Ok, current situation, >50 years old oil furnace, and large air handler >30 years old, and new 5 ton compressor outside for air. (installed hoping to increase air flow, which it didn't)
Looking at upgrading either to new oil furnace, or just converting and getting natural gas furnace. Problems now in winter and summer are there isn't enough air coming out of vents, which I assume is due to inefficiency or just plain old equipment. With new oil furnace or gas furnace can I expect more airflow....also keep in mind I need an new air handler too, does this go with new furnace or is it a seperate entity?
The compressor may not be wasted. It depends on what you got there.
Conversion is expensive, but the price of natural gas vs oil in your area (dunno where that is or prices) will determine if that is a good idea.
Sample economics on this: made up numbers. Say gas is cheaper where you are than the same equal of cost for heating than oil. If the difference is 100$ a month in heating and you need heat 5 months of the year, then you get a 500$ a year 'savings'. A 2,000$ new unit install will pay off in 4 years. It isnt likely a new unit would be just
2,000$ or the cost savings would be 100$ a month, but thats the idea of how to look at it.
A frill on that: If you have to use a credit card for the install, check the interest amount and add that to the 'cheaper heat (gas vs oil) and see if it makes a savings worthwhile. Thats a critcal one they dont teach much on and can get you in trouble fast. If you get cheaper heat bills by 100$ but you have to pay 150$ a month to get the system changed, you just paid
50$ more a month than you were.
Or not enough vents for modern desires. I'd actually look here first. We had some slab damage (older house) so had to remove the subfloor vents after fixing the cause of the problem. As part of that, we had to have the attic run with extra ceiling vents.
Sideline, I live in a hot area so got a net 'gain of money in my pocket' on bills here that way by extra insulating the attic and the runs up there but with the floor level being a little colder than it used to be in winter.
I have the 'all in one' system, gas heat, Electric A/C and compressor.
Yes.
Get as many estimates as you can. 5 would not be 'wierd'.
Check the guarentees of the units. The 'cheap guy' may go out of business in 4 months and with him, goes your 'lifelong guarentee'.
Check your local friends. Terminex for example has a wonderful reputation most places but in my little area, is a badly run franchise.
Tell them upfront you are getting estimates from several places. If they try to high pressure you to decide 'right now' or bug you daily til you decide, you do not want them. A good company isnt afraid of many estimates and will not high pressure you.
Don't be afraid to check with Sears and such places (whatever applies to your area in companies that have over100 years in business). They may cost as much as double the rate of a fly-by-night place but see #2 above.
If you have AC needs, your freon type may be the old stuff and you will have to replace that too which often is more cost effective to do as a whole thing 'central AC/HEAT' so as you look at your heat, look there too if you have a hot climate. (You have to upgrade the hardware, not just the freon to the new stuff as it wont work).
Hope I have helped and not been too 'simple' but i dont know what you know or don't so felt it best to cover all I could think of, especially the pitfalls I have made!
Sure, Find a good contractor and let them lead you in deciding what would be best. We can't see it they can.
Ask friends neighbors and co workers for recommendations. Get two or three estimates, but remember the lowest bidder may not be the best or most economical. The best system will be the cheapest in the long run. The most expensive unit is not always the best. What is best is what will work best for you. It is likely not what would work best for me. That is why you need the pro. The contractor is far more important than the brand.
thanks for the replies! im going to start to call and get some estimates from professionals this week...been away for the holiday but now it's back to business :) ill let you know how it works out!
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.