Need advice for new gas furnace

[audio_tronics]

I'm looking for advice on what (and if) I should buy a newer, more efficient gas furnace.

I've got a 13.5 yr-old Rheem 90 AFUE furnace heating a 3000 sqr.ft. home in the Northeast (Rochester, NY). The 30% Federal tax credit plus up to $600 utility co. rebate has motivated me to see if it would make sense to spring for a new 95+ AFUE furnace. We plan to keep the house for 12+ years. I know that calculating the annual energy cost savings involves lots of variables and probably would amount to no more than $100/yr.

Given this basic scenario, please offer any advice regarding if buying a new furnace would make a lot of sense or would be a waste of money, and furthermore if you could recommend perhaps 3 brands of 95+ gas furnaces known for good reliability and value. Thanks.

[probe]

I install mostly Goodman due to best warranty in the business. I also install Trane with less of a warranty and higher cost. It's kind of like trying to decide between Ford and GM.

[audio_tronics]

Thanks Probe.

How would you compare a Rheem or Carrier gas furnace to a Goodman or Trane.

[beenthere]

If you current heating bill is $2000.00 a year. Then you Might see a 100 dollar reduction/savings on your heating bill.

Best to have a load calc done, and see if the current size furnace is really the size you need.
Plus, you can then tell, if adding insulation, and sealing your home better will save you more money.

Improve home first, replace furnace second.

[BaldLoonie]

What been said.

Rheem makes a great 90% furnace. I pulled Sis's a couple years ago for a duct repair, at the time it was 14 years old, the heat exchanger looked like new. Savings from 92-93% which the RGRA/RGTA is to 95% is virtually nil. You may not get 12 more years from it though those stainless steel tubular heat exchangers well could... If you want to buy new, RGRM 2 stage heat with variable speed blower!

Put some money in the house, LOTS faster payback.

[stay gold jonny]

I've installed Goodman furnaces for over 10years and can honestly say they are very nice. I have a Goodman in my own house (GMV 95% 2 stage) and it is great.

My only suggestion for you is talk to your local contractor's find out how easy they can get parts for their respctive equipment and choose the contractor that you like best. Price is meaningless. Service AFTER the sale is everything!

[audio_tronics]

Thanks BaldLoonie.

You said:

"Savings from 92-93% which the RGRA/RGTA is to 95% is virtually nil. You may not get 12 more years from it though those stainless steel tubular heat exchangers well could...

Put some money in the house, LOTS faster payback."

The house is very well insulated and sealed. So, what about the heat exchanger? Do you think the Rheem RGRA/RGTA will go 26 years total w/o a major failure?

What do you think about upgrading to an ECM motor for lower temperature stratification (house has 3 floors) and electricity savings? We usually run the AC blower on auto. Thanks for your honest opinions.

[commerce48]

I'm looking for advice on what (and if) I should buy a newer, more efficient gas furnace.

I've got a 13.5 yr-old Rheem 90 AFUE furnace heating a 3000 sqr.ft. home in the Northeast (Rochester, NY). The 30% Federal tax credit plus up to $600 utility co. rebate has motivated me to see if it would make sense to spring for a new 95+ AFUE furnace. We plan to keep the house for 12+ years. I know that calculating the annual energy cost savings involves lots of variables and probably would amount to no more than $100/yr.

Given this basic scenario, please offer any advice regarding if buying a new furnace would make a lot of sense or would be a waste of money, and furthermore if you could recommend perhaps 3 brands of 95+ gas furnaces known for good reliability and value. Thanks.

I think you should consider when as a factor. The tax credit is for 2009/2010. Why not get one more season of use out of your current system? No downsides and I can think of several more upsides for waiting until spring or summer.

While most installers do not give "discounts" for the off season, they will have less time pressures and may give you a better estimate and install. You will also have more time for product research (there are significant differences that may play better with your personal preferences) and picking the best installer. Many manufacturers seem to have the best system discounts in the spring/summer.

It is likely that the tax credit will be extended in some form in 2011. So you might even consider getting over your buying fever and waiting two more heating seasons. To be on the safe side though, you should buy before fall 2010. It is likely that the manufacturers will realize that they do not need to offer incentives in the waning days of the tax credit to make the same number of sales.

[timkav]

Loonie,
Is this a case of "Do as I say, not as I do?" I understand that you have a New TAPPAN Downflow, 2-Stage Variable Speed Gas Furnace in your home, matched with a TAPPAN 2 Ton, 14 SEER Heat Pump System. Great system, isn't it?