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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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