Our New High Efficient Furnace

Jane and I are close to completing all the recommendations from our spring energy audit. We replaced our 30-year old windows and doors, had insulation pumped into our walls and attic, and recently exchanged our dinosaur furnace with a high efficiency one.

For the latter, Jane and I called on my friend John Cannell who installs furnaces for a living. John works for J. Melvin & Associates Ltd., and is a member of the eco-book club I belong to, so naturally I turned to him given his expertise and passion for all things green.

John and his brother did a terrific job installing the Goodman furnace, which has an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 95.0. Given that the highest AFUE rating is 96.6, our furnace is about as efficient as it’s going to get.

Have we noticed a difference? The new furnace is quieter than the older one and more even-keeled in generating heat – it’s not a blaster like the other. With the insulation, we notice that the furnace doesn’t come on as often to maintain 18 degrees Celsius.

Next step is to install a programmable thermostat and ensure all seams are caulked and electrical outlets insulated. In the spring, we will decide whether to have John install a tankless water heater or invest in a solar system.

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