The Other Worlds Shrine

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  • Wanting to replace my furnace

  • Somehow, we still tolerate each other. Eventually this will be the only forum left.
Somehow, we still tolerate each other. Eventually this will be the only forum left.
 #145424  by Oracle
 Sun Mar 28, 2010 9:36 pm
So I'm looking to replace an original gas furnace (1959) and add air conditioning in a 1100sqft house.

So far I've had Sears and a York dealer do estimates. York seems like the way to go so far. They are about $500 cheaper than Sears (after interest, as Sears is no interest 36 months) and offer a 98% efficient modulating vs. Sears 96% 2 stage. The dealer is smaller, and has been around 2 years, but I've had them do my two cleanings and the inspection on the furnace in our current house (they said this one would basically go forever if I needed it to).

I'm also having a Rheem and Bryant dealer come in to do estimates.

I'm looking to do the high efficient (94.1%+ efficient, I believe), as I'm going through the energuide government grants currently being offered, so I get ~$1400 back for a qualifying model. Not eligible for rebate on the AC, since I'm not replacing an existing one. I'll just end up going with the 13 SEER model from the same make I get the furnace from. Furnace is the priority, as AC is only needed for probably a total of 2 weeks worth of continuous run a year.

Anyone have any general advice? I've done the whole Google on various reviews, but they seem all over the place, no matter what the make (and mostly negative, as most people usually only post that stuff when they are pissed at a malfunction). Maybe that's just the nature of the beast, and perhaps I just have to go with one and hope it works out. Any pointers appreciated.

Even things like 'x brand has a history of running REALLY loud' help, as I'm not wanting to cheap out on this if I have to have it last 20 years.
 #145430  by SineSwiper
 Mon Mar 29, 2010 12:25 am
It might be expensive, but you might want to look into a MicroCHP furnace. It's basically a furnace that converts extra heat into electricity. I think it runs into the $10K range, but now is also a good time with the tax credits on EnergyStar and alternative energy stuff.

Honda sells their MCHP, but I think it's a water heater version. There's furnaces out there. Freewatt is one company that sells them.

It may not be your option, but it's worth investigating. After all, the free energy adds up on your electricity bill, and with all of the tax credits out there for alternative energy products, it's probably cheaper in the long run.