Replacing a furnace is a major decision that will affect your finances, both in the short term and in the long run, as well as your home comfort. It’s not an easy decision, and sometimes replacing the furnace may not be the way to go. Retrofitting your furnace so that it’s more energy efficient can be a possibility. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option before making your decision.
Improved Efficiency With a New Model
Some of the best furnaces today have an efficiency rating of 95 to 97 percent. That means only 3 to 5 percent of the fu
el is wasted. If you have an old furnace that’s just 80 percent efficient, you’re wasting 20 percent of that fuel, and you’re seeing the waste in your utility bills. Even if your furnace doesn’t need many repairs, replacing it for the increased efficiency could be the the way to go.
You can realize even greater savings with a replacement by lowering your heating load and making sure that your new system is properly sized. Here are some improvements that can lower your heating load:
- Seal all air leaks, including those in your ductwork. Plug air leaks around your doors with weatherstripping.
- Improve your insulation in areas such as your attic.
- Install energy-efficient windows.
When you’ve finished these improvements, talk with your heating contractor about sizing your new system. Your upgrades could mean that you you can buy a smaller and less expensive system.
Improved Efficiency With Retrofits
If your older furnace has a continuous pilot light, check into retrofitting it with an intermittent ignition device. This type of device generally costs about $250, according to Energy Savers. Installing one is not a do-it-yourself job however. Have your contractor do the work.
If your gas furnace is oversized, you may be able to reduce its heating capacity and thereby make it more energy efficient. According to Energy Savers, you might be able to reduce the size of the gas burner opening and possibly the baffles. But again, this is a job for your heating contractor. Energy Savers also advises that it could violate the building codes in your town and violate the manufacturer’s warranty. These changes are relatively inexpensive, though, and could save you 15 percent on your fuel costs.
Whichever option you’re considering, contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We can provide the information you need to make the best decision for your home.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning services Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
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