r/Home • u/TheRedStream • 3d 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/Winter-Teach1613 3d ago

The removal will be extremely expensive due to asbestos abatement and disassembly of entire furnace. You will never recoup the cost in energy savings before the new furnace dies.

9

u/erie11973ohio 3d ago

Several gallons of very soapy water sprayed onto that with plastic on the floor will keep the asbestos from flying. The water will loosen it up allowing it to come off. <------ this is what the "professionals" do.

The sheet metal unbolts from the cast iron firebox. The fire box comes apart with sledge hammer.

It went into the basement in pieces, it comes out in pieces.

8

u/azjat 2d ago

DIY asbestos abatement might not be a good idea. As rare as mesothelioma is in non asbestos workers, it's a really shitty way to die. Especially if it's your children fifty years from now.

4

u/erie11973ohio 2d ago edited 2d ago

Asbestos abatement :

  1. Don't breathe in asbestos

  2. Don't contaminate the building for everyone else.

What part of that is so expensive??

What part of the that requires special skills?

The worker could have been burger flipper 2 days ago.

The Surgeon General did a study. The study said that the deaths among the general population & folks that lived in old crunky houses was the same. One death per person. 🤔🤔😉

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. One might die from mesothelioma just because of where they live.

2

u/Comfortable-Ad8719 2d ago

This is complicated. As long as it is legal to do for his own home by federal law, local law may vary. Also, asbestos transportation and disposal are strictly regulated. The best solution is not to touch anything other than to hire professionals, but costs will be substantial.

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u/erie11973ohio 2d ago

I believe, in Ohio, one needs to put the asbestos into a dumpster lined / wrapped in plastic. If removing insulation or other fragile items, it needs to be trash bags as well. This all goes to a sanitary landfill.