Promising clean energy breakthrough: Scientists develop affordable gas furnace pollution solution

Even the cleanest gas furnaces can become even more efficient and safe. The key to achieving this could be a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-operate device. Could it become an attractive alternative to the currently popular heat pumps?

Although gas furnaces and condensing boilers are considered low-emission devices, it's critical to remember that they still emit harmful substances. Scientists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee aim to tackle this issue. They've shared details about their research in the Chemical Engineering Journal. The article covers a device designed to reduce the problem of pollution from gas furnaces significantly. Moreover, this equipment is expected to be quite affordable.

The ORNL team developed the AGR (acidic gas reduction) technology, which removes more than 99.9% of harmful gases, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, methane, and various hydrocarbons. This device can be installed in new and existing heating systems, whether industrial or residential, such as gas furnaces and water heaters.

The AGR technology proved highly effective during 400 hours of testing on a standard condensing furnace. It eliminated more than 99.9% of harmful gases without causing any adverse effects.

The device's resulting condensate is neutral in pH. This means there's no need for corrosion-resistant materials in its manufacture, which lowers production costs. The researchers believe implementing such a device will aid in environmental preservation and allow manufacturers to increase sales of efficient heating units.

The ORNL team highlights the low maintenance needed for furnaces equipped with AGR technology. Only periodic checks approximately every three years are needed. Much like with gas cylinders, the old AGR unit would need to be swapped for a new one, a task that users can either do themselves or with professional assistance.