Conscious Choice: Gas Furnaces: Replacement

January 2000 | Sensible Home

Gas Furnaces: Replacement

by James Dulley

Dear Jim: I should replace my old gas furnace with a new efficient one. Comfort and clean indoor air are as important as low utility bills. I am willing to pay a little extra for the best. What do you recommend? — Bob H.

Dear Bob: In most cases, you are much better off in the long run spending a little extra now for a high-tech, super-efficient gas furnace. When you consider that a good quality furnace can last twenty years or more, the overall savings will pay back the initial higher cost many times over.

The actual furnace heating technology for 2000 has not changed a lot from the best of 1999. The major improvements are in comfort features and controls. You should think of the furnace, air conditioner, air cleaner and fresh air ventilation as a complete comfort and indoor air quality system.

Two-stage condensing furnace models with variable speed blowers will provide the best comfort with the lowest utility bills year-round. In order to get the maximum comfort and efficiency from the best central air conditioners in the summer, a variable speed furnace blower is required.

The first thing that you will notice is how quiet the furnace and blower are. This is because, with a two-stage burner, the furnace runs at a low-heat output level on all but the very coldest days and nights of the year.

Since the furnace is producing less heat at the low output level, and using less gas, it runs longer. You will not hear the constant cycling on and off or feel the repeated gusts of cold air followed by gusts of hot dry air.

Also, at the low output level, the blower is running slower and quieter. Variable speed blowers use special motors that are four times more efficient than standard ones. Furnace blowers use a lot of electricity. Most furnace-mounted air cleaners are more effective at slower air speeds.

Your chimney will no longer be needed with the new furnace. The exhaust gases are vented outdoors by a small plastic pipe through the wall. This is a real plus if your existing chimney is in need of expensive repairs.

Whether you select one of the best two-stage furnace models or a less expensive single-stage condensing furnace, get one with sealed combustion. This brings in outdoor air for combustion through another pipe. By being sealed, the combustion is quieter and safer with fewer indoor drafts.

If you select a furnace with a variable speed blower, consider getting a "thermidistat" too. This allows you to set both the humidity and temperature level. It controls the heat (and air conditioning in the summer) and the blower independently for the best year-round comfort.

Write for (or instantly download) Update Bulletin No. 853, buyer’s guide of the best (Year 2000) gas furnaces, efficiencies, blower speeds, heating stages, sizing and payback charts. Please include $3.00 and a business-size SASE. James Dulley, Conscious Choice, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244

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