I have a 1993 Fraser-Johnson (York) single stage gas furnace. The heat exchanger was replaced in 2008-still under warranty! Very few problems since it was originally installed as I get it inspected yearly. Is it too old to be energy efficient? I need to plan for the expenditure when I do need a new one.
I also say no and agree with boredstiff's numbers. I posted because I wanted to add that most of the furnaces would be little or not more efficient at all. You would gain little to nothing. That to get that 95% efficiency you have to go to a condensing furnace which are much more expensive, cost thousands more to only gain that 10%. And those are much more complex and can cost more in service over time. I did read hear a question from somebody that claimed they spend $2,500 a month for heat in the winter. (Monster house kept hot in very cold climate?) Then 10% is significant. Still it would take years to pay back the cost. For most of the rest of us, until gas prices go up many times the current price, 10% is not worth the cost for efficiency considerations only. Run it until it dies and you have to replace it anyway. Then paying extra for more efficiency changes the numbers in your favor. Good Luck.
The input of a furnace is not the heating size of the unit. The output will indicate that and it should also be on the rating plate. If it isn't then I would guess around 80,000 output. Your Trane dealer should be able to size the furnace to your house. But do not go over the recommended size. If you do the new furnace will short cycle, not heat your house evenly, and shorten the life of your new investment. If you plan on living in this house for awhile then go high efficiency and you will make up your money for the more expensive furnace in the future. If you plan on leaving in five years then go with an 80% and save your money for your next house. Good Luck.
This Site Might Help You. RE: When should I replace my furnace? I have a 1993 Fraser-Johnson (York) single stage gas furnace. The heat exchanger was replaced in 2008-still under warranty! Very few problems since it was originally installed as I get it inspected yearly. Is it too old to be energy efficient? I need to plan for the expenditure when I do need a new...
I have been doing heating and air for over 10 years and have changed furnaces out that were 30 years old. Now a furnace that is 15 years old should be around 80% effective a newer one could be up to 96% effective depending on the money you want to spend. Yes a new one is much better and I would suggest a two stage furnace to cut down on the cost of running the furnace. The two stage will run in low when it is maintaining the temp in your house instead of high, this will help save you money. Newer furnaces make less noise than older ones. But to tell you the truth furnaces are the last to brake on a system, and if your heat exchanger was just changed it is now like new that is the largest part on a furnace.
Now is actually a good time to replace your HVAC. Here's why. 1) Congress included in one of the recent stimulus packages a 30% Federal Tax Credit of up to $1500 for replacing your old furnace / AC with new energy efficient models. The Furnace has to have an AFUE of at least 95 and the AC has to have a SEER of 16 and and EER of 13. (Ask your local contractor for the explanation of the Acronyms). 2) Your local Utility usually has rebates for putting in high efficiency furnaces. Check there web site or ask your local contractor. 3) York is having specials right now with Manufacturer rebates for high efficiency equipment purchased. When you get quotes, get at least 3 ( they will be free) and check up on the contractors with the BBB and the State Licensing Board. There are a lot of bad contractors out there and a few of us good ones. Don't necessarily go with the lowest quote, they might be cutting corners to get the job.
