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

Effective 09/01/2023

Page | 103

If an atmospheric appliance (water heater) shares a chimney with a draft-induced appliance, the draft of the atmospheric appliance must be checked to ensure no drafting problems. Call the state LIHEAP office if there are drafting issues to determine a solution within LIHEAP program guidelines.

Perform a temperature rise and total external static pressure test to ensure they are within the manufacturer’s guidelines. Call the State LIHEAP Office if there are static pressure issues.

Perform CO testing to ensure it does not exceed 100 PPM, without any alterations to the furnace, lowering gas pressure below manufacturer recommendations, or changing orifice size.

All condensate lines must be ¾” line (unless using a condensate pump) and terminate to a drain line or according to local code. They cannot terminate outside the envelope of the house or to a sump pump unless required by local code. Condensate pumps must be installed at the same level as the furnace (if the furnace is raised because of flooding issues, the pump must be raised also). Drain lines from a condensate pump must be 3/8” line. Condensate pump cord must have original plug, it cannot be cut and hard wired into the unit. There must be a single outlet receptacle for the pump. Ensure the condensate line does not present a trip hazard for the LIHEAP customer. No copper piping may be used as a condensate line. High efficiency boiler condensate discharge will be an acceptable pH level in accordance with local code.

Contractor must record information from the equipment data plate for future service work.

Contractors must remove and dispose of equipment being replaced unless otherwise directed by the agency.

In cases of existing hazardous materials such as asbestos, the agency may direct the contractor to disable and leave in place the existing.

Manufactured Homes ● Replacement furnaces installed in manufactured homes must be for that purpose or a sealed combustion high efficiency furnace may be installed with proper modifications per manufacturer’s instructions. When a condensate pump cannot be installed for a 90%+ efficient unit, an 80% efficient furnace may be installed. Notations explaining the need for an 80% unit are to be included in the file. ● Condensate lines installed with high efficiency furnaces must go to a drain line and not through the bottom of the home because it could freeze. ● Adjust the heating anticipator in the thermostat to match the amp draw of the system control. ● Repair or replace any unsafe power supply. ● All gas piping must be installed according to the American Gas Association (AGA) specification and any other appropriate codes. Hard pipe must be used to go into the furnace closet. Flexible gas line connector or hard gas pipe may be used to go through the wall of the furnace cabinet. ● All venting shall be completed according to the manufacturer’s specifications. A collar should be installed at the ceiling around the flue pipe. Where the venting exits through the ceiling, it must be air sealed.

Attic Furnace ● When replacing a furnace, if not present, a code compliant walkway and service platform will be installed in attics. Walkway and platform will be above the level of insulation (if practical). ● A secondary drain pan must be installed under the system if it includes air conditioning. It must drain to a sewer line or outside. ● All loose fill insulation must have a 12” clearance around the back, sides, top, and plenum and a 24” clearance in the front. ● Damming must be installed if the bottom of the unit if below the top of the insulation. Metal damming must be a minimum of .007” thick and permanently attached to the ceiling joist with staples, nails, or screws. ● Un-faced fiberglass may also be used as a damming material, but it must equal the height of the loose fill insulation and extend 24” away from the furnace in all directions.