A high-efficiency gas furnace reuses heat from exhaust gases before they leave the home. By condensing vapor into water, it converts up to 99% of fuel into usable warmth—making it ideal for Steubenville’s long, cold winters and older hillside homes that demand steady, reliable heating.
Steubenville’s older brick houses, steep streets like Brady Avenue, and Ohio River humidity challenge older furnaces. Many 70–80% AFUE units waste heat through metal chimneys. A condensing furnace solves this by capturing that lost energy, giving residents in Pleasant Heights, LaBelle, and near the university district consistent warmth with lower gas bills.
In a high-efficiency model, air and natural gas burn inside a sealed chamber. The flame heats a primary heat exchanger, transferring warmth into the home’s air. Exhaust gases then pass through a secondary heat exchanger, where leftover heat is drawn out as vapor cools into condensate. This condensed moisture drains through PVC tubing, and the cooled exhaust vents safely outside—no metal chimney required.
A variable-speed blower keeps airflow steady and quiet, helping older two-story homes on Market Street maintain even temperatures. The induced draft motor regulates exhaust for safe combustion, while electronic ignition replaces pilot flames to save fuel. Because these systems use sealed PVC venting, they also improve indoor air quality by pulling fresh outdoor air for combustion.
Long winters and riverfront humidity mean furnaces run hard for months. Condensing systems perform best in these conditions—cooler exhaust prevents corrosion and improves safety. Homeowners benefit from quieter operation and balanced heat, whether in hillside neighborhoods or river-level homes where damp air can tax older units.
That’s condensate—water produced as exhaust gases cool. It’s safely drained and normal for these systems.
No. High-efficiency furnaces use sealed PVC venting because exhaust is too cool for metal flues.
Once yearly. Cleaning the drain and heat exchangers keeps it running efficiently through Steubenville’s heating season.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent