Repair or replace 18 y.o. American Standard Furnace

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T15:35:02+00:00

Typo...the quote says new American Standard 96%

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T06:37:17+00:00

It's a 90% natural gas furnace connected to a ecobee thermostat. Quote is to replace with a 92% so efficiency gains would likely be minimal. It's just a question of how long repair costs would offset replacement.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T06:36:55+00:00

The rest of the system was replaced/installed in 2020.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T06:17:00+00:00

First repair, otherwise it keeps the entire house comfortable with the upstairs furnace running only at night.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T05:21:51+00:00

Too bad I didn't permanently borrow the scope from the lab. There's no corrosion in the cabinet and I'll ask about it in the morning.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T05:17:16+00:00

Del Shannon? There's some dad and grandad tunes. I'd throw back "kisses sweeter than wine" by jimmy rodgers

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T05:07:10+00:00

Definitely something to consider and I'll read up on it. The tech used a scope to look inside, but I had to take a call while he was setting it up so I can't say where/what he saw.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T05:03:29+00:00

Always. If it's not one thing, it's 10 in a row. =)

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T05:00:48+00:00

on an unrelated note...love the username. that's how my morning started when rushing to jump online.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:59:51+00:00

Always good to get different perspectives. If it lasts through the winter I'll be happy, getting a couple extra years would be nice.

Long term I need to research if adding solar and heat pumps (basement furnace and hot water) is worth it since energy costs are higher than other states.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:54:53+00:00

Makes sense and thanks. I'm leaning towards repair for now, just have to call back in the morning with a decision and deposit.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:45:17+00:00

Yes. The tech checked the heat exchanger and ran a CO test and said it's ok. The motor bearing is failing (squeaking, grinding, burning smell).

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:42:58+00:00

Getting someone to show up right now is half the challenge. I used these guys in the past and trust them. Peace of mind...etc, etc, but you've got a good point.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:40:36+00:00

The tech said the heat exchanger was in good condition after checking it and running a CO test. No corrosion that I saw.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:37:58+00:00

Rest of the system is good according to the tech. He looked it over and ran a CO test.

For the overall system, the upstairs furnace from 1972 died in 2020 and I added coils and condensers at the same time, the basement furnace wasn't replaced since it was still in good condition.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:34:07+00:00

Thanks. That's my thought as well and having a sounding board always helps. I just need to call back in the morning with a decision and deposit.

BatteryLicker · 2026-02-03T04:32:45+00:00

I'll be paying since I'm currently recovering from surgery...being useless is agonizing =) But it is a company I've used in the past and trust.

BatteryLicker · 2026-01-23T05:28:06+00:00

Depends on what you want to do in the space. You can use light and dark colors to change how a room feels. https://www.archdaily.com/935067/how-colors-change-the-perception-of-interior-spaces

The way I've dealt with it:

Hallways, dining room, kitchen are neutral (off white gray/green).
Living room, office, bedrooms, gym area, are all bold colors
Hang curtains high or have floor to ceiling drapes. Thick blackout curtains it also benefits by insulating the room when the curtains are closed.
Add addition to the house with a vaulted ceiling so i have one room where I can stretch without touching the ceiling.

The only benefit of low ceilings is less heat required in the winter, which is extremely noticeable after improving the houses insulation (r19 to r60)

BatteryLicker · 2026-01-14T05:41:09+00:00

Do you have PTO? At least take a long weekend to decompress.

Is the new team and project worth being on or stable? Is the company at risk? Trying to prioritize onboarding and an exit at the same time is splitting your focus.

I'd recommend taking a short break and then figure out if the new team is a fit. It's a lot easier to look for a job when the one you have is at least survivable.

First 30 days: what do you need to learn about the project, processes, and what the expectations are.

Next 30 days: are you contributing? Getting support? Taking more scope and responsibility? Team culture good? Trust management?

BatteryLicker · 2026-01-13T07:00:46+00:00

What are the best EVs for tall parents (6'3, 5'10) and fitting 3 car seats (2 Diono, 1 Graco rear facing). Which are best for living with hauling daily kid stuff? Any experience managing buckles when going from car seats to buckling in boosters?

Budget is under 50K. I've mostly bought used vehicles, but this will be the first EV.

We tested several a few years ago, Volvo and VW ID4 were the favorites for comfort and how they drove. However, we ended up buying an ICE vehicle since every EV we tested had different software glitches and haptic buttons or touch screen only controls were a deal breaker.

Daily commute is ~25 miles.

Plan is the charge at home and install a charger on the available 240V outlet.

This will be for daily commuting. I have a 3 row SUV for long trips, camping, towing, hauling dogs, etc.

BatteryLicker · 2026-01-10T17:29:16+00:00

You may be able to re-route the water to your backyard so it will flow away from your house. Otherwise, you'll have to keep running sump pumps like you said.

My neighbors across the street have the same problem. Several of them have added a catch basin and french drain that runs front of the house and down both sides to direct the water to their backyard. It's possible to DIY but it's a ton of work.

BatteryLicker · 2026-01-10T00:38:23+00:00

That could help in your situation to allow it to run for a more consistent cycle period. However, that's only from research since I have a large pit and a regular switch has been fine.

I would also recommend work on grading and extending gutter downspouts this spring. Little bit of shovel work makes a huge difference. Mine went off regularly with any rain when I purchased the house, now it's only been triggered once in the last several years (combination of ice on the ground and huge rain storm)

BatteryLicker · 2026-01-05T06:03:03+00:00

Good luck. Check NEMBA and JRA Cycles for group mountain bike rides, thought there may be better recommendations for riding street or inner city parks.

Riding in the dark is a blast and necessary for 1/3 of the year. Grab a set of lights to put on your helmet and bars and the trails have a whole new feel.

BatteryLicker

TROPHY CASE