Understanding your Gas Furnace Poise or Flow Position

One of the common terms you are going to hear as you start looking for a Gas Furnace, is the "Flow", "Poise", or "Position" of the furnace as it is installed in your home.

Three Main Types of Gas Furnaces - Based on How the Air Flows!

Horizontal Flow Gas Furnaces - Right or Left

A horizontal flow gas furnace is generally installed in attics or crawl spaces, and lies on its side, in a horizontal fashion. The fresh air enters from one side or the other and flows horizontally, across the heat exchanger, before the warm air is sent to the home.

UpFlow Gas Gas Furnaces

Typically installed in utility closets, basements or attics, an Upflow Gas Furnace stands up on one end just like you or I do when we stand up. The fresh air enters the unit at the bottom, or bottom side, before it passes over the heat exchanger and exits the unit at the top.

DownFlow Gas Furnaces

A Downflow Gas Furnace is usually found in an upstairs utility closet or attic, however it is also common to see them located in garages! The Downflow units stand on end, just like an upflow, but the fresh air enters the unit on the top side and flows downward across the heat exchanger, before being forced into the duct and your home.

Multi-Poise Convertible

Several years ago, manufacturers started making their furnaces "Multi-Poise", to eliminate the need for 4 different types of furnaces for each application. (Upflow, Downflow, Horizontal Right, Horizontal Left) In most cases now, a single furnace can be converted to Upflow, or either of the Horizontal Flow positions by the installer with a few simple changes. Most downflow gas furnaces still require a special model or part number in order to work in the downflow position.