7.1-i

APPENDIX 7.1. REDUCED SET OF FURNACE MODELS DATABASE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

7.1.1 PURPOSE ......................................................... 7.1-1

7.1.2 DATABASE DEVELOPMENT ........................................ 7.1-1

7.1.2.1 Background .................................................. 7.1-1

7.1.2.2 Database Structure ............................................ 7.1-1

LIST OF TABLES

Table 7.1.1 Furnace Data Table Field Names and Definitions ..................... 7.1-5

Table 7.1.2 Pressure Table Field Names and Definitions ......................... 7.1-6

Table 7.1.3 Power Table Field Names and Definitions .......................... 7.1-7

Table 7.1.4 Series Table Field Names and Definitions .......................... 7.1-7

Table 7.1.5 Delay Times Table Field Names and Definitions ..................... 7.1-7

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 7.1.1 Map Showing Relationship Between the Furnace Data Table, 

Pressure Table, and Power Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1-3

Figure 7.1.2 Map Showing Relationship Between the Furnace Data Table, 

Series Table, and Delay Times Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1-3

Figure 7.1.3 Map Showing Relationship Between the GAMA Directory 

April 2002 Table Model Translation Table, and the Furnace Data Table . . . 7.1-4

Figure 7.1.4 Map Showing Relationship Between the Series Table, References Table, 

and Bibliographies Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1-4
7.1-1

APPENDIX 7.1. REDUCED SET OF FURNACE MODELS DATABASE

7.1.1 PURPOSE

The Reduced Set of Furnace Models Database was developed to created to identify

furnace models which represent units with different design characteristics, and to expand the Gas

Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) directory data for each furnace model by adding

information provided in the manufacturers' product literature. One application of the database

was to develop virtual models for the sizes of residential furnaces which were used in the lifecycle cost (LCC) analysis. 

The April 2002 GAMA Directory1

 lists more than 19,000 gas furnace models. Many

models represent essentially identical units which differ only in brand name. The LCC analysis

uses virtual furnace models which represent characteristics of typical furnaces. The database of

furnace models described here thereafter referred to as the reduced set of furnace models or

simply the reduced set) represent non-repetitive furnace models only. After examining the

GAMA Directory database, the Department determined that about 2,400 models may be

considered sufficiently different to be listed as unique models. This database is the first

published attempt to comprehensively list unique furnace models along with available

manufacturer’s data.

Once the reduced set was identified, the Department examined the manufacturers'

literature and added additional data related to the airflow results at different static pressure,

power data for the blower, blower motor type, blower wheel dimensions, furnace dimensions,

low fire heating input and output capacity for modulating furnaces, and delay times. For a

detailed listing of the fields in the database, see Tables 7.1.1 to 7.1.4.

7.1.2 DATABASE DEVELOPMENT

7.1.2.1 Background

In 2002, DOE began to develop a database of product specifications (such as different

design characteristics) for residential furnaces currently sold in the U.S. A preliminary version of

the reduced set database was completed at the end of 2002. Subsequent changes were made to

include data from manufacturers' literature.

7.1.2.2 Database Structure 

The Reduced Set of Furnace Models Database was developed using the Microsoft Access

relational database application. A relational database provides the user with the means of sorting

and extracting information from its tables through the use of queries; queries help isolate and

view particular items of interest and can be used to create displays. In this database, for

example, gas furnaces models that are condensing, have two-stage modulation, with a certain
7.1-2

input capacity range, and that use electronically commutated motor (ECM) blower motors can be

identified. There are four principal data tables in the database as described below. Figures 7.1.1

and 7.1.2 demonstrate the relationships between the tables. Tables 7.1.1 through 7.1.4 provide a

list of the variable names and definitions used in the database tables. 

The Furnace Data Table contains furnace information such as input capacity, output

capacity, AFUE, blower motor type, and blower dimensions gathered from the GAMA directory

database and manufacturers' product literature . The manufacturer name, brand names, and

series names are included by linking to the Series Table. The field Series_ID is included in the

Furnace Data Table to serve as a linking variable to the Series Table (see Figure 7.1.2). The

Model Translation Table provides a link between data in the Furnace Data Table and the GAMA

Directory April 2002 Table (see Figure 7.1.3).

The Pressure Table contains information on airflow (cfm) at different static pressures

(in.w.g.) for different blower motor speeds. The field FurnaceData_ID is also included in this

table; it is the linking variable between the Furnace Data Table and the Pressure Table (see

Figure 7.1.1). 

The Power Table contains information on power consumption (in watts) for the furnace

blower motor at different static pressures (in.w.g.) for different blower motor speeds. The

Pressure_ID is also included in the Power Table; it is the linking variable between the Pressure

Table and the Power Table (see Figure 7.1.1). Power consumption for the furnace blower motor

is not available for all models.

The Series Table contains information related to a series of furnaces including

manufacturer, related brands, warranty information, etc. This table also links to the Delay Times

Table, which includes pre-purge, post-purge, on-delay, off-delay, and ignitor on-time

information (see Figure 7.1.2). In addition, the References Table provides a link between the

Series Table and the Bibliographies Table, which has all the product literature bibliographies

(see Figure 7.1.4).
7.1-3

Furnace Data

Table

FurnaceData_ID

ModelNumber

Series_ID

InputCapacity

InputCapacity(LowFire)

OutputCapacity

OutputCapacity(LowFire)

.

.

.

.

Figure 7.1.1 Map Showing Relationship Between the Furnace Data Table, Pressure Table,

and Power Table

Figure 7.1.2 Map Showing Relationship Between the Furnace Data Table, Series Table,

and Delay Times Table

Pressure 

Table

Pressure_ID

FurnaceData_ID

MotorSpeedTap

CFM_0

CFM_1

.

.

.

CFM_10

Air_Supply_Path

JumperSettings

NOTES

Power 

Table

Power_ID

Pressure_ID

Watts_0

Watts_1

.

.

.

Watts_10

Series 

Table

Series_ID

MainTradeName

SeriesName

SeriesNumber

SeriesType

Description

Features

Insulation

WarrantyHX

WarrantyOther

Notes

Furnace Data

Table

FurnaceData_ID

ModelNumber

Series_ID

InputCapacity

InputCapacity(LowFire)

OutputCapacity

OutputCapacity(LowFire)

.

.

.

.

Delay Times 

Table

DelayTime_ID

Series_ID

Prepurge

Postpurge

OnDelay

OffDelay

IgnitorOnTime

IgnitorType

Notes
7.1-4

Model Translation 

Table

ModelTranslation_ID

UniqueModelNumbers

FurnaceData_ID

Notes

GAMA Directory 

April 2002 Table

SECTION

MFRNAME

TRDCODE

FUELTYPE

UNITMODEL

FOOTNOTE

CONFIG

INBTU1

HTGBTU1

AFUE1

PEWATT1

EAEKW1

EFBTUYR1

.

.

.

Furnace Data

Table

FurnaceData_ID

ModelNumber

Series_ID

InputCapacity

InputCapacity(LowFire)

OutputCapacity

OutputCapacity(LowFire)

.

.

.

.

Figure 7.1.3 Map Showing Relationship Between the GAMA Directory April 2002 Table

Model Translation Table, and the Furnace Data Table

Bibliographies

Table

BibliographyID

Series_ID

Title

Author

PublicationNumber

EndNoteCitation

Type

URL

LastAccessDate

LiteratureDate

Notes

References

Table

Ref_ID

BibliographyID

Series_ID

Notes

Series 

Table

Series_ID

MainTradeName

SeriesName

SeriesNumber

SeriesType

Description

Features

Insulation

WarrantyHX

WarrantyOther

Notes

Figure 7.1.4 Map Showing Relationship Between the Series Table, References Table, and

Bibliographies Table
7.1-5

Table 7.1.1 Furnace Data Table Field Names and Definitions

Field Name Field Definitions

Furnace_ID Unique identification number for each record

ModelNumber Actual Model Number from GAMA database

Series_ID Connects the individual model with the Series Table

InputCapacity Input Capacity as reported by GAMA database (field name INBTU1)

InputCapacity(LowFire) Input Capacity during low fire for Two-Stage or modulating furnaces

OutputCapacity Output Capacity as reported by GAMA database (field name HTGBTU1)

OutputCapacity(LowFire) Output Capacity during low fire for Two-Stage or modulating furnaces

AFUE Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) as reported by GAMA database (field name AFUE1)

PE PE value in watts as reported by GAMA database (field name PEWATT1)

EAE Eae value in kilowatts as reported by GAMA database (field name EAEKW1)

EF EF value in BTU/year as reported by GAMA database (field name EFBTUYR1)

AC_Tons(Max) Reported maximum number of Tons of AC handled by Furnace

AC_Tons(Min) Reported minimum number of Tons of AC handled by Furnace

TempMax(HighFire) Temperature range maximum value reported during High Fire Heating

TempMax(LowFire) Temperature range maximum value reported during Low Fire Heating (Two-Stage/mod. furnaces)

TempMin(HighFire) Temperature range minimum value reported during High Fire Heating

TempMin(LowFire) Temperature range minimum value reported during Low Fire Heating (Two-Stage/mod. furnaces)

BlowerMotorType Indoor Blower motor type (either PSC, ECM, or Shaded Pole)

BlowerMotorDriveType Indoor Blower motor type (either Direct Drive or Belt Driven)

BlowerMotor_HP Indoor Blower motor horsepower (nominal)

BlowerMotorSpeedTaps Number of speeds of indoor blower (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or variable)

BlowerWheelSize Blower Wheel Diameter [in] & Width [in]

BlowerMotorNotes Indoor Blower notes

CoolingBlowerTap Indoor Blower Tap default factory setting for Cooling

HighFireBlowerTap Indoor Blower Tap default factory setting for High Fire Heating

LowFireBlowerTap Indoor Blower Tap default factory setting for Low Fire Heating (for Two-Stage or mod. furnaces)

AirFilter CFM Tested with filter (YES/NO field)

AirflowNotes Notes regarding AirFlow data

InducerMotorType Draft inducer blower motor type

InducerMotorSpeedTaps Draft inducer blower motor speed taps (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or variable)

InducerNotes Draft inducer blower notes

SupplyAir_OutletDepth Supply Air Outlet dimensions (depth) [in]

SupplyAir_OutletWidth Supply Air Outlet dimensions (width) [in]

HeatExchanger(Primary) Heat Exchanger Type (Tubular, Clam Shell, Serpentine)

HeatExchanger(Secondary) Second Heat Exchanger Type (Tubular, Clam Shell, Serpentine) for condensing furnaces

HeatExchangerNotes Notes for Heat Exchanger

Burners Number of Burners
7.1-6

Table 7.1.1 Furnace Data Table Field Names and Definitions (continued)

Field Name Field Definitions

Configuration Configuration of Furnace (Upflow, Downflow, Horizontal)

FurnaceHeight Height of Furnace [in]

FurnaceWidth Width of Furnace [in]

FurnaceDepth Depth of Furnace [in]

FurnaceWeight Weight of Furnace [in]

NOx_Model Model meets California Air Quality Management District NOx emissions requirements

FuelType G = Gas, L = Propane. O = Oil (from GAMA database)

FurnaceType Either Weatherized (W) or Non-Weatherized (N) from GAMA database

1_ElectronicIgnition GAMA standard footnote 1: Electronic Ignition

2_Electro_MechVent GAMA standard footnote 2: Electro-Mechanical Vent Damper(s) specified by the Furnace Mfr.

3_PowerVent GAMA standard footnote 3: Power Combustion or Power Vent

4_Condensing GAMA standard footnote 4: Condensing Type

5_DirectVent GAMA standard footnote 5: Direct Vent (Includes Venting and Combustion Air Systems).

6_Packaged GAMA standard footnote 6: Single Package unit (Combination Heating/Cooling).

Modulation Type of modulation: (Single Stage, Two-Stage, Continuous Modulating)

VentingFootnotes GAMA non-standard footnote: May be installed as Direct Vent, Non-direct vent, etc...

MobileHome GAMA non-standard footnote: Mobile Housing Only or Mobile home approved with accessory

kit.

BlowerMotorFootnotes GAMA non-standard footnote: Variable Speed Motor

HighAltitudeDerated If model was input was derated for high altitude (YES/NO)

SEER SEER value

DateAdded Date Added to GAMA Directory (Default Date is set to Apr-02)

DateDiscontinued Date marked discontinued or deleted from GAMA Directory (Earliest date is Apr-02)

Notes notes related to individual model

Table 7.1.2 Pressure Table Field Names and Definitions

Field Name Field Definitions

Pressure_ID Unique identification number for each record

FurnaceData_ID Connects to the Furnace Data Table

MotorSpeedTap Name of the Speed Tap

CFM_0 to CFM_10 10 Field Names CFM_# which represent Airflow @ 0.0 in w.g. through 1.0 in w.g. (CFM)

Air_Supply_Path Configuration of the return air supply, e.g. single-side, two-sides, bottom, etc

JumperSettings Jumper Settings

Notes Notes
7.1-7

Table 7.1.3 Power Table Field Names and Definitions

Field Name Field Definitions

Power_ID Unique identification number for each record

Pressure_ID Connects to the Pressure Table

Watts_0 to Watts_10 10 Field Names Watts_# which represent Watts @ 0.0 in w.g. through 1.0 in w.g. (CFM)

Notes Notes

Table 7.1.4 Series Table Field Names and Definitions

Field Name Field Definitions

Series_ID Unique identification number for each record

MainTradeName Main Trade Name Associated with Series. For other tradenames associated to some series go to

the SeriesTradeNames table.

Series Name Name of the Series

Series Number Number of the Series

Series Type Product Category (Baseline, Deluxe, Premium)

Description Description of the series from manufacturer literature

Features Features

Insulation Insulation used

WarrantyHX Warranty Information for the Heat Exchanger

WarrantyOther Warranty Information for other furnace parts

Notes Notes

Table 7.1.5 Delay Times Table Field Names and Definitions

Field Name Field Definitions

DelayTime_ID Unique identification number for each record

Series_ID Connects to the Series Table

Prepurge power burner pre-purge time period (in seconds)

Postpurge tp: power burner post-purge time period (in seconds)

OnDelay t+: delay time between burner startup and the blower or pump startup (in seconds)

OffDelay t-: delay time between burner shutoff and the blower or pump shutoff (in seconds)

IgnitorOnTime Ignitor On-Time

IgnitionType Iginition Type

Notes Notes
7.1-8

REFERENCES

1. Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association, Consumer Directory of Certified Efficiency

Ratings for Heating and Water Heating Equipment Database, April 2002.

<http://www.gamanet.org/consumer/certification/wd042002/install/Gama_web.EXE>