Traditional gas fired forced air furnaces produce hot combustion exhaust gasses and therefore need metal vent pipes or chimneys.
High efficiency gas furnace exhaust temperature.
In contrast modern high efficiency condensing furnaces exhaust much cooler gasses and need only plastic pipe materials such as pvc cpvc or abs for their exhaust vents some high efficiency furnaces also include a plastic pipe for intake area and all types.
The pvc pipes are used for air intake exhaust gas and to remove the corrosive condensation resulting from the combustion process.
In high efficiency models the lower temperature of the exhaust can allow moisture a by product of combustion to condense in the flue especially when outdoor temperatures drop into the 20 s or below.
High efficiency or condensing furnaces exhaust the combustion gases and bring in fresh.
Whether the furnace is a standard a conventional furnace 50 70 mid efficiency 70 80 or a high efficiency furnace the provision for combustion air and flue gas vent systems is very important.
This high efficiency venting system must be installed when you install the new furnace.
Other aspects of high efficiency furnace venting.