Jadnashua
Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
NYS has a program for older residents with certain income levels for some free energy related fixes to their homes...I signed my mother up and she had a guy out this week. They then send their recommendation to the state, and if approved, the work gets done - materials and labor up to $4K at no cost to the homeowner...seemed like a no brainer to me.
As is true with many older furnaces, hers is probably a bit over 2x what's needed. The guy said he would have his tech look at it, and if possible, derate it a bit.
While I don't disagree that it's oversized...can a typical furnace be derated? I suppose some of them may be modular, and you could do this. I'm wondering if it is generally feasible, and if so, how it is done.
The rest of the stuff he recommended (I was listening on the phone, she's 400-miles away) sounded reasonable, air sealing the rim joist and insulating, adding insulation in the attic and a few other places, sealing better and insulating the wall better between the garage and the living room. I'm still wondering about the furnace.
As is true with many older furnaces, hers is probably a bit over 2x what's needed. The guy said he would have his tech look at it, and if possible, derate it a bit.
While I don't disagree that it's oversized...can a typical furnace be derated? I suppose some of them may be modular, and you could do this. I'm wondering if it is generally feasible, and if so, how it is done.
The rest of the stuff he recommended (I was listening on the phone, she's 400-miles away) sounded reasonable, air sealing the rim joist and insulating, adding insulation in the attic and a few other places, sealing better and insulating the wall better between the garage and the living room. I'm still wondering about the furnace.