LEWISBURG, Tenn. - The U.S. Patent Office has issued a patent for the furnace sound shield that is a key component in International Comfort Products' (ICP) compact new line of multi-poise 80-percent AFUE gas furnaces. Mike Eberlein, ICP product manager, said the patented furnace sound shield is the key to quiet operation of ICP's 80-percent gas furnaces introduced for last year's heating season. He said this unique, double-wall door is designed to reduce operating noise and provide extra strength and durability to the furnace.

"The double-wall door design also provides quicker and easier access to the burner assembly than pre-existing burner boxes," Eberlein said. "It cuts installation and service time and simplifies LP conversion, because, unlike burner boxes, it doesn't require extra effort to remove."

The sound shield is positioned between the burner chamber of the furnace and the portion of the furnace immediately in front of the burner chamber, which is typically a removable door. The removable door has slotted vents that allow air to be drawn into the burner chamber. The sound shield, positioned between the slotted vents and the burner chamber, is designed to reduce burner noise.