[Clough]

Hi, All!

In the Northern Hemisphere, Winter will soon be here!

I'm just looking for what a person might find that would indicate that a gas or electric furnace might need to be replaced.

I had an assessor from a community action agency come out to my home last week. He wrote down that both my furnace as well as my hot water heater are non-functioning.

I mean, they work, but barely...

When my furnace starts up, it "bangs" and barely puts out any heat. Definitely not like it used to almost twenty years ago, anyway...

Thanks!

[hvac1000]

Age and condition used to be the deciding factors in replacement of appliances, furnaces, and water heaters but today that has somewhat changed.

Today it seems to be all about efficiency and energy dollar savings for people who can afford the upgrade. High efficiency gas furnaces will save big dollars but come with the facts that repair costs after the warranty is over will be higher. Electric furnaces with heat pumps have made it very easy to save electric energy dollars also.

Water heaters are also available that offer higher efficiency. In one section of this home we installed an electric instant water heater and it has proven to be reliable along with the fact that as long as the hot water is turned on you will never run out.

Most all appliances can be repaired to like new condition but that cost along with how much energy can be saved by the purchase of a new unit needs to be balanced by the funds available to be spent.

As far as items that are a tip off to indicate your furnace or water heater needs to be replaced are usually simple.

How are the systems working now?
You just had an inspection stating the unit's condition. Do you believe this person? If not get a second opinion.
Is the hot water heater leaking?
Do the units still do the job that they were designed to do?

You will have to depend upon an On Site Survey to really find out the strait story on your equipment. If you feel, now is the time to replace and you have the funds then go for it or at least get a second On Site opinion to verify what the original person told you.

Seeing and testing the equipment is the only true way to know there condition unless for example the water heater is leaking and in that case it will need to be replaced or repaired depending upon the style. Tank less/instant heaters can be repaired but large tank type heaters that leak are usually not a candidate for repair.

[Clough]

How are the systems working now? Not very well. Definitely not like they did almost twenty years ago.

You just had an inspection stating the unit’s condition. Do you believe this person? If not get a second opinion. I do believe him. He does this thing all the time. He's also an "arm" of the State.

Is the hot water heater leaking? No, but it doesn't put out hot water for a very long period at all. Barely enough to take a shower for fifteen minutes.

Do the units still do the job that they were designed to do? No. House is very cold in the Winter, even with the furnace turned way up.

Thanks!

[hvac1000]

Looks like you might be in the market for some new units. Remember get at least two estimates.

[Clough]

Hi, All!

I'm still looking for some indicators and suggestions here.

Thanks!