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Need Home Gas Furnace Recommendation

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Hoagie

Civil/Environmental
Feb 2, 2005
198
I will need a new furnace within the next year at my house. The house is a single story and is 1200-sqft. I will be adding an 2nd floor addition that will increse the floor area to 1800, say. I will need the unit to heat and chill. I already have an AC compressor.

Generally, what size am I looking for?

Who makes the most reliable and energy efficient units?

Are there any newer technologies that I should be looking at?

H.







 
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I would recommend that you consider using window units for supplemental cooling after the internet recommendations turn out to be too small.

You really need to consult a heating and cooling contractor.
 
I would only consider a condensing furnace (90+% efficient). Also, consider a two stage unit. Sizing the unit... well, that depends on where you are geographically (among other things, such as how well insulated your house is).

What size unit it in your house now and what is the efficiency?
 
Generally, you are looking for a unit big enough to handle your heat loss at the design temperature. That requires knowing your building envelope and choosing a design temperature that is reasonable for your location. Most residential building codes refer to ACCA Manual J for sizing units and set the minimum design temperature.


Don Phillips
 
A key factor in longevity of the unit if condensing is the materials used in the heat exchanger(s). Certain brands use plastic-coated carbon steel that is subject to failure of the coating, while others use a stainless steel HX. There are lawsuits regarding failures of the first kind. Either kinds requires a drain for condensation and this can be very acidic!! Mine has eaten a concrete splash block completely in half in a short time. I would run it as far from the foundation as possible and if to a sanitary line, make sure it is plastic.
 
make sure you do not get teh "Goodman" Brand.
The cheapest around. stay with teh brand names such as Trane, carrier
 
Carrier is the brand with plastic-coated HX's. Check the lawyers' ads for the class action lawsuit.
 
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