Furnace, need help picking the right one!

[smp]

What do you guys think... do I need a high or mid efficiency furnace?
The house is like a medium sized 4 bedroom .. we already know how many BTU, but I need get some opinions on the high/mid efficiency thing. Also, who makes good furnaces?

 

[Pliablemoose]

It's sort of a formula, how long do you plan to live in the house?, what is the annual savings of the high efficiency furnace per year?

Any of the big name manuf make good furnaces, are you using gas or oil?

 

[smp]

Using gas.

Also, what are the big names in furnaces? Does sony or toyota make any?

 

What part of the country do you live in ? (Average annual temps)

How well is your house insulated ?

How is your house presently heated ? (Gas,electric,oil)

What is your average heating bill ?

What form of heat does the house presently have ? (Forced air,steam,hot water)

Heating your home efficiantly PDF Format

Hom*A*Syst PDF Format

Tips & Secrets to Choosing a New Heating & Cooling System

Heating & Cooling

How to identify a good contractor

Last but not least,call your local utility companies,many have rebates and programs for home owners who are upgrading there heating/cooling systems.
I have been through this same scenario several times already,it pays to shop around.

Good Luck

 

[Pliablemoose]

Furnaces are one area where few foreign manuf can match the US, there are some Japanese units, available in the US, but they're really expensive.

Sears (sells other folks stuff as Kennmore), Trane, Carrier...

Home Depot & Lowes sell furnaces & will arrange for their installation.

I used to help my dad install furnaces when I was a teenager.

 

[Ornery]

I went with an 80% efficiency model. The higher rated ones weren't worth the price difference IMO. The Comfortmaker Soft Sound Plus 80 has the stainless heat exchanger and 2 speed combustion fan, which is not so common. I paired it with a highly recommended Robertshaw programmable thermostat and a generic whole A/C system.

 

I paired it with a highly recommended Robertshaw programmable thermostat and a generic whole A/C system

HEY !
I used to work for RobertShaw at the Milford Connecticut plant back in the mid eighties

 

[Ornery]

The guy who installed my furnace and A/C insisted I purchase that brand. It cost close to $100.00, but he said the other brands weren't worth a damn. He said, if I bought another brand, I'd end up buying the Robertshaw in a few years anyway. If you like to play with programming gadgets, you'll love that unit!

BTW, nice list of links there Roger!

 

[PsychoAndy]

Can you get something wood burning? There's actually a practical use for all that junk mail you get.

-PAB

 

BTW, nice list of links there Roger!

Thanks

Google is da bomb

 

[Ornery]

Speaking of logs! If you're allowed to use unvented gas appliances, you can't beat them for efficiency... 100% Buy a CO Detector with it for peace of mind and you're all set!