The Payne PG8DAA gas-fired furnace series was first released in 1999, but has since been discontinued. This downflow/horizontal furnace features an AFUE rating of 80 to 82 percent. Today, there are other models available, such as the Payne PG8M, which are more efficient.
The Payne PG8D gas furnace was designed with built-in diagnostic tools that assist in the identification and diagnosis of faults. A LED system included helps describe the condition of the system. Users can view the LED on a port on the blower access panel. This means that you can make a corrective action in order to respond to the faults diagnosed by the LED. For example, a steady burning LED could indicate that the furnace is under normal operation.
I have had the Payne furnace for the past ten years, and during this time it has given me a rather negative impression. I would recommend buying Payne’s compatriots units which are eithe Bryant or Carrier, because the parts used in the Payne furnace are not made to last. Within the two years of use, it began to give me problems. First, the inducer motor began making a very loud grinding noise. The technician who came out installed a washer underneath one of the screws which seemed to fix the problem…but only for about 2-3 more years. The grinding noise resumed and no easy method (WD-40 or removing the washer) seemed to fix the issue so I had to spend $300 to get it replaced. Into its sixth year the blower motor went out as well. There went another $300, but I had the Carrier Blower Motor installed instead of replacing it with another Payne motor. One year later, I had to spend another $200 for a new control (pc) board. Finally, just a year ago the inducer motor went out again during the winter while my family and I were on vacation. Had to spend $300 on a new motor once again and $400 to fix the burst pipes. Having said that, I would have to commend the unit on being able to heat the home well and rather quickly.
Chicago, IL
"Payne Gas Furnace Works But Is Not Very Efficient"
2.0 rating
Somewhat Unsatisfied
I have owned the Payne natural gas furnace for 10 years. The furnace has no problem keeping my 1610 square foot house heated in the winter time, although it does not do so very efficiently. According to the energy rating, the lowest energy efficient furnace in its class has a rating of 78 while the most energy efficient is rated at 96.6. My particular furnace has a rating of 80, which means it is at the lowest end of the spectrum. One of the reasons it is inefficient is that the furnace is non-condensing, which means it does not extract heat from the exhaust gases. As such, I end up paying a hefty natural gas bill every winter. Besides efficiency issues, the fan has also failed once, just after 6 years of operation. When the mechanic came to replace it, he told us this is one of the worst furnaces he knows of because it uses cheap parts. I did find two good features, however. It is relatively quiet and maintenance is relatively easy. You only need to clean the filter once a year, and the filter is located in front so that it is actually easy to remove.
Albany, OR
Other PG8DAA Reviews
Users have reported that some of their PG8DAA models sometimes fail to turn on. One reviewer at justanswer.com, who noted that the unit would operate fine for days then fail to ignite, suspected an intermittent fuse but experts on the site suggested issues with the flame sensor. Upon sanding the flame sensor, the poster�s problems seemed to be resolved.
A consumer at doityourself.com posted that her PG8DAA began blowing cold air, while reporting diagnostic code 1-3. Experts on the site suggested an auxiliary limit may have been tripped and needed to be reset.
Payne furnaces come with a standard 5 year warranty, although homeowners who register their furnace within 90 days of installation qualify for a 10 year warranty. This is nontransferable and also limited, which means that it only covers some aspects such as defective material or workmanship under normal application or use. The warranty also covers maintenance of the system.
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