Old Carrier furnace and heat-exchanger

[TURTLE]

This is Turtle.

The Heat Exchanger can last a long time depending on how much you use it. Here in Louisiana with the weather we have which is very light cold weather the Heat changers will last about 30 to 40 years. Now to say how long they will last in the Midwest , well it's hard to say.

TURTLE

[Puddin' Man]

Re: Old Carrier furnace and heat-exchanger

'owdy,

I belong to a little brick bungalow in the US midwest. Back in '84, I had new heat/AC equip. installed.

The furnace, a middle-of-the-line Carrier (but made by Bryant) is a standard forced-air-system unit, maybe 120k btu, with an elec. vent damper. Has given good service, 'tho I had to intall a new gas valve in the 90's.

Every late summer I clean the rust out of it. And I -try- to get a peek at the heat-exchanger with one of those little hinged mirrors like the dentist uses. Can actually see very little.

About how long might such a furnace last with average (midwest) usage?

The part that usually fails in late life is indeed the heat-exchanger? How can I tell when its failing? I assume I'd need to replace the unit and budgeting could be b-b-bitch.

Thanks, Puddin'

[HeatMan]

Here's my opinion.

It's about done for. Replace the entire furnace. The money you save in utility bills will probably pay for the new furnace in 10 years

[Puddin' Man]

Thanks, Turtle. I'm *hoping* I can nurse another 5 years or so out of thisun.

Cheers, Puddin'

[Puddin' Man]

Your opinion is respected. If I had the $, I would honor it. Simplest and most logical solution.

Unfortunately, I gotta nurse it "'till the wheels fall off".

Thanks, Puddin'