Old Carrier furnace and heat-exchanger

Re: Old Carrier furnace and heat-exchanger

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'

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

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

Cheers, Puddin'

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'