2006-11-06 04:43:27 · 9 answers · asked by Tim M 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Depends on how old your furnace is and how energy efficient your house is. Older furnaces were between 64 and 78 % efficient- That means for every dollar you spent on fuel you got 64 cents to 78 cents of heat and threw the rest up the chimney. Newer furnaces a can be up to 96 percent efficient. But, if your house is not tight and well insulated- you really don't gain that much besides resale value.
General payback on a high energy efficient furnace is 6 years. So, if you are not planning on staying in your house for that long- let the next owner worry about it.
2006-11-06 04:48:39 · answer #1 · answered by avengergt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford it, I would get a new one. Efficiencies have taken a huge leap upward since 20 years ago, so you'll see a much lower energy bill and more warmth per dollar spent. If cost is an issue, keep it clean, replace filters regularly and wait until it breaks. Murphy's Law applies, though, as the unit will probably break the moment you need it most. 18 years- even 30 years- of service isn't unheard of in a furnace. Just depends on what you want to do. Good luck with your decision!
2006-11-06 12:52:56 · answer #2 · answered by jjohansonj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A new furnace can be very expensive. I would have an expert come in to check the furnace to make sure it is not leaking any gas, carbon monoxide. If it is still working and not giving you problems I would say wait. Also, how high is your gas bill? If you think you will save money in the long run, maybe getting a new one wouldn't be a bad idea. FYI, there are tax breaks for updates like this if they will save energy. Sorry for rambling my thoughts.
2006-11-06 12:47:33 · answer #3 · answered by lmclear4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally speaking, you can buy a new one and expect that it will be more efficient (burns less oil) than the old one. However, you should not expect to save enough money to justify the investment using a two-year payback schedule.,
Eighteen years old is not particularly old for a furnace. If yours is a hot water type, I have had a boiler that lasted about 35-40 years. You can replace the burner in a boiler type for a relatively small amount and begin to see economies immediately.
2006-11-06 13:03:37 · answer #4 · answered by jackbutler5555 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if i were you i would wait untill about February .that is when the heating rush is over and contractors are looking for work .and seeing how the furnace is fine you don't have to make any rush decisions.this also lets you no whats new in the hvac Field.it generally takes 7 to 9 months .for a higher 'seer 'unit to be developed.with gas prices being what they are .you should invest in the highest 'seer' available!you will find that the payback .will be with in 5years or less
2006-11-06 13:25:27 · answer #5 · answered by ata31254 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it works fine, don't change. Even if you replace it with high efficiency furnace, it will probably take you another 18 years before you recover the cost in savings on gas/oil bill.
2006-11-06 12:55:46 · answer #6 · answered by Roger 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
NO!!!! ours is 26 years old works perfect! Now if you want to save money on your energy bill go for it! The older ones use much more energy!
2006-11-06 13:18:30 · answer #7 · answered by a2007_cowgirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK it works, you should only buy a new one if you don't want to wake up dead because your heater all of a sudden went kaput.
or if you do not feel the need to save money.
we almost died because of carbon monoxide from the heater. but it woke me up.
2006-11-07 02:41:17 · answer #8 · answered by mia t 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it's works - don't fix it
2006-11-06 12:46:03 · answer #9 · answered by "All Eyez On Me" é 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋