We have ~ 40 year old Chrysler Airtemp furnaces in both sides of our
double. They were about 60% efficient when they were new, and now we
are probably lucky if they are 50% efficient. We got hit with heating
bills of over $300 here in Ohio last winter. Now I've heard that the
cost of natural gas may be going up 25%, and that our local utility is
switching over to a new policy where they will be changing what they
charge every month with the market, instead of changing once a year as
they did in the past. That sort of scares me - especially if there is a
shortage or something.
Obviously, the furnaces we have are old. They've been kept
maintained, since we have people come out and clean the ducts every 2-3
years, and check the furnace every year or two. However, they are just
plain inefficient, and after more than 40 years, it is about time to
replace them.
One of the reasons I kept putting it off was because I thought it was
going to cost us between $3,000 and $3,500 per side, so a grand total of
$6k to $7k. I had some places come by and give us bids on what they
would charge, and was pleasantly surprised. I got bids for putting in
an 80% efficient furnace, which could pretty much go in where our
current one is without any changes. I also got bids for a 92% efficient
furnace, which would require PVC outlet and have water drainage.
Best bid so far is from a place called Joe's Heating & Air. They
have a 90K BTU 80% efficient furnace they will install on both sides of
our place for $2,300. They also have a 92% efficient furnace they will
install on both sides of our place for $3,500. (so each bid is for two
furnaces) They offer about an 8% discount for doing 2 with the higher
efficiency furnaces, and an 11% discount for 2 of the more efficient
furnaces. (rather than just 1)
We will likely be living here this winter, but moving next summer, so
personally, we will get whatever benefit from lower heating bills this
winter only. After that, it will be a rental property.
Obviously, I'd like to save $1,200 up front. However, we also like
the idea of the furnace being more efficient, and whoever is living here
having an extra $25 a month they won't have to spend on their heating
bills. Complicating things is that I've been told the more efficient
furnaces tend to need repair work more often. Some technicians have
told me that, while others have said they don't see much difference.
Mostly it just comes down to repair - I don't want to pay more for a
furnace that is going to have problems twice as often.
So, I'm hoping that some of you folks can give me some feedback. I'd
like to hear from anyone who has had their gas furnace replaced in the
last 5 years or so. Please let us know if it is the standard 80%
efficient or the higher 90%+. Then let us know if you've had repair
issues. I'll use the info to try to make a better decision on whether
to get the cheaper or more expensive model.
Thanks!
Had gas (propane) furnace replaced about a year ago. 80% efficient
(couldn't afford to go much higher) total coast - including installation
and removal of old furnace - was $1618.18 which included all labor and
taxes. Will be having the installer come next month to check things out and
replace filters (difficult for me as I am disabled).
Old furnace had issues with the burners (safety issues) and was so old
replacements couldn't be found (even universal burners were not available).
Same furnace as when I moved here in 1981.
In live in northern New York state.
First time in years I have not been shivering under the covers at night.
As for the cost of fuel (propane) have price locked in for the season with a
payment up front and monthly payments for 10 months.
JonquilJan
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