On 18 Sep 2006 05:45:30 -0700, "drewink" wrote:

I have a builder grade Comfort Maker single stage furnace that has a
bad heat exchanger. It is 5 1/2 years old and still under warranty.
The part is free, but install is $1500. They gave me the option of
replacing, or installing a new Trane 2 stage furnace for $3500. They
said that I could save $500-$700 per year with the 2 stage. I have dual
zone heating with the second Comfort Maker furnace in the attic. It is
working fine. Is it worth having the better furnace installed, or is
the guy blowing smoke? I have used this HVAC company for many years,
but I know nothing about HVAC except change filters and service twice
per year. The total heating area is approximately 3300 square feet. Any
help would be appreciated.

Drewink

You have been punked!

There is no such thing as a bad heat exchanger. It is just a ploy by
hvac criminals to get your money.

Think about it.
So what if the heat exchanger leaks. There are millions of homes
heated by natural gas and propane that dump 100% of the flue gases
into the home.

And funny thing is, they have been using this heating system for a
couple of hundred years without a problem.

The only precaution I suggest you use is to buy a couple of detectors
and hang one near your bed and another in your living quarters down
low. Many are made to plug in the wall socket and are just the right
height to give you an early warning.

Their solution: $1500. Mine: $40.