Save Money with a New, Energy-efficient Furnace

(Page 4 of 4)

December 2008/January 2009
By Dan Chiras 
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Removal of an old furnace and installation of a new, high-efficiency gas furnace with 3-ton capacity (1 ton equals 12,000 Btu), for a 2,500 square foot home:

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Estimated cost for materials only: $2,525

Estimated total installed cost, including materials and labor: $3,900

What Will You Save? Although highly efficient gas furnaces typically cost $500 to $1,000 more than less-efficient models, they will easily make up the difference in fuel savings because they’re up to 15 percent more efficient. To calculate your potential cost savings, check out the savings calculator (the calculator is in the right column under “Consumers.”) You also can calculate return on investment through the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. (Costs are national averages and do not include sales tax.)

Go Green!

If your home is heated by a forced-air system, it’s a good idea to hire an energy auditor to test for leaks in your ducts. Leaky ducts can lose up to 35 percent of the hot air produced by a furnace. You can seal the ducts with mastic or hire a professional to do the job for you.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dirt and neglect are the main causes of heating system inefficiency and failure. To prevent problems and lower heating costs, the EPA recommends periodic professional servicing of your system. Also clean or replace air filters in forced-air systems every month or two during the heating and cooling seasons.

This article is excerpted from Green Home Improvement, by Mother Earth News contributing editor Dan Chiras.

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Comments

  • Ali_Z 1/9/2009 3:54:47 AM

    This week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas are set to generate profit from people so If I were you, I would not attenf the said show.This show is shrinking just like the economy and salespeople are looking to generate more than interest this year – they are looking to generate profit. So if you’re already strapped for cash it might be best to stay away. But, if you’ve managed to stay ahead on your finances, with or without a payday loan, some of the items featured this year might help keep you ahead. The focus at the convention this year is on inexpensive, energy-efficient technology that will help people save money. Of course, they’ll have to spend some first. http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/01/05/think-twice-before-taking-out-payday-loan-to-go-to-las-vegas-consumer-electronics-show/

  • Victor C. Green 12/1/2008 6:46:57 PM

    Your article does not address gas fired hot-water furnaces.

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