Quick Answer
A high-efficiency gas furnace captures heat from its exhaust before it escapes outdoors, turning nearly all its fuel into usable warmth. For Brilliant homeowners, this design provides lower heating costs, cleaner air, and dependable comfort through long, cold Ohio River winters.
Brilliant’s older riverfront houses, tight basements, and humid conditions make efficient heating a necessity. Many homes along Lincoln Avenue, 3rd Street, and Clearview Heights still use 70–80% AFUE furnaces that waste fuel up the chimney. Modern condensing furnaces reclaim that lost heat through sealed PVC venting and dual heat exchangers—perfect for the area’s compact home layouts and extended heating season.
How Condensing Furnaces Work
Air and natural gas ignite inside a sealed combustion chamber. The flame heats a primary heat exchanger, transferring warmth to the indoor air. Instead of sending hot exhaust straight out, gases pass through a secondary heat exchanger, where leftover heat is recovered. As the vapor cools, it forms condensate that drains through PVC tubing. The now-cool exhaust vents safely outside through small PVC pipes, making it safer and more efficient for Brilliant’s homes.
The Components Behind Efficiency
A variable-speed blower provides quiet, steady airflow in ranch and two-story homes throughout Jefferson County. The induced draft motor manages combustion airflow, while electronic ignition replaces wasteful pilot flames. Sealed PVC venting pulls fresh outdoor air for burning, keeping indoor air clean and balanced. Together, these features push furnace performance into the 95–99% AFUE range.
Why It’s Ideal for Brilliant’s Climate
River valley moisture and long winters challenge older systems. Condensing furnaces operate at low, steady speeds for consistent comfort and lower noise. Their sealed combustion reduces corrosion and helps maintain air quality—benefits that matter most for older brick homes near the Ohio River.
FAQs
Why does water drip from the furnace line?
That’s normal condensate formed as exhaust cools. It drains safely through a small tube.
Can I vent through my old chimney?
No. Exhaust is too cool for metal flues, so PVC venting is required.
Do Brilliant furnaces need yearly maintenance?
Yes. Cleaning the condensate line and exchangers keeps performance high through long heating seasons.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent
Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent’s full bio to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC and Plumbing industry. Updated October 2025.
