Thursday, October 31, 2013

New Furnace

Wouldn't you know it, we need a new furnace!

The gas furnace started acting up two weeks ago. Sometimes it would come on and blow hot air and sometimes it would come on and blow cold air. Turning it off and back on would sometimes fix it. We called the repairman and he arrived today. He said the "board" had to be replaced. The "board" is actually two pieces, a $200 part and a $400 part. These prices are both plus tax and installation bringing the total up to almost $800 for the pair.

"The real problem" he said is that the furnace is 23 years old and only has two or three more years of life left in it. Throwing $800 at it would only delay the inevitable. Plus, this old technology is only 80 some percent efficient and the new ones are 96.5% efficient. The new one is $4200 after tax and labor. As much as I hate to spend the money right now, a new furnace is the smart way to go.

They promise to be here early next week. Now I just have to find the money to pay for it!

15 comments:

  1. Get the furnace fixed and sell the house. That's what we did, and in that order!

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  2. Yikes! That's a financial hit before heading south but, the energy savings - over the long term - should help heal your financial pain. You won't have to worry with furnace quitting while you are several thousand kilometres away from home. Good luck with that.

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    1. Rene, yes, in theory the energy savings should pay for the furnace in a few years. In theory.

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  3. When it rains, it pours. You're right though about the new furnace being the way to go. No point in throwing good money after bad.

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    1. Keep telling me that, Gary! In the past five months we have replaced the dishwasher and furnace and repaired the chimney. It was a bad year.

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  4. We sold our house, just before the new furnace, hot water tank and roof needed done.

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  5. Not a great time for that too happen, Croft. I guess you'll just have to do some extra boondocking while on the road this year.

    I thought BC Hydro had some kind of program or incentives for new efficient gas furnaces?

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    1. I think it is only for gas water heaters right now Rick. I will check again as that would be nice!

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  6. Ouch!! It all adds up to a lot of pesos! But it has to be done, have a drink on me. It will help.

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    1. Pass the Two Buck Chuck por favor!

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    2. Ummm sorry but 24 cases just might not be enough for me.....but I will buy you a bottle of Scotch!

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    3. Scotch will do. I would not want to cut into your supply! ;)

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  7. The home we recently sold was built in 1965 and had the original furnace that is still going strong.

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    1. I Googled length of life for gas furnaces and they say anything over 15 - 18 years is a bonus. There is no question though, the older ones lasted longer. Climate has a lot to do with it of course.

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