It appears that my existing furnace is about to die on me so I need to purchase a new one as soon as possible. Any recommendations as to what brand to get? Anything else to look for or be aware of? Anything I should improve/replace at the same time? The current (original from 1984) system is forced hot air with central a/c. Thanks in advance for any information/help!

-87W

Get at least 3 bids for the replacement.

If you can afford it replace the A/C at the same time. A 1984 A/C unit has seen its better days.

Most oil furnaces work well. The most important item in any new system is the quality of the install. Check with your friends to see who they are satisfied with and also check with the BBB to see if any complaints have been filed against the company you are buying from.

In my area Carrier, Bryant and Goodman are the three best sellers. I also listed them in the order I would recommend them. My next choice would be a Payne which is still a very good system but at a lower price.

Like hvac said above get estaments from at least three companies. One more thing, the biggest company is not always the best to use.

Also be sure you will get service after the install .A lot of companys install and then leave you hangin on tune-ups and repairs. Be sure the brand is easy to get replacement parts if a small independent guy is close by with a good rep try an est. from him as well as a few others most give "frre est."

Thanks for the feedback. More information - the furnace stopped blowing air twice last week. Both times I hit the reset and that started it back up for a little while. The oil company came out and cleaned some soot out the first time and replaced a nozzle the second time. Yesterday the furnace went out again and this time they came and serviced it and now it's blowing cool air. I talked to a friend of mine and he said it might be the burner or the controls and that I might not have to replace it. Thoughts? Thanks again for all the help.

-87W

Ok, just talked to the oil company and got more details (I wasn't home yesterday and didn't get a chance to speak to them). Part of the furnace is cracked.

The guy at my oil company is recommending a Hallmark furnace as a replacement. Thoughts? Thanks!

-87W

That is a small furnace manufacturer up north. It is actually called Boyertown Furnace since they bought out Hallmark furnace in 1980. I have no information for that companys products as to how well they work so you will have to follow this link and decide for yourself.

Boyertown Furnace Company (http://www.boyertownfurnace.com/)

The second quote I received was for a Rheem clean air furnace. The quote was lower than the first but from reading reviews, it doesn't sound like Rheem is that good of a brand. Thoughts? Thanks again for all the help.

http://www.hungerfordoil.com/pdf/ROBD-series-oil.pdf

Oil Furnaces : Oil Hot Air Furnaces : Baltimore : Marland (http://www.hvac-webdirect.com/oil_furnaces_baltimore_maryland.html)

Overall the Hallmark seems to be a better built furnace. The only thing I can really say is let your wallet be your guide.

Thanks hvac1000. You've been a huge help. I'm getting a third quote this afternoon and then I'm going to decide. As this is a major investment, I don't mind spending a little more for a better product and for hopefully less maintenance headaches in the future. Both companies I've talked to so far have good reputations for service as well (the first has been my oil service company for 5 years and the second was recommended by a neighbor). Both companies are also recommending an air return (preferably on the second floor but definitely on the first) as I also have central A/C.

-87W