Furnace questions please

[Diane G.]

Furnace experts - please help...

I am looking for replace furnace for a rental unit soon... It is for a 2/2 condo that is currently renting $4500 a month...

1. what brand is good

2. How much BTU is good

3. what is the cost?

Thank you in advance for your knowledge /expertise... thank you

[Tom W.]

@Diane G.

I have been installing and servicing HVAC equipment for 40 years now and I can say, based on experience, there is very little difference between brands. They all have good points and bad points but there is no bright shining star that stands out above the rest. The biggest factor by far in how reliable a piece of equipment will be is the installing contractor. I have seen a lot of good equipment installed poorly that has failed prematurely. Duct systems, piping systems, flues, combustion air inlets and maintenance can be much more important than furnace brand. Finding a quality contractor is key but unfortunately, for investment purposes, he will probably not be the cheapest.

BTU output of the furnace should be determined by your contractor. A heat loss calculation of the building should be performed to determine the proper unit size. The days of taking a guess based on square footage of the space are over. Most towns will require a copy of the calculations when issuing permits.

Costs will vary depending on what is required. If it’s just the furnace that needs to be replaced that will obviously be less expensive than if you need duct modifications or air conditioning replacement as well. One hint to keep your costs down however, stay with standard efficiency equipment. The extra cost of purchasing and installing high efficiency equipment is rarely, if ever, regained by the fuel cost savings. The number of years needed to break even is usually longer than the equipment will last. Additionally, the cost of repair parts for high efficiency equipment can sometimes run as much as three times the cost of standard efficiency parts. One service call for emergency repair could wipe out any energy cost savings, present and future.