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Status
Not Started
Priority
Low
Timeline
Before Winter
The Good News
The furnace works well and produces good heat. No performance issues reported. This is a maintenance item, not a repair or replacement project.
Current State
Heating System
Gas furnace, likely original to house
Cooling System
None (no AC installed)
Performance
Works well, produces plenty of heat
Maintenance Needed
Thorough professional cleaning service
Project Scope
Recommended Maintenance
- Professional furnace cleaning and inspection
- Check and replace air filter
- Inspect heat exchanger for cracks
- Clean burners and check ignition system
- Inspect flue and venting
- Check thermostat operation
- Lubricate moving parts if applicable
- Safety inspection (carbon monoxide risk assessment)
What We're Not Doing
No AC installation planned. The Pacific Northwest climate doesn't require it most of the time, and it's not a priority.
No upgrade to heat pump or split system. The existing furnace works well. Window upgrades may improve heat retention enough that the current system remains perfectly adequate.
Potential Pressure Points
If Selling or Inspecting
An older furnace (original to the house) may prompt buyers or inspectors to recommend upgrading to a modern high-efficiency unit or heat pump. This is worth being aware of but doesn't mean it's necessary.
Counter-arguments to keep in mind:
- System works well with no performance issues
- Planned window upgrades will improve insulation
- Older furnaces often last 25-30+ years with maintenance
- Replacement cost ($5,000-15,000+) may not be justified
Contractor Research
HVAC Service Company 1 — TBD
Phone: —
Website: —
Notes: Look for companies that do maintenance/cleaning, not just replacement-focused
HVAC Service Company 2 — TBD
Phone: —
Website: —
Notes: —
Estimates
Wild Guess
$150 – $300
Professional cleaning and inspection service
If Replacement Needed
$5,000 – $15,000+
Only if inspection reveals serious issues
Decision Notes
Key Considerations
This is straightforward maintenance. A working furnace that produces good heat deserves a cleaning and safety check, not an automatic upgrade.
If the inspection reveals the heat exchanger is cracked or there are carbon monoxide concerns, that changes the calculus—safety trumps economics. But absent those issues, "old but functional" isn't a problem.
Coordinate timing with window replacement if possible. New windows plus a cleaned, well-maintained furnace may be the best answer to "is this heating system adequate?" questions.