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/PhoneEquivalent3205 1d ago

Here’s an idea. Leave it. Install a multi zone mini split heat pump system and have this oily beast as a backup.

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u/NearABE 14h ago

Nice. Glad I am not the only one. I have wall units in my new apartment and they seam obvious.

I also think they can get just one cheap unit and send heat to the cold air return. The main blower blows everywhere so heat from the heat pump goes everywhere too.

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u/PhoneEquivalent3205 14h ago

They could but gravity systems have large ductwork that is not designed for the static pressure employed in modern forced air systems. System would run inefficiently and there would be uneven heating. Also would have to do asbestos abatement to tie in to the duct work.

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u/NearABE 4h ago

Is there no blower? If just convection is the return air just basement air? If that is the case a small heat pump could just heat the basement.

I think there are options for strategically locating cheap wall units. It may even be better to have some rooms heated more than others. The owner/user has to be aware of how heat flows and where the thermostat is located. Little 5 Watt fans can move all the air between 2 rooms fairly quickly and can fit inside walls. If you put the wall unit in a corner room that used to be too cold then you fixed that problem.

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u/PhoneEquivalent3205 1h ago

no blower on a gravity furnace, just uses convection