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Heating bills across the country are the highest they have ever
been, with out any relief in sight. Even if your older furnace
runs, from an economic standpoint it would be wise to replace
it. With the proper furnace selection, your central air-conditioning
bills can be lower too.
Compared with a 17-year-old furnace, a new furnace can save the
typical family hundreds of dollars per year. Based on the efficiency
of your old furnace, probably 60% at best, a new furnace can cut
your utility bills by 40%. You can do the arithmetic to determine
your annual savings.
Not only will you have lower utility bills, but the comfort
and quiet operation of a new system will surprise you. The contractor
should install a computerized thermostat with it. This thermostat,
coupled with the electronic controls in the new furnace, will
maintain even room temperatures.
You can choose from two basic designs of furnaces: condensing
and non-condensing. The condensing models (this refers to the
type of heat exchanger used) are the most efficient and the best
choice for most homeowners. The efficiencies of condensing models
range from about 90% to over 95%.
These models are very efficient, and so little heat is lost in
the flue gases that a chimney is not needed. The gases are exhausted
by a 2-inch-diameter plastic pipe through an outdoor wall. With
no need for a new chimney liner, a condensing furnace is often
cheaper to install.
Some models also offer sealed combustion for better efficiency.
The combustion air is drawn in from outdoors through another plastic
pipe instead of being drawn from inside your house. Being sealed,
there are fewer indoor drafts, less noise and less chance of hazardous
back drafting.
For the ultimate in comfort and efficiency, but at a higher
initial cost, is a two-stage heat output furnace with a variable-speed
blower. This type of blower is needed if you want the best central
air-conditioning.
In all but the coldest weather, the gas burners operate at a
low heat level. This allows the furnace to run more continuously
with fewer uncomfortable on/off cycles. The blower also runs slower
and quieter at this low level. During very cold weather, it automatically
switches to high heat.
If your budget allows, also install a quality air cleaner. Since
a two-stage unit runs more, the air cleaner is more effective
for allergy sufferers.
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