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Should I replace my 8-year old 80% AFUE gas furnace with a 95% one?
QUESTION:Should I replace my 8-year old 80% AFUE gas furnace with a 95% one?
I have a small basement in which stands this 8-year old 80% AFUE gas furnace. I can finish my basement if I move it about 5 feet against the wall. I have received mixed opinions about moving the furnace. Some contractors say we are better off replacing the existing unit with a high-efficiency unit (95%) since the energy savings will pay-off in a few years. Whereas, some say we're OK with just moving it since furnaces typically last 15-20 years or more. We're confused what we should be doing. Need your help in deciding.
ANSWER: That "few year" savings pay off is based on how much you use your furnace which is based on your climate, building insulation and personal temperature settings. Most often companies over estimate how much people use their furnace in order to show a shorter pay back period. If you live in any type of mild climate a 95% furnace will have a much longer pay back period, maybe even 10 to 15 years. Myself living in California, I would definitely not upgrade my furnace.
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