What should I replace my oil furnace with?

Question

I need to replace my oil furnace with a new heating system. What should I do? I don't want to spend too much money, but would rather pay a bit more now and save on monthly bills overall. I also live in an old house with lathe and plaster walls and would like to keep them intack if possible - so no major construction.

Answer 1

How about checking on a heat-pump system for both heating and cooling.

Answer 2

Before you can design a heating system, you have to know the requirements. Do you need air conditioning? Do you currently have a whole house air duct system with ducts big enough to be used for air conditioning? Do you currently have a hot water boiler type heating system and does it also supply your potable hot water needs? What fuel types are available in your area? Is your current oil tank above ground or buried underground and will it need replacing or have to be removed if you change fuel types. Finally, have you done your homework in respect to the relative overall efficiencies of various furnace technologies (oil, natural gas, propane gas, electricity, condensing, combined heat and potable hot water, heat pump types, solar assisted, etc)? A salesperson will try to sell you whatever product their company happens to be installing at the time. But you need an unbiased industry wide assessment of the best modern appliances to choose from, knowing that your buying something designed to last 20 years or more. Don't forget also that your house's insulation and air infiltration condition may make new window and insulated siding a better investment for the long term. Your attic should have at least an R20 insulation rating with good attic ventilation from the eaves to the ridge and/or gable of the roof.

Answer 3

You have options for replacing oil furnaces as other types can be adapted to your plenum and pipe system. Check out the cost and availability of natural gas, electrical furnace and propane if you have to. Newer medium to high efficiency systems do away with a chimney can can be vented outside by a small pipe.