I see that the Feds will give us up to $1,500 if we replace our old furnaces with a high-efficiency furnace.
I've lived in my house for 20 years, and when I bought, the furnace was a "few" years old. So I am guessing that it is at least 25 years old, and probably about 65% or 75% efficiency.
Should I take advantage of this opportunity and upgrade?
I am thinking that one of these days, even though the furnace works fine, it will crap out - probably in January.
I live in Maryland.
I'm no expert but gas or oil may make difference. Saw new house advertised today that says it's propane furnaces are 90% efficient. With oil, don't think you may get that efficiency but don't think oil furnaces last that long. In 35 years, I've had to replace two that had burned through fire box.
Only you can answer that question. I just replaced my 25yr old oil&air furnace last year. My old furnace was 80% efficient according to the last smoke test. I looked at supposedly 90% efficient oil furnaces that were new technology-- only available from one manufacturer- and several thousand dollars. For last year's rebate the furnace had to be 90%- I don't know about the 2010 rebate.
Then I saw a 80% efficient furnace on craigslist for $500. It was new-old stock. It works for me. FWIW- it seems to be using the same amount of oil as my old one- just quieter & without the rusty firebox. . . and if something breaks I can find parts for it. But even without the rebate I'm a couple grand ahead of the game.
So I doubt your heating bill is a huge one. That's where you start. What can you save with a new furnace? Can you save enough to pay for a high-efficiency furnace? Or will you get enough 'warm fuzzies' from being 'green' that the $$ doesn't matter?
Jim
25 years is about many exchangers life span, Go for a 96% Stainless Steel exchanger unit. You can save on electric consumption winter and summer with a VSDC motor. With all the electronics and a VSDC motor the 10-15yr or more warranty is a smart idea. For 1500 back its a no brainer.
I forgot to mention that it is gas, not oil. In 2010, you need 95% AFUE for the credit on a gas furnace.
I agree - if a 95% AFUE is a couple thousand more than a "standard" model, and I can get the Feds to pay for much of the difference, why not do it, especially given the age of my furnace?
Maryland isn't brutally cold like the northern-tier states, but it ain't no picnic in the winter, either.
I replaced my boiler with a System 2000 from
Do some research on your fuel costs, shop around for the right equipment, check out state rebates too. Most dealsers know what is available.
I also live in MD. 4 years ago we replaced a 30 y/o gas forced hot air furnace. The HVAC contractor estimated that the old one was probably about 65% - 70% efficient at best. We looked at both 92% and 96% models. The incremental purchase price between the two was substantial and we figured that it would probably take an additional 10 years of use to amortize the cost differential between the price of the 92% and the 96% model. Therefore, we went with the 92% furnace. Our winter gas bills dropped by about 30% with no change in the thermostat settings or insulation status of the house.
With your old furnace, you're facing a possible carbon monoxide risk (heat exchangers that old can crack at any time) and if you are planning to stay in your current house for more than about 5 years, you'll pay for the new furnace in saved energy costs. (Even sooner if energy prices continue to rise). Haven't shopped for furnaces recently. If the price differential between 92% and 96% has narrowed, or if you plan to stay in your home for a real long time, you might want to pop for the 96% model.
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