This document is a user's information manual for Lennox 10GCS & 12GCS Series Gas/Electric Packaged Units. It provides essential information for the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of these HVAC systems.
Function Description
The Lennox 10GCS and 12GCS series are gas/electric packaged units designed for heating and cooling applications. These units combine a gas furnace for heating and an electric air conditioner for cooling into a single, self-contained outdoor unit. They are designed to provide conditioned air to a building through a ductwork system. The manual emphasizes that installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or the gas supplier to ensure safe and proper operation.
Important Technical Specifications
While specific BTU or tonnage ratings are not provided in the excerpt, the manual does list filter sizes for different GCS26 unit models:
- -024, -030, -036 models use 24 in. x 25 in. filters.
- -042 models use 28 in. x 25 in. filters.
- -048, -060 models use 30 in. x 30 in. filters.
The units are equipped with an automatic ignition system, meaning they do not have a pilot light that needs to be manually lit. The manual details the operation of two types of gas valves: Honeywell VR8205 and Robertshaw 7200, which are crucial components for controlling gas flow to the burners. The system also includes a rollout safety switch, which is a critical safety feature designed to shut off the gas supply if the heat exchanger becomes blocked, preventing overheating and potential hazards.
Usage Features
The manual provides clear instructions for starting up the heating system, emphasizing safety precautions. Users are instructed to smell for gas before lighting and to never attempt to light the appliance if gas is detected. The process involves setting the thermostat to the lowest setting, turning off electrical power, manipulating the gas valve (turning it to "OFF" and waiting 15 minutes to clear any gas, then turning it to "ON"), replacing the access panel, turning on electrical power, and finally setting the thermostat to the desired temperature. The thermostat operation is illustrated, showing settings for "HEAT," "COOL," "FAN AUTO," and "FAN ON." In case of a gas smell, the user is instructed to immediately call their gas supplier or the fire department. The manual also outlines the procedure for turning off gas to the unit, which is essentially the reverse of the start-up process, ensuring safety during service or extended shutdown.
Maintenance Features
The manual outlines several key maintenance procedures to ensure the longevity and efficient operation of the unit:
- Filters: Filters are not supplied with the unit but are essential for maintaining air quality and system efficiency. Users are advised to inspect filters monthly and replace or clean them as necessary. It explicitly states not to replace a permanent-type filter with a disposable filter. The filter clip is located in the indoor coil compartment, attached to the side of the unit drain pan.
- Normal Maintenance: Periodic inspection and maintenance typically involve changing or cleaning filters and, under certain conditions, cleaning the main burners.
- Motors: The indoor, outdoor fan, and vent motors are permanently lubricated and do not require maintenance.
- Outdoor Coil: The outdoor coil should be kept free of dirt and debris. Cleaning can be done with a brush, vacuum cleaner attachment, or water, provided the power to the unit is shut off beforehand. Caution is advised to avoid damaging the coil fins. It is also important to ensure that overhanging structures or shrubs do not obstruct the hot condenser air discharge.
- Heating System Inspection: An annual inspection of the entire heating portion of the unit by a qualified service technician is recommended. This includes checking the burner, heat exchanger, and flue for corrosion or soot accumulation. If found, these components may need cleaning. The technician should also verify proper operation of the burner and controls.
- Vent Outlet: The vent outlet should be visually inspected periodically for excessive soot and dirt buildup. Cleaning is necessary to maintain unobstructed discharge of flue products.
- Burner Flame: The burner flame is not adjustable, but it should be inspected at the beginning of each heating season. Burners should be cleaned if necessary, and the flame should appear blue when burning natural gas.
- Venting System Inspection: An annual inspection (before the heating season) of the furnace venting system, vent cap, heat exchanger, and burners is recommended to check for corrosion, deterioration, or debris. Any obstructions should be removed.
- Rollout Safety Switch: If the unit fails to operate due to the rollout safety switch activating (indicating a blocked heat exchanger), users are warned not to attempt to restart the unit. A qualified service technician must be contacted.
- Service Reminder: Before calling a service technician for an inoperative unit, users should check several common issues: electrical disconnect switches are ON, thermostat is set correctly, fuses/circuit breakers are good, gas valve is ON, air filter is clean, gas is turned on at the meter, and the manual main shut-off valve is open. For ongoing peak operating condition, contacting an independent Lennox dealer for a planned service program is advised.
The manual also includes a general warning about fiberglass wool, stating that disturbing the insulation during installation, maintenance, or repair may expose users to fiberglass wool dust, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and can cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation. It advises consulting material safety data sheets or a supervisor for more information and to reduce exposure. A critical warning emphasizes that improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance can lead to property damage, personal injury, or death, reiterating the need for qualified professionals. Electrical shock warnings are also prominent, advising users to turn off electrical power before any service or maintenance, as the unit may have multiple power supplies.