replace furnace working at 81%?

[washingtoncrossing]

contractor says that we should replace our oil burner along with getting a new heat pump and a/c. our oil burner is 23 years old but runs at 81% efficiency.

after having a brief dream about going all the way with a Carrier Infinity heat pump and new oil furnace, now coming back down to earth and wondering if new furnace really wise.

any thoughts?

[BaldLoonie]

The burner may have 81% COMBUSTION efficiency but if older, its ANNUAL efficiency, the figure that counts, is probably more like 60%. Combustion efficiency aka steady-state efficiency is computed after taking readings when unit is fully warmed up. What that 81% doesn't tell you is how inefficient the burner is during startup. It also doesn't penalize the furnace for pouring heat up the flue during shutdown. What brand of furnace do you have?

[washingtoncrossing]

its a carrier

[beenthere]

You don't need to but the top of the line to get a duel fuel system

[washingtoncrossing]

yeah, but i guess i am limited to the 13 seer Comfort heat pump unless we replace the oil furnace too.

also, contractor is concerned about the height of the new coil that would replace the old coil.

old system is carrier, as looks like new one will be

[washingtoncrossing]

contractor also said what BaldLoonie said about the overall efficiency

[thomefan2579]

washingotn dont forget that variable speed will help with cooling as well if you go all the way