Lennox Pulse 21 & Lennox G14 Heating Furnace Safety Notice - Heat Exchanger Inspection & Warranty Program

Lennox furnace safety notice, heat exchanger leak warning, free heat exchanger inspections
- Lennox furnace heat exchanger warranty program applies to furnaces sold in the U.S. & Canada
- Furnace recalls, heating system safety notices
- Lennox Pulse Furnace Warranty & Press Release
- Links to Lennox Pulse Furnace Manuals
HEAT EXCHANGER LEAK TEST - separate article on heat exchanger leak testing
Lennox Furnace Manuals
SAFETY RECALLS Chimneys, Vents, Heaters
Questions & Answers about the Lennox Pulse furnace warranty & inspection program.
References

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InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Lennox pulse furnace safety: this document describes carbon monoxide gas (CO) leak safety hazards on certain models of Lennox hot air heating furnaces and announces a Lennox pulse furnace safety inspection and recall/repair program for these systems. Lennox Industries Inc., the maker of Lennox Pulse furnaces, announced it has set up a free program to inspect Lennox furnaces installed from 1982 to 1989 to check for carbon monoxide leaks or as the company stated: "because of "increased instances of corrosion in some Pulse furnace heat exchangers in units installed before 1990."

Page top photograph courtesy Arlene Puentes.

Lennox Furnace Inspection Program and Heat Exchanger Warranty Program

According to Bob Schjerven, president and chief operating officer for Lennox, dealers have recently reported increased instances of corrosion in some Pulse furnace heat exchangers in units installed before 1990.

As part of the inspection program, Lennox will provide a free AIM Safety carbon monoxide detector.

The Lennox company urges owners of Lennox Pulse furnaces installed between 1982 and 1989 to schedule a furnace and safety check with an independent Lennox dealer.

We agree with other writers who've complimented Lennox for making an effort to honor the warranty on these items when other product manufacturers have disappeared or even been misleading about the hazards involved (For an example see Federal Pacific Electric FPE Panel Hazards)

However the Lennox pulse combustion furnace safety inspection program does not appear to be in current operation (as of 2010-2012).

How To contact Lennox about a Pulse Furnace Warranty Question

We've seen a string of non-working contact numbers for Lennox, such as 800-537-4341 900-622-8000. Forget these numbers.

To find a Lennox Dealer near you go to http://www.lennox.com/residential/ and enter your zip code in the box at the web page upper right corner, OR
use the links to Lennox at the left side of this web page (supplied by Google). Contact information details for Lennox Corporation and links to some Lennox heating equipment manuals are provided at LENNOX MANUALS & GUIDES - HVAC.

The Lennox Pulse furnace safety inspection is (or was) free, but if the furnace has to be cleaned in order to be inspected, the customer could be charged for the cleaning.

How to Identify a Lennox Pulse Furnace that May Need a Safety Inspection

Pulse 21 Name on the Furnace Access Door: To identify a Pulse furnace, look for its name on the door. If the unit is a Pulse 21 furnace, it was manufactured after 1990 and is not part of the inspection program.

For those with Lennox furnaces without the Pulse 21 name, the next step is to remove the front door and look for the name tag. These tags are usually placed on the inside cabinet wall on the left side of the furnace.

Locate the model number on the furnace data tag (either G14 or GSR14 followed by a series of numbers and letters) and the serial number on a tag below the name tag. The photo above [courtesy Arlene Puentes] shows a model number starting G14....

Homeowners who call the 800 number with the information will be told if their furnace is eligible for this inspection program.

The original Lennox furnace safety inspection program ran through July 1, 1999. If the warranted heat exchanger needed replacing, Lennox indicated that the company would provide a new heat exchanger at no cost to the owner. Labor costs for replacement parts are not part of the Pulse furnace warranty.

Owners of Lennox furnaces in this series who discover this fact after July 1, 1999 should still have the furnace heat exchanger inspected for safety, regardless of whether a new heat exchanger will be provided under warranty. A "rusty" heat exchanger, or one which has a rust hole or crack may be unsafe and risks leaks of dangerous, even potentially fatal carbon monoxide (CO) flue gas. See HEAT EXCHANGER LEAKS for more information about heat exchanger leaks and furnace safety and see Carbon Monoxide Gas Toxicity for information about carbon monoxide.

Re inspect Lennox Pulse Furnaces Every Four Years

Some Lennox installers (and possibly the company too) recommend any Lennox Pulse furnace still in use be pressure tested every 4 years. This almost never happens and in our opinion a visual inspection or other simpler tests of heat exchanger safety are much less reliable. Therefore, unless you are provided with pressure test information at the time of a home inspection where a Lennox Pulse Furnace has been installed, you should ALWAYS recommend a pressure test by a Lennox trained technician, and a consultation with the Lennox dealer to determine the status of the warranty of the furnace. [Thanks to Roger Hankey for this tip.] More details:

Lennox published this Service and Application Notes Feb. 1,2001, re-issued Nov. 3, 2003. With the supply of replacement heat exchangers exhausted, a new G51MP furnace will be furnished to satisfy the remaining portion of the warranty. Just as the warranty does not cover labor and shipping of the G51MP is not covered. If the homeowner wishes to upgrade to another Lennox furnace, the homeowner will be responsible for the cost difference between the two furnaces. The dealer is to order the upgrade furnace and will receive credit on the G51MP furnace only. In order to process a warranty claim of this type, the Lennox dealer must complete the attached form and have it signed by the homeowner.

According to Lennox procedure (#503594M, dated 11/97) a Lennox Pulse Furnace heat exchanger pressure test requires the heat exchanger assembly to be first plugged and then pressurized to determine if it can hold 4 psi pressure for 10 minutes. If not the heat exchanger is considered leaky and could be unsafe.

The Original Lennox Pulse Furnace Press Release is given Below

Original appearance at: Pulse Inspection Program Hotline 1-800-537-4341 [OBSOLETE NUMBER}

Lennox Heats Up Call For Consumers To Schedule Furnace Inspections - Sep 10, 1997

(DALLAS) -- Lennox Industries officials said that with cooler temperatures approaching, it is urgent that owners of Lennox Pulse furnaces installed before 1990 have those furnaces inspected.

Lennox, one of North America's leading residential and commercial heating and air conditioning equipment companies, will continue its Pulse furnace inspection program which began in April, 1997 and has already garnered over 25,000 consumer calls. The inspection program is a response to dealer reports of increased instances of corrosion in some Pulse furnace heat exchangers in units installed before 1990.

With all high-efficiency condensing furnaces, a combination of factors -- such as impurities in fuel or combustion air -- can cause corrosion of key components which could lead to potentially dangerous leaks. Furnaces which are inadequately inspected or improperly maintained can develop problems, including the possibility of carbon monoxide leaks that could be fatal.

According to Bob Schjerven, president and chief operating officer for Lennox Industries Inc., "Consumer response to the Pulse furnace inspection program has been terrific, but we need to reach everyone. We're urging all Pulse furnace owners, before they turn their thermostats from cool to heat, to call our 800 number and schedule a furnace inspection and a safety check with an independent Lennox dealer."

With each inspection, trained service technicians will perform the recommended 17-point Pulse furnace service check, conduct a visual inspection, and complete a pressure test of the unit's lifetime warranted heat exchanger. While Lennox is subsidizing participation in the inspection program, there may still be some cost to Pulse owners. Factors such as the location of the furnace, the condition of the furnace, and service unrelated to the inspection will determine the actual cost of the inspection.

If the warranted heat exchanger needs replacing, Lennox will provide a new heat exchanger at no cost to the owner. While labor costs for replacements are generally not part of the Pulse furnace warranty, Lennox will pay a reasonable allowance to the dealer for installation costs as part of this inspection program. There may be some costs to the owner, depending on the area of the country, type of installation, work required by local code requirements, and any other service required not related to the heat exchanger.

For those owners whose pre-1990 Pulse furnace has a heat exchanger which requires replacement, Lennox will provide, through the local independent Lennox dealer and at the owner's option, a $400 rebate on a new Lennox Pulse furnace. The Pulse furnace inspection program runs through July 1, 1999.

Lennox will also provide a free AIM Safety carbon monoxide detector, one of the highest quality detectors available, as part of the inspection program.

"Lennox has long been involved in a consumer carbon monoxide awareness program unrelated to this Pulse furnace inspection," explains Schjerven. "Since currently there is no device on the market that effectively shuts a furnace down if there is a carbon monoxide leak, it is important to install a carbon monoxide detector as a safeguard, in addition to annual maintenance and inspections."

Scheduling inspections: Homeowners can schedule a furnace inspection and safety check with an independent Lennox dealer by calling 1-800-537-4341. For convenience, the 800 number is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A Pulse furnace can be identified by its name on the door.

To determine whether your Pulse furnace should be inspected under this program:

1. Check for the Pulse name on the door. If the unit is a Pulse 21 furnace, it was manufactured after 1990 and is not part of this inspection program. However, as with all furnaces, annual inspections are still required.

2. Otherwise, remove the front door and look for the product identification stickers. These stickers are usually placed on the inside cabinet wall on the left side of the furnace.

3. Write down the model number that appears on the sticker (either G14 or GSR14, followed by a series of numbers and letters).

4. Write down the serial number on the product identification sticker (four numbers, followed by a letter, then five more numbers).

5. Call 1-800-537-4341 and have the model number and serial number ready.

All Furnaces Need Yearly Inspection

To maintain safety, efficiency, and reliability, Lennox recommends owners have their heating systems inspected at least once a year. The owner can extend the life of the furnace and help stop inefficient combustion and leaks, which could result in serious injuries, by:

1. Inspecting the filter monthly. Dirty filters can cause inefficient operation and could result in premature heat exchanger failure.

2. Watching for leaks and signs of deterioration. If found, call a certified service technician.

3. Insisting on a combustion efficiency test as part of the annual inspection.

Founded in 1895, Lennox Industries Inc. is an international manufacturer of air conditioning and heating equipment for residential and commercial applications. The company markets its products through a network of over 5,000 independent dealers.

Lennox Contact Information, Manuals, Safety Checklist

Contact Information for the Lennox Corporation is listed here

To assure that you have the latest and most accurate service manual or user's manual for your heating equipment we recommend checking with the manufacturer. Contact information for Lennox industries, in Dallas Texas:

Lennox Corporation
2100 Lake Park Blvd.
Richardson, TX 75080
P.O. Box 799900
Dallas, TX 75379-9900

1-800-9-LENNOX (1-800-953-6669)

To request Lennox product literature, you can also write to Lennox Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 799900, Dallas, TX 75379 - but primarily the company sends product brochures, not technical manuals, from this contact point.

Free, downloadable Lennox Pulse Furnace User's Manuals and Service Manuals are listed at MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC

Lennox Pulse Furnace Inspection Checklist - 17 Furnace Inspection Safety Inspection Points

Here are seventeen inspection points suggested for Lennox Pulse Furnaces. If a simple visual inspection of your Lennox pulse furnace (or any other heating appliance) shows evidence of leaks, corrosion, or if the system is making strange noises or odors, call your heating service technician promptly as the equipment could be unsafe. Be sure that the building has working carbon monoxide detectors properly located and installed, especially where gas-fired heating equipment is in use.

1. Inspect the Lennox pulse furnace combustion air intake and exhaust PVC for condensate leaks and/or joint separations. Repair as necessary.

2. Inspect Lennox pulse furnace air diaphragm flapper material for dirt or deterioration and replace, if necessary. Air flapper material must be replaced every four years regardless of appearance.

3. Inspect Lennox pulse furnace purge blower for dirt build-up every year and clean, as necessary.

4. Inspect Lennox pulse furnace gas flapper material for dirt or deterioration. Replace entire assembly if flapper material is found to be worn.

5.Check the furnace combustion supply air blower wheel and clean, as necessary.

6. Inspect secondary heat exchanger for dirt build-up and clean, as necessary. Blower must be removed to do this check

7. Inspect Lennox pulse furnace heat exchanger assembly for any signs of corrosion or leakage. An air pressure test has been performed on the heat exchanger and exhaust venting system

8. Check all wiring for loose connections on the Lennox pulse furnace. Check for correct voltage.

9. Inspect stainless steel flexible gas connector for corrosion. Remember - Some soaps used for leak testing are corrosive to stainless steel. Failure to thoroughly rinse gas connector after leak check can lead to corrosion.

10. Inspect intake and exhaust pipe terminations to make sure they are free from obstruction.

11. Check the Lennox pulse furnace supply and manifold gas pressure. Adjust pressure, as necessary.

12. Check furnace firing rate by clocking gas meter.

13. Test oxygen/carbon dioxide level of flue gas to determine if proper combustion is taking place. For operating ranges, consult charts provided with testing instrument or unit information manual.

14. Test the Lennox pulse furnace exhaust carbon monoxide levels in flue gas. Level should never exceed 50PPM.

15. Check Lennox pulse furnace operating temperature rise and make sure proper speed is selected to match nameplate rating.

16. Check Lennox pulse furnace fan and limit controls for proper operation and setting.
(Refer to installation instructions)

17. Inspect Lennox pulse furnace condensate lines for free flow of condensate during operation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lennox Pulse Furnace warranty, failures, safety concerns, & inspection programs

Question: furnace operating problems - clicking, blinking lights, not operating properly

the furnace will click but not fire up we checked the filter,thermoatat,and the switch it only clicked - Vora 9/16/2011

lennox pulse 21, turns off then light blinks, clicks, purge, trys to start don't, goes thru cycle again, sometimes comes on then and will run for days or hours or few minutes, but when off light blinks, light is never completely off though either blinking or solid green, been told by hvac we need a contrl panel which are no longer made or buy a new furnace, PLEASE HELP!!!!!! - Elaine 11/24/2011

My lennox pulse furnace MOD# G1403-60-13 has high CO goes from 0 to over 200 back and forth as it is running. WHAT IS WRONG ? - B&D Heating & Cooling 10/10/12

my pulse furnace takes a long time to come on - Sam 10/19/12

We just bought this house and it has a lennox. House was built in 92. I changed the thermostat and replaced filter but it kicks on for 5 mins then shuts off. wake up frozen. Calling service tech tomorrow but cant afford a new furnace. - Alex Gonzalez 10/28/12

Reply: troubleshooting suggestions for furnaces

Elaine: check the installation manual for your Lennox pulse combustion unit, or if you don't have the manual we may have a copy here, or best you can obtain one directly from Lennox. There you will find a decoding of the meaning of the color and blinking rate of the LEDs on our control board. Before assuming that the problem is the control board I'd want to understand the code and thus to see if the unit needs other repairs.

If ultimately it's just the control board that's the problem, again I'd talk with Lennox to ask if there is not a replacement unit available.

B&D: Since CO can kill someone I suggest getting help from a trained service tech. With no data about your systems installation nor operation I cannot answer the question, but I'd expect to find a draft or combustion air or burner blower speed problem.

Sam,

I don't know what's wrong - could be any of many problems given that we have no data whatsoever ab out your system - a control, a swithch, a bad igniter, a slow to open gas valve; One thing to check for is a small gas leak in the fuel piping; if the distance from fuel supply to burner is many feet and there is a leak in the line, in some installations I find that the start cycle has to run for a longer than usual time to purge air from the gas line in order for fuel to reach the igniter.

Readers looking for heaing, heat pump, or air conditioning installation, service, and maintenance manuals should see MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC.

Question: is our furnace safe if it is working OK?

I just learned of this problem Furnace works well enough
The serial number is G1403-60-CS. I was told that this furnaace could be a problem
for the re sale of my home
Is that correct - Bonny Jensen 9/22/2011

Reply:

Bonny:

If your heating furnace is a model that has been identified as unsafe and subject to a product recall or consumer warning, then your home buyer is not receiving a complete, functional home - as it does not have safe functional heat. Unless that defect was made clear to the buyer before you agreed on a sale price, then in my OPINION it is reasonable to reconsider that matter when settling on a final closing price.

Readers of this document should also see HEAT EXCHANGER LEAKS.

Question: Lennox furnace flue vent damper?

On the Lennox furnace stack pipe was attached a box with an internal damper. Can you tell me what this part is called and its association to venting out exhaust gases? - Dan 10/9/2011

Reply:

Dan: it sounds as if your heating furnace setup includes an automatic vent damper that is designed to close when the unit is not running and to open automatically just before the burner turns on at the start of a heating cycle. The purpose of an automatic stack damper is to conserve heating energy by cutting down the standby heat losses up the flue vent and chimney at the end of a heating cycle just after the burner has turned off.

Question: trouble getting our Lennox Pulse, Model G140415-100 furnace to start up, failed heat exchanger

We built our home in 1990-1991 purchasing Lennox Pulse, Model G140415-100, Serial 5890K02730. The heat exchanger was replaced in 1995. Today we had service technician to residence due to furnace not starting. Thermostat would display icon for heat, the furnace would begin its sequence, and then shut off. Result: heat exchanger failed. Since heat exchanger was installed in 1995, are we still under 20 year warranty? - Scott Elkes 11/30/11

Reply:

Scott, Lennox offers a variety of warranties, often keyed to the particular product. But all of the present Lennox line includes a 20-year warranty on the furnace heat exhanger ("depending on model" whatever that's going to mean). The G14 is not in the current Lennox loop.

And there may be a loophole: Lennox requires product registration within 90 days of installation to obtain warranty protection. I'm not sure how strictly the company will enforce that provision.

I'd give Lennox a call directly 1-800-9-LENNOX to ask if they extend their warranty to a replacement heat exchanger for a G14 Pulse model furnace. You can be sure that the company is very aware of warranty and claims issues and that Lennox takes their product and name reputation seriously.

When you've spoken directly with Lennox let us know what you were told - what you learn will help other readers and will have exposure here.

Question: Should I have my 1992 Lennox Pulse 21 furnace tested?

i have a 1992 lenex pulce 21 should i still have it presure tested - Sam Rokus 9/7/12

Reply:

Sam, your Lennox pulse furnace was made after the date range for which Lennox announced a safety inspection program. However no one can assure you by email nor web article comment that your heating system is safe or not safe. For that you would need an onsite expert inspection and testing. At a minimum, and as general safety advice where heating equipment of any brand and model is installed, you should be sure that your home has working fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors properly located and installed.

Beyond that general advice, if you have heard, seen, or smelled something of concern with your heating system you should contact both your local HVAC service company and Lennox Corporation for service and advice. Where there is no evidence or reason to suspect a problem with a furnace, heat exchanger testing is not a normal procedure.

Question: want to replace a G14Q3-40-C22 Pulse - are there Lennox rebates?

Have a G14Q3-40-C22 Pulse I am looking to get a new furnace and air conditioner...furnace is a 1988...should i be talking to lennox to see if i can get any rebates for upgrading and or testing of the unit for any rebates. Furnace runs great just fan is too wimpy to get heat properly through the house and being 24 years old thinking its time? Never been tested as far as i know...no documentation as to being tested we've just had general maintenance done on it yearly....thank you for any information you can give me as too my situation...thinking of switching to rheem or york? - Jeff Tufts 1/21/12

Reply:

Jeff, we give contact information for Lennox in the article above. No harm in asking but I would guess that if there is not an actual warranty claim I don't see what basis there might be for a rebate or discount on upgrading your furnace.

Reader follow-up:

Just a thought...doesn't hurt to try anything in this day and age to get a little rebate,,,,THANKS will give them a call and see whats up - Jeff

JUST A FYI THATS AN AIR CONDIITIONING UNIT TYPE NOT FURNACE TYPE...frunace type will be in top front door on label... - Jeff

Question: I need someone to service my Lennox Pulse Furnace

I cant find anyone to service my lennox pulse i do not beleive it is a 21 ser # model # is CR16-41-2FF can anyone advise , am going to try website for lennox - Dianne Stahl 1/24/12

I cannot find a Technician who knows Lennox Pulse to service properly. I purchased my house in 2001 and having problems every winter. The pilot light is blinks now and the house is below 20C. It is not the fuse. One technician changed the thermastat which was not the problem. Can anyone tell me what is WRONG AND IS THERE ANY REBATE? AS I NOW LEARNT OF THE LENNOX PULSE PROBLEM. Thanks - Beatrice 2/21/12

Oops? I forget to give the details of the furnace. The Model # is G1403-80-C4 High Effeciency Pulse and was installed October 18, 1986. Please advise. Thanks. - Beatrice

Reply:

Beatrice, call the heating service companies in your area, starting with ones closest to you, asking if they have technicians trained & experienced with your heater. Or contact the manufacturer directly for their recommendation of a qualified service representative in your area.

Question: GSR1 404/5-80-7 Ser#5891c14373 making propane smell in the heating air supply

re;GSR1 404/5-80-7 Ser#5891c14373 name plate Z21-64-1988
Installed 2/93

Intermittent propane smell from in-house vents, called propane co. no leaks; called hvac people no pressure test performed. Wanted us to "junk the furnace". Did visual on heat exchanger and pronounced "ok". Understand if heat exchanger is bad, Lennox will charge $675 plus installation and give us new heater. hvac co wants to sell us a new one (of course)..What should I do? - Dean Shepardson 4/12/12

Reply:

Dean,

Before replacing a heat exchanger because of propane gas smells it makes more sense to me that you have an expert check for and locate the source of propane leaks. Propane gas, containing a special odorant, typically mercapatan, has a characteristic odor that is intended to warn of a gas leak. That odor is not the same as the smell of combustion products, and just for the record, the most dangerous combustion product, carbon monoxide, taken by itself, is odorless.

Watch out: The hazard of a propane gas leak is a potential explosion.

Watch out: The hazard of flue gas leaks into a building, say from a leaky heat exchanger, is death from carbon monoxide poisoning. For details see Carbon Monoxide Gas Toxicity, exposure limits, poisoning symptoms, and inspecting buildings for CO hazards.

So first, and promptly, have an expert look for, test, & find the gas leak (if there is one) and fix it; then if odors or suspicions remain it's time to test the heat exchanger and vent system.

Question: Do I need a leak test on my Lennox furnace?

Had Lennox in for yearly inspection who said there may be a leaking problem and has to be pressure tested for a possible leak. This is a Pulse 21 and was installed in 1995. Tech also said if there is a leak, unit would have to be replaced. Is this just a scam..how can I check?Funds are low after just doing re-roofing job and I need to know that this is accurate. The cost of the pressure test was estimated to be about 85 to 90 dollars. Please help. - Mardy M 5/9/12

Reply:

Mardy, unfortunately, because there are life safety questions involved in the safe venting of combustion products from any heating equipment, no one can nor should ignore a safety warning about a possible leaky heat exchanger. The cost of a proper test is worthwhile.

Question: Concerned about Lennox Pulse G21: how do we test a Lennox pulse combustion furnace heat exchanger or vent system for safe operation? Homeowner complaints about Lennox & Lennox dealers

Does the Lennox Pulse G21Q3-100-3 have a draft inducing fan - Concerned 11/9/12

I would like to know about the failure of any Lennox dealer who did not follow the Lennox instructions that the heat exchanger had to be pressure tested. The cost of the tool and kit is $300. I am wondering if the refusal to do this pressure testing may be because the Lennox retailers did not invest in the tools necessary and the plugs to do this testing.

How many purchasers of the Lennox Pulse G21 Unit Series were told the pressure testing had to be performed by a Lennox dealer to qualify for any compensation on their warranty, if they are the original owner of this machine? Would the Lennox honor their warranty if a qualified gas fitter, with a journeyman ticket, be allowed to do that test, and even if they were with a competitor's business. Would any gas safety inspector, by any permit, be the witness of how the test is done, and with what tools, Lennox or others satisfy the Lennox Warranty division?

What does lifetime really mean on the heat exchanger for a residential and original owner?
Let me know, at dyoung@pris.ca

Any information if you received satisfactory compensation would be appreciated too, and what division you dealt with, if living in Canada - Concernedf 11/9/12

This check list is not stating how to test by pressure testing the integrity of the PVC elbows, connectors, and piping for cracks and leakages.

When I called for the proper pressure testing the Lennox dealer's employee or subcontractor refused to do the proper assurance of this pressure testing. He claimed he had to cut a pipe. So was he not qualified as a journeyman gasfiter and plumber? He installed 90 percent new PVC piping, too, and that was not tested to assure no leakages of new connectors or elbows, too. He knew the machine was an 18 year old machine, to the original owner, and yet had a Lifetime Warranty on the heat exchanger.

I wonder if in Canada this is being encouraged not to honor that warranty, or in Dawson Creek,B.C. of the Lennox dealers in my area. Still very upset that this Lennox dealer's employee or subcontractor, knowingly did only a visual inspection and put that on a Yellow sticker, an immediate need of calling the Lennox dealer for a pressure testing of the Pulse 21 G21Q3-100-3 heat exchanger.

I AM MOST DISAPPOINTED THAT MY LENNOX PULSE MAY BE NOT SAFE TO TURN ON. The valve was turned off by the SSA gas inspector, at my request, but this organization has not brought any results on the safety of this machine, as yet, Dec. 1, 2012. SSA became involved in July 2012 and all they did was protect the service persons of the industry and not others, property or the owner of the Pulse 21.
Any help out there of a higher authority on testing correctly any PVC connecting to any other high efficiency gas furnace? Any lawyers that can work an International problem, or Class Action? - Concerned 12/2/12

I note that a retailer, like Sears, stands behind their installer of any product or line they sell. Yet Lennox does not stand behind any of their Lennox retailers, who are the installers, the servicemen and women, and the testers. They do not stand behind if that dealer had improper workmanship. What Lennox has done at the Head Office in Texas, is put all responsibility of installing and of the testing of the venting system to be only a local or Provincial or State issue.

Is this fair that they Promote Friendly Dave Lennox of assuring quality of any of the Lennox products. I think, at least in Canada, in my Area, Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway, Dawson Creek, B.C. Canada, false promotions or advertising. They do not stand behind the installation of the integrity of the piping system or how poorly it may have been installed, or failure for their Lennox dealer to do a pressure testing, currently, May 3, 2012, and a service and an implied duty, when first installed, Dec. 8, 1994.

The Lennox pulse 21, has the heat exchanger replaced within the first five year warranty period; had close to $1000.00 in year 2007, for replacement, again of the Johnson Control Unit; and then replacement for unconsented to, 90 percent of the piping venting, for $550.00 when all that was requested was the improperly venting elbows and connections, four or five, in the beam area, less than 20 inches, where the pipe then went to the outside vent.

That vent stuck out 12 inches from the side of the house, and was not adequately above the snow level either. Ice built uip on the end of the pipe, indicating that the slope of the pipe was not 1/4 slanting backward to drain condensation back to the furnace and its condensation water drain. Poor installation was likely the reason this Pulse has had so many expensive repairs. Poor workmanship and Lennox do not stand behind their dealers, at all. They put the onus of inspection as a local issue, gas inspectors or the State, Territory, or Province codes and inspections. Manuals, they are ignore! - Concerned 12/2/2012

Reply: Heat Exchanger & Vent Pipe Test Kit & Test Instructions from Lennox

Concerned,

Some of the furnace operating and installation problems you describe are, in my OPINION, improper installation, including failure to install the equipment accoring to the manufacturer's recommendations. I agree that an improper installation can be unsafe and can even risk fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. But most likely those issues are with your installer, not with Lennox Corporation.

Start with a call to the service manager of your heating service company, expaining as calmly as you can the questions you have about the safe and proper operation of the equipment, and asking for service by a technician who is trained and experienced with this equipment. If you cannot obtain service that you find comfortable and reliable after that effort, it's time to look elsewhere for service.

Quoting from Lennox's heat exchanger & vent pipe test kit instructions,

Heat exchanger and vent pipe test kit (LB−91053/ 74K96) seals the heat exchanger and vent pipe assemblies on Pulse furnaces to allow pressurized leak testing of these systems. This kit can be applied to furnaces installed in the upflow, downflow or horizontal configurations. When the test kit is used with a 40, 60, or 80,000 btu upflow furnace with left-hand exhaust piping exit or a 100,000 btu upflow furnace with right-hand exhaust piping exit, it may be necessary to remove the condensate trap assembly to access the heat exchanger exhaust pipe. If the condensate trap assembly must be replaced, order the appropriate replacement from Lennox customer service. [1] - See Heat Exchanger & Vent Pipe Test Kit, Lennox Industries, Dallas TX,

Watch out: because improper venting of heating erquipment is dangerous and risks both fatal carbon monoxide poisoning and unsafe heating equipment operation, inspection and testing of heating equipment is a task that should be performed by a qualified, trained heating service technician. This is a procedure recommended for a do-it-yourselfer, handyman, nor a homeowner.

In fact Lennox warns about hiring scams - see http://www.lennox.com/hiring-scam-alert.asp

Question: As the owner of that Pulse furnace Model C-26-41, SN 6098E0895, I am concerned with its safety. I am pleased with its operation

In the 1980's, I had a Lennox Pulse furnace installed; in the late 1990's, I was made aware of a problem witrh the heat exchanger and contacted my installer and Lennox. A crack was found and the heat exchanger was replaced at some cost to me. When my A/C system was checked, the mechanic suggested that I check with Lennox as he understood that there was a second recall on the Pulse furnace. I forgot to do so at the time. I am now requesting such information. I have not had any notice from Lennox on this matter though I believe that Lennox has my name and address in your files. But, to be sure, it is Stanley J Green, 12814 Bluet Lane, Silver Spring MD, 20906-3301. My phone number is 301 946-5834. As the owner of that Pulse furnace Model C-26-41, SN 6098E0895, I am concerned with its safety. I am pleased with its operation. - Stanley Green 11/25/2012

Reply:

Stanley, please see the notes and comments in the Q&As above.

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First reported to Home Inspectors in print media by the ASHI Reporter, September 1997 p23, updated 12 February 2007, May 2008, with substantial edits and additions by D. Friedman, 1997 - present.
[1] Heat Exchanger & Vent Pipe Test Kit, Lennox Industries, Dallas TX, retrieved 2/12/2012
[2] Lennox Corporation, Gas & Oil Furnaces, Lennox Industries, Lennox International 2100 Lake Park Blvd. Richardson, TX 75080, Tel: 1-800-9-LENNOX, retrieved 12/2/2012, original source: http://www.lennox.com/products/furnaces/
[3] Goodman Furnace High Temperature Plastic Vent HTPV safety recall US CPSC notice
[4] Home Heating System Should Be Checked [for proper venting and for CO Carbon Monoxide Hazards - DJF]
[5] Inspection Procedures for Oil-Fired Heating Systems Detailed step by step approaches for inspecting complex systems]
[6] Oil Tanks - The Oil Storage Tank Information Website: Buried or Above Ground Oil Tank Inspection, Testing, Cleanup, Abandonment of Oil Tanks
[7] Oil Tanks Above Ground, UL Standards, guidance for home owners, buyers, and inspectors
[8] Plastic Heating Vent Pipe & Other Heating Safety Recall Notices
[9] Weil McLain Model GV Gas Boiler/gas valve CPSC recall/repair
[10] Arlene Puentes is a licensed home inspector, past chapter president of the Hudson Valley chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors, an educator, and building failures researcher in Kingston, NY who can be reached at ap@octoberhome.htm or at 845-339-7984.
[11] Roger Hankey is principal of Hankey and Brown home inspectors, Eden Prairie, MN. Mr. Hankey is a past chairman of the ASHI Technical Committee and the ASHI Standards Committee. Mr. Hankey serves as co-chairman of ASHI legislative committee, and has served in other ASHI professional and leadership roles. Contact: 952 829-0044 - hankeybrown@comcast.net
[12] Fuel Oil & Oil Heating Magazine, 3621 Hill Rd., Parsippany, NJ 07054, 973-331-9545
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The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

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Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, have provided us with (and we recommend) Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates' Technical Reference Guide to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment
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Lennox Furnace Inspection Program and Heat Exchanger Warranty Program

How To contact Lennox about a Pulse Furnace Warranty Question

How to Identify a Lennox Pulse Furnace that May Need a Safety Inspection

Re inspect Lennox Pulse Furnaces Every Four Years

The Original Lennox Pulse Furnace Press Release is given Below

Lennox Contact Information, Manuals, Safety Checklist

Contact Information for the Lennox Corporation is listed here

Free, downloadable Lennox Pulse Furnace User's Manuals and Service Manuals are listed at MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC

Lennox Pulse Furnace Inspection Checklist - 17 Furnace Inspection Safety Inspection Points

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lennox Pulse Furnace warranty, failures, safety concerns, & inspection programs

Question: furnace operating problems - clicking, blinking lights, not operating properly

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Question: I need someone to service my Lennox Pulse Furnace

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Question: GSR1 404/5-80-7 Ser#5891c14373 making propane smell in the heating air supply

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Question: Do I need a leak test on my Lennox furnace?

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Question: Concerned about Lennox Pulse G21: how do we test a Lennox pulse combustion furnace heat exchanger or vent system for safe operation? Homeowner complaints about Lennox & Lennox dealers

Reply: Heat Exchanger & Vent Pipe Test Kit & Test Instructions from Lennox

Question: As the owner of that Pulse furnace Model C-26-41, SN 6098E0895, I am concerned with its safety. I am pleased with its operation

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Technical Reviewers & References

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair