Do you have any thoughts about possibly installing a new furnace sometime in the next few years? If so, read on.
On May 1, 2013, new federal regulations will take effect and will mandate that all new furnace installations must be a 90% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) unit, meaning a “high-efficiency” furnace. You most likely have an 80% unit today, meaning you will need to install a 90% unit if you do it after next April.
90% high efficiency furnaces are “condensing” units, because they condense water out of flue gases that would otherwise be vented up the chimney. This water condensate must be collected and disposed of before it freezes and leads to water overflow. Additionally, a new PVC flue must be installed. (80% units are not condensing units and do not have these issues)
The new venting and condensate issues will require additional labor to install the unit and will possibly require some redesign of
your existing configuration. There might also be some possible space issues since 90% furnaces have different space constraints than 80% units.
Bottom-line? Depending upon your specifics, a 90% furnace may bring with it considerable installation costs, versus none with another 80% unit. So if you do see a new furnace in your near future, call your heating contractor to be sure you understand all the costs and installation differences between another 80% furnace and a 90% unit. This should help you to determine the best solution for you.