When money is in short supply, obviously, it would be imprudent to replace your furnace. Or is it imprudent?

It depends on your circumstances for the most part. Yes, the investment in a new furnace is a costly expenditure but the savings may be greater than the cost of heating your home with your present obsolete furnace. With gas and oil utility rates ever increasing, a calculation of present cost versus cost with a new furnace or heating system should be carefully analyzed.

Deciding on replacement, you will need estimates from heating contractors. The recommendation in this area, is to obtain 3 estimates. When you are requesting your estimate, check the efficiency rate of each unit you are considering. Another suggestion, ask the contractor to quote a price on one size larger heating and cooling unit he/she recommends you will need.

The thing to remember about heating and cooling units is that the recommendations from a contractor will be for the smallest unit for the cubic feet of your home. If you choose the recommended option, after the installation, you will find that it takes forever for your home to heat or cool. If you have your thermostat set at night for 60 degrees, and say, at 5:30 AM for 72 degrees, before the next time interval your furnace may not even reach 72 degrees. When you shower or bath in the morning before going to your job, your teeth may be chattering because your home is cold.

Here is a resource to assist you with comparitive calculations you will need in considering a new heating/cooling system: Calculate

Buyer beware when considering new heating/air conditioner systems. Knowledge will be your best friend!