
Pam
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Thanks for this info. We are considering switching to an electric furnace. Do you think Rheem would have an electric version of this kind of system you mentioned?

rglasgow said:
I may be completely wrong but I believe the Rheem Value Series doesn't have any insulation in the blower compartment. The insulation in heat exchanger compartment has the foil faced side to the airstream. Check with a Rheem or Ruud dealer to verify. I believe it's the RGPS series. We used to sell Ruud but has been a few years.
Click to expand...
 
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Pamp81
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