Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - Considering new furnace--opinions?
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bmears
02-13-05, 07:56 PM
My oil furnace is OLD (and leaking oil--see my previous thread). I'm preparing to buy a new one. I'd like to hear your thoughts and advice on my options. Some helpful info and related questions:
-I'm 99.9% sure that I'm staying with oil (no compelling reason to switch to gas, electric, etc.)
-My house is almost a hundred years old. It is currently UNINSULATED and drafty. I will remodel and insulate, room by room, and hopefully complete in 5 - 7 years. I suspect that the current state of my house will play a part in the furnace that I choose... how shoud that affect the furnace I choose?
-I'm an 'early adopter' of new technologies. What's the latest and greatest in oil furnace technology? I'f there's something new and improved on the market, I'd like to know (and research) that.
-Anything else in general that I should be thinking about as I consider different options?
-Last one... is installing a furnace something I could consider doing myself? I'm a serious DIY'er, and to give you some idea of my skill level, I've recently added a two story addition (bathroom and mudroom) and did ALL work myself; I'm also preparing to build a porch, replace some windows and reside my house.
Again, any information you can offer/share would be extremely appreciated. Thanks!
Brian
-I'm 99.9% sure that I'm staying with oil (no compelling reason to switch to gas, electric, etc.)
-My house is almost a hundred years old. It is currently UNINSULATED and drafty. I will remodel and insulate, room by room, and hopefully complete in 5 - 7 years. I suspect that the current state of my house will play a part in the furnace that I choose... how shoud that affect the furnace I choose?
-I'm an 'early adopter' of new technologies. What's the latest and greatest in oil furnace technology? I'f there's something new and improved on the market, I'd like to know (and research) that.
-Anything else in general that I should be thinking about as I consider different options?
-Last one... is installing a furnace something I could consider doing myself? I'm a serious DIY'er, and to give you some idea of my skill level, I've recently added a two story addition (bathroom and mudroom) and did ALL work myself; I'm also preparing to build a porch, replace some windows and reside my house.
Again, any information you can offer/share would be extremely appreciated. Thanks!
Brian
Jay11J
02-13-05, 09:11 PM
This what I would do.
I would try to fix your current furance now. it maybe a simple thing like a gasket, and a good cleaning/tune up.
Reason I say that. is since you said you are doing room by room, I'd hate to see the new furance get all build up w/ dust and what not over the next few years as you do the work on the house.
If your system is on it's last leg, and needs to be replaced. Look into ThermoPride. Thermopride furnace is a TANK! That what it should be. This would be your last furnace to buy in your life time in the house. I will let you know, Thermopride are not cheap. but you're done buying a new furnace. Some new ones now days may only last you 10 or 15 years. From what I've read, that Trane oil is made by Thermopride. So if you have a Trane dealer in your area, go that route if you can't get a Thermopride.
Check outThermopride's web page. (www.thermopride.com)
Oil furnace is pretty simple, not as complex as some of these newer high effceny gas furnace. There are 90% oil out there. but it just too new and too much maintance on these. Just go with the basic 80%.
However, Thermopride does have a varible speed blower, and if you have A/C, go that way! It's a quiet blower, and use less electricity.
If I was given something free, I'd go oil. Oil heat is very warm, and you get more heat out of a unit of oil vs Gas.
It could be DIY project. but I strongly get a dealer in and have it done right. That way, if something did go wrong, You know you're covered! Not sitting out in the dark, and trying to figured out what's wrong or trying to find support.
If you must get a new system. I would tell the installing dealer that you are going to be updating the home's window, and insulation over time.. That way they won't over sized the system in your home.. An oversized system is NOT good... So make sure they do a heat lost/gain on your home, and figure in the factor that you will be improving the home!
I would try to fix your current furance now. it maybe a simple thing like a gasket, and a good cleaning/tune up.
Reason I say that. is since you said you are doing room by room, I'd hate to see the new furance get all build up w/ dust and what not over the next few years as you do the work on the house.
If your system is on it's last leg, and needs to be replaced. Look into ThermoPride. Thermopride furnace is a TANK! That what it should be. This would be your last furnace to buy in your life time in the house. I will let you know, Thermopride are not cheap. but you're done buying a new furnace. Some new ones now days may only last you 10 or 15 years. From what I've read, that Trane oil is made by Thermopride. So if you have a Trane dealer in your area, go that route if you can't get a Thermopride.
Check outThermopride's web page. (www.thermopride.com)
Oil furnace is pretty simple, not as complex as some of these newer high effceny gas furnace. There are 90% oil out there. but it just too new and too much maintance on these. Just go with the basic 80%.
However, Thermopride does have a varible speed blower, and if you have A/C, go that way! It's a quiet blower, and use less electricity.
If I was given something free, I'd go oil. Oil heat is very warm, and you get more heat out of a unit of oil vs Gas.
It could be DIY project. but I strongly get a dealer in and have it done right. That way, if something did go wrong, You know you're covered! Not sitting out in the dark, and trying to figured out what's wrong or trying to find support.
If you must get a new system. I would tell the installing dealer that you are going to be updating the home's window, and insulation over time.. That way they won't over sized the system in your home.. An oversized system is NOT good... So make sure they do a heat lost/gain on your home, and figure in the factor that you will be improving the home!
Ed Imeduc
02-14-05, 01:12 PM
Might want to go to http://www.warmair.net and see what fuel is best cost wise for where you are at.
As can you put it in why not. But do you have to rework the duct work or a new plenum that all take sheet metal tools and shop to do it. Then who will fire it off and set it up test it as it should be?
ED ;)
As can you put it in why not. But do you have to rework the duct work or a new plenum that all take sheet metal tools and shop to do it. Then who will fire it off and set it up test it as it should be?
ED ;)
Al Gregory
02-16-05, 01:39 PM
Hallmark is another good furnace. It produces better than 80% effeciency without circuit boards and controls that not all companies might carry on their trucks. Duct work needs to be sized and a heat loss needs to be done. Should have a pro do it for u.
tinker toys
02-17-05, 11:39 AM
All i'll say is there is no reason for the circut board systems except more trouble. Installing a replacement unit is a snap if you can handle the sheet metal and tools are cheap. If you are doing the replacement in the off season there are sheet metal shops in most areas that mainly do duct work and will make you any custom pieces to match your system and also keep the air flow proper...PSSST most units come with the instructions on the initial fireing and testing. The only thing you wont have is the fancy gas/O2 test stuff.
FYI. Stay away from any brand York International handles asp gas units because after 10 years you will not be able to get replacement parts like a burner..everything else can be in great shape but the burner and you'll have to buy a new unit anyway.
FYI. Stay away from any brand York International handles asp gas units because after 10 years you will not be able to get replacement parts like a burner..everything else can be in great shape but the burner and you'll have to buy a new unit anyway.