If the flue is made of pvc pipe you have a high efficiency furnace also called a condensing furnace.
High efficiency furnace exhaust pipe.
It is classified as type bh venting.
New high efficiency furnaces can have efficiency of about 95 percent a huge savings for your wallet.
The pvc pipes are used for air intake exhaust gas and to remove the corrosive condensation resulting from the combustion process.
In contrast modern high efficiency condensing furnaces exhaust much cooler gasses and need only plastic pipe materials such as pvc cpvc or abs for their exhaust vents.
These pvc or cpvc pipes can be inviting to rodents and birds especially in the winter as well as insects mostly in summer looking for a home.
There are several other important aspects of high efficiency furnace venting.
This high efficiency venting system must be installed when you install the new furnace.
Other aspects of high efficiency furnace venting.
Low flue gas temperatures allow for pvc flues instead of metal.
Some high efficiency furnaces also include a plastic pipe for intake area and all types use a third plastic pipe to drain away the corrosive condensation resulting from the combustion process.
If you are unsure if you have this style the big clue is in the venting.