Choosing Furnace Efficiency

Big Giant Head · 2013-12-03T06:27:39+00:00

Our gas utility is giving rebates for buying a greater than 92% efficient furnace. There's also a tax credit available. These greatly reduce the premium for buying such a unit and then of course there is the savings in gas. On the other hand, are these machines more prone to problems and need of repairs than a simpler furnace? That could wipe everything out. Plus it might be beyond my abilities to repair. The old furnace (see other thread) I could do most maintenance. I was even able to solve a problem that stumped a pro many years ago. (Not his fault...it just didn't act up when he came.) I know the pros of the super efficient furnaces. What are the cons? The ones being considered are Carrier Performance Series. What are HVAC techs putting in their own homes?

Dec 03, 2013 62 Replies

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Tony Hwang 12 years ago

Hmmm, I don't believe what he's saying. I used to live in Toronto(Scarboro) unless his house is match box sized house. LOL!

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krw 12 years ago

He said recently. IIRC it's around 1200ft^2, two story. Yes, pretty small. I lived in Burlington VT (somewhat North of ON, where he lives), in a ~1700ft^2 Cape Cod (a pretty efficient design). The furnace was 150KBTU and in the coldest weather it was constantly running.

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clare 12 years ago

20X30 two storey brick and aluminum siding with fully finished basement. Forty years old - updated windows and insulation.

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