Need advice on buying a furnace?

Question

Our gas furnace was tagged yesterday due to a valve leak near the pilot light. It's over 40 years old and we've been advised it's too old to fix. My husband lost his job in October, and we're not exactly swimming in cash. Would you suggest getting another gas furnace? Any ideas that would warm our two-story home, 1500 sq.ft., and save money? Thanks.

Answer 1

good news... its almost summer

Answer 2

I agree with the first two. Everything is replaceable on a gas furnace except the combustion chamber, heat exchanger. If it is cracked or has a hole in it, it could leak co but whoever decided the gas was leaking should have checked that too. Do not let that person in your home ever again. They just want to make a sale for their commission and care nothing for you. Get another opinion, several if you have to. You did not mention the part of the country you live in. That makes a big difference. When you replace it you may want to go for a more efficient model, but do the math first. There are energy discxount programs that may help.

Answer 3

A 40-yr old furnace needs replacing! They usually have a life of around TWENTY years.

If you live where you have a furnace, you obviously have to replace it. Contact a local business that does it, and ask for a free estimate. Also ask if you can set up a payment plan--these businesses know that people generally don't have a couple thousand dollars sitting around.

I got a new gas furnace last fall for about $1000-----BUT, my brother is in the business so I paid no labor & got a discount.

Good luck...it's always something, isn't it?

Answer 4

the gas valves are certainly replacable. I retrofit gas valves regurarly. If it just the pilot assembly I would have this repaired versus replacing now in your cituation

Answer 5

I would just replace the combination valve,use soapy water to check for leaks