"xanuda" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi all. We live in IL and looking to replace our old furnace. We
have had a
few
estimates and now we are trying to decide between an 80% and 90%
efficient heaters and 1 stage / 2 stage / variable models. The price
difference between 80% and 90% seems to be about 600-800 for Trane.
The price difference between different stages is also several hundred
$$$. How do we make a decision whether it is worth money to go with a
more expansive model. I'm looking for a dummy-oriented advice as my
knowledge here is pretty mich zero

Take a look at the fuel use from the previous year. How much did it cost
you? If it was $2000, you'd save about 10%, or $200 in a year. Payback
will be about 4 years, then you save that every year after. As the cost of
fuel goes up (and it will) the savings will be even greater.