Page 108

Iowa LIHEAP Policy and Procedures Manual Appendix H – Heating System Installation Standards

Effective 09/01/2023

Page | 102

APPENDIX H – HEATING SYSTEM INSTALLATION STANDARDS

Heating Unit Installation

WX Worker No used furnaces may be installed.

All new units shall carry a minimum one-year (1) warranty on workmanship. Each LIHEAP customer shall receive the manufacturer's product warranty information, clear maintenance instructions, and a phone number of who to contact for warranty problems. Furnace specifications must also be left with LIHEAP customer.

When installing a replacement furnace, it must be installed at least ¾” off the floor on blocks or a plastic pad. Concrete pads and wood blocks are not acceptable. Concrete blocks may be used but air must be able to circulate between the bottom of the furnace and the concrete. The return air drop also needs to be off the floor with the same specifications as the furnace.

All furnaces must have a filter rack outside the cabinet with a cover.

New forced air furnaces must be a minimum of 95% or higher AFUE except in cases of attic or garage installation. A minimum of 80% is required in those cases. A two-pipe system is required. Condensate lines must terminate to a drain or drain line or according to local codes.

If the furnace panel of a high efficiency furnace is being used as combustion air chamber, there must be a rubber gasket around the panel to seal the combustion chamber. Grommets and/or rubber gaskets must be installed to seal openings in the furnace cabinet.

Request approval for a fuel switch by sending the state LIHEAP office an email which explain the reason for the request.

Ensure thermostats are working properly, replace if defective. When possible, the thermostat must be wired for “fan only” function.

For new furnace installation, wiring from ceiling down to appliance must be secured at the top and bottom and in rigid or flexible metal conduit or non-metallic (gray) electrical PVC. Repair or replace any unsafe power supply and install a properly sized and fused switch on the appliance or within 24”. By code, all new furnaces must be on a dedicated electrical circuit. This will not be enforced in cases where this causes excessive work (inaccessible panel, finished ceiling in furnace area, breaker/fuse box can’t handle another circuit, etc.) unless required by local jurisdiction.

For gas line specifications, refer to Section 2021 of the Iowa Weatherization Work Standards or the NFPA 54-2009. Drip legs (sediment traps) need to be installed to code. When installing a new appliance (furnace or water heater) fuel lines coming down from the ceiling to the appliance gas valve must be hard pipe. Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) will not be used to drop to the appliance. When used for other purposes, it must be installed in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and the National Electrical Code.

All venting shall be completed according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Combustion and exhaust air (only applies to heating systems) must terminate outside (not under decks, in crawlspaces, or attics). They must both draw air from the same location. This applies to both new and existing terminations. Support for the PVC piping need to be installed per the manufacturers’ specifications or a maximum of four feet apart. See Section 2110 for procedures if venting through possible asbestos material.