New Gas Furnace

[moorem]

Hi everyone. I have a quote ($2200.00) to have a new Carrier performance 80% efficiency gas furnace installed. My current furnace is old (I don't know how old, it's called a Carrier super saver and it was in the house when I moved in) and it's terrible. In the winter, the basement is 80 degrees, the 2nd floor is 70, and the 3rd floor is 60. I assume a new unit will dramatically help this, but I'm wondering if my old ductwork needs updating too. It was installed in 1964 when the house was built. Will the new furnace eliminate my unevenly heated home, or are there other things I should look into as well? Thanks.

[lonestarheir]

no - you need to have them balance the system once the new furnace. They should have a proper meter and should mechanically check the airflow at each vent and then adjust acordingly. Now, to do this properly will probably cost you $, but it will be the only way to properly do the job

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Brandon
- Have you changed your filter this month? -

[imeduc]

At 80o 70o and 60o per floor Id say for sure that duct work has to be reworked If you have AC on this furnace Id think more of a new unit for the top floor here for better heat and cool.

ED

My mistakes dont define me they inform me.

[johnd357]

quote:Originally posted by moorem

Hi everyone. I have a quote ($2200.00) to have a new Carrier performance 80% efficiency gas furnace installed. My current furnace is old (I don't know how old, it's called a Carrier super saver and it was in the house when I moved in) and it's terrible. In the winter, the basement is 80 degrees, the 2nd floor is 70, and the 3rd floor is 60. I assume a new unit will dramatically help this, but I'm wondering if my old ductwork needs updating too. It was installed in 1964 when the house was built. Will the new furnace eliminate my unevenly heated home, or are there other things I should look into as well? Thanks.

Your are what you eat so, eat everything you like.

[imeduc]

johnd357

All you do is post a free add for yourself here . Thats not right or what this www. is for.

ED

My mistakes dont define me they inform me.

[lonestarheir]

The CRAP you can buy off the internet is not worth it. Just because you get it cheap. Do some research and get the best value for your money, which is very rarely the cheapest. Your central system is one thing that you should not cheap out on, spend the money, take care of it, and it will pay off end the end.

I do agree with imeduc about splitting the upstairs into its own system.

__________________________________________________

Brandon
- Have you changed your filter this month? -

[moorem]

Thanks for the replies...This isn't an internet quote, but from our local gas and electric company (B.G.E.) And yes, our A/C runs through the same ductwork. Sigh....What kind of 'reworking' would need to be done with the ductwork? Just leak checking or actually running new ductwork? I assume running new ductwork would cost me an absolute fortune Lastly, I know this sounds stupid, but when you say split the upstairs, you mean have 2 furnaces in my basement? One for the ground floor and one for the upstairs? My house is only about 2000 square feet.

[Hube]

Moorem; A lot of homeowners would sure like to have your problem....basement 80,main floor 70, upper floor 60. Usually,its the opposite, with the basement being 60 cool degrees.
This problem can more than likely be corrected using the same existing ductwork and BALANCING the AIRFLOW.Also ,make sure you have some way of getting some RETURN AIR back to the unit from these hard to heat upper areas.
Back in the 60's the ductwork usually was sized even more properly than it sometimes is to-day, but sometimes the uppermost floor levels had inadequate returns.

I also feel your new (single) unit will more than be satisfactory, check with your Hvac Tech as to obtaining a proper "BALANCE" to all levels.
Good luck.

[moorem]

Hube, thanks a lot. It's funny, the basement is the warmest room in the winter and the coolest room in the summer. Maybe I should move the living room down there! But I bet the average homeowner wouldn't trade heating and cooling bills with me! If I keep my old Carrier super saver and our winter is average here in Maryland, I'll pay a minimum of 325 bucks a month for gas and electric. That's keeping the thermostat at 70 in a 2000 square foot house. It's crazy, even in these times of soaring energy prices. Thanks again for your input to all who replied! I will certainly have the new unit balanced and adjusted as necessary.

[2story]

why not a 90+? find a contractor who will examine your system and offer solutions. get 3 quotes your solutions should be compariable.

[moorem]

Because even if I assume gas costs will almost double in the next 10 years, it would take me 20 years to get my money back between an 80 and a 90.

[2story]

quote:Originally posted by moorem

Because even if I assume gas costs will almost double in the next 10 years, it would take me 20 years to get my money back between an 80 and a 90.

Not sure i follow your logic, you would save 13% on your annual bill. I figure about 5-6 years to recoop the cost of the equipment ONLY.

[imeduc]

Go to http://www.warmair.net and see what fuel cost less there. could be a heatpump will work for you.


ED

My mistakes dont define me they inform me.

[Murof]

Blowin in the wind...

Hi, I also have a new Carrier performance 80% efficiency gas furnace, which was installed April 2006. The fan blows VERY hard and noisy!. When the furnace is on I not only need to turn the TV up to hear it but the air blows very hard that my lips get chapped. Very strange! It also does not heat well. I feel cold air on my legs and sweltering heat when I stand. I have it set to come on 64. In Calif we can not install a new gravity furnace and must find a way to live with forced air. ugg!

Is there a way to turn the fan/blower down to a lower speed---off would be great [wishful thinking I know]

Thanks for your help!