Posted on 07/27/2011 11:38:26 AM PDT by WHATNEXT?
Our furnace has quit and a major decision has to be made. We have a gas (propane) furnace that has lasted 15 years. The outside cooling unit would still work IF the furnace fan system was working.
The furnace people have recommended Carrier. They also carry Trane. Does anybody have recent experience with the duel system with gas and heat pump?
This will be a major expense, more than 15,000.00 so anybody with knowledge to help guide me to the best decision of a bad deal would be appreciated.
Anyway, we are lucky that right now the weather is moderate and no furnace or air conditioner has been fine. But, we have to make a decision! Couldn't believe Consumer Reports had nothing during the last couple of years on furnaces.
I know there are some Freepers that work in the heating and cooling industry that can help us make a wise choice.
HELP!
Not sure about brands, but you might check Costco for pricing, FYI. They offer furnace and installations.
Cheese & Rice 15k? Is this for Algore’s house?
In the past I’ve found some commercial heating and air guys that do off the books residential work for big discounts.
Lived in Virginia...Heat pump....marvelous
15 G? Shop around. I had a new furnace and central air put in last summer for only a little more than half that.
I had a Trane system put in a few years back and it has been very good. $15K is totally ridiculous. Get another estimate.
I would say first that unless your home is 10,000 sq ft that fifteen THOUSAND dollars seems **WAY** high.
A fifteen year old compressor outside is regrettably end-of-life as well. Replace it along with the inside portions.
New units are far more efficient that 15 year-old units, and have a real payback within their useful life.
I don’t know where you live, how many square feet of if you are trying to heat/cool more than one floor, etc etc.
$15K seems very high for a heater replacement.
I live in the northeast and paid ~$7K for an ultra high efficiency nat gas furnace back in Dec 2010. $15K seems very expensive unless you live in a mansion.
choose Trane over Carrier- difference in price is for a reason
look for manufacturers rebate and tax credits from feds, state and local govts if you choose required energy efficiency
My Ruud heat pump is still working after 34 years.
You will be miles ahead with a high efficiency gas heater and new a/c unit. You can buy and have installed for less than $8k. A heat pump uses a compressor and uses the waste heat from the compression process to provide heat for your home. Not very efficient to operate. Most electric companies will offer a small rate discount for a new heat pump - because of your increased energy consumption....red
If your climate is moderate as you say, keep it simple (KISS).
Install a gas furnace...very reliable for 15 years or so and not expensive.
For cooling use window air conditioners. They are cheap compared to central systems and way less complicated.
We are in North of Seattle, and don’t even have an airconditioner. For the few hot days we use fans and keep the windows shut AND USE DARK DRAPES to block all sun. Our heating system is all electric and separate for each room. Can’t get any simpler and more reliable than that.
FWIW: I have a Lennox and am pleased with it. Mine was installed for about $12,000, but that was several years ago.
Wish Moncrief was still around. My parents had one and it lasted about 40 years. The one in my house gave up the ghost at 38 years. Those furnaces were built to last. Unfortunately, nowadays with all that energy efficiency krapola, you are lucky to get 10 or 12 years out of a furnace. Same with every other appliance.
They are the best near as I can tell.
What size of unit did you get?
“You’ll shoot yer eye out, boy.”
I have the original furnace in my 100 year old house and it only needs a very minor repair about once every 12 years which I do myself. sucks to be you. 15 years is pathetic. all I can say is get a clue. btw, there’s no way in hell your heat pumps paid for themselves. You got hosed big time. And you did it twice. nice job.
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