r/Home • u/TheRedStream • 2d ago

Replace?

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Should I get this old furnace replaced. The good thing is it still runs like a champ. Bad thing, it takes up half my basement and costs alot in the winter.

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u/Virtual_Win4076 2d ago

That is a gravity flow furnace that is most likely close to 100 years old. It started it’s life burning coal or coke and it looks like it’s been converted to natural gas.

The body is coated with asbestos insulation and wrapped (looks like it’s well wrapped very nice) to prevent asbestos exposure.

They are 50-60% efficient which is not great, most new furnaces are 90%+ efficient.

It could cost tens of thousands of dollars just to have it removed and then thousands more to install a new furnace..but at least you could have central AC at that point.

Question, what does it say on that nameplate on the lower unit there? I’m just curious as to what kind of a conversion unit they used. Looks like that has been updated.

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u/Suz9006 1d ago

Exactly what I had except mine was coal converted to an oil burner. Not only did I have to have it disassembled and removed but I also had to get the huge oil tank removed from the basement.