We, too, live in Michigan (southeast) and faced a similar dilemma 3 years
ago.
Our home is a bi-level, about 1,800 square feet.
It's best to replace everything at the same time.
It's best to make the replacement when these appliances are still operating
and you are not rushing to make a decision.
We purchased a Trane furnace and A/C.
These replaced a 22 year old furnace system and a 14 year old A/C system.
Get at least 3 estimates......our estimates ranged from the ridiculous to
the best price and warranty.

The only things we would do different is

1) NOT buy the 2 speed furnace (requires water removal hose).
We don't believe the 2 speed has held up to the high efficiency hype and we
don't like hearing the trickling water stream frequently run out into the
sump pump. Plus, as one person later told us, there is just more parts to
break down on this type of furnace. I'm just a consumer, so, I don't have a
clue if that statement is true or not.

2) And, we would not get a programmable thermostat........it is a total
pain.......we are so sorry we paid extra for that feature.

The best money saving features we put in was an automatic thermostat
operated
gas fireplace furnace in the lower level and a fan in the upper level
portion of the hallway. Since we have a bi-level, this automatic fireplace
furance has saved us a bundle in gas bills (we were surprised at the savings
with just this one appliance!). I don't know if this savings is a result of
the bi-level design or if it would work with any basement where the lower
heated air can rise to the upper portion of the house. All I can say is that
the gas bill savings was enormous and it cost hardly anything in electricity
to run either.

Good Luck.


"Rotation Slim" wrote in message
om...
My furnace and AC are both about 15 years old, I think they are on
their last legs, so I am thinking about replacing them. AC struggles
mightilly to keep up in warm weather, leaks the water that it takes
out of the air. Furnace is just old, although no major problems.

I live in a 4 bedroom, 2 story colonial, I think 2000 square feet.
Have 7 kids so doors are never shut. Live in Michigan, cold winters,
humid summers. Don't want the kids growing up soft.. so I don't feel
the need to run AC all the time, just a few weeks a summer when it is
really hot and humid. Forced air/Natural gas.

Have a few questions:

* Is it wise to replace because it it old, or should I wait until a
breakdown? (I happen to have cash on hand now, may or may not have
cash in future when it breaks down)
* Is it likely that a new unit would be more effient and start saving
me significant money? (that is part of my thinking on replacing it
now, instead of waiting, any validity in that avenue of thought)
* I get from a few general conversations that I should avoid the super
efficient models for some reason, what is the thinking there?
* Any general recomendations on considerations when looking at AC?
* Is there any advantage in replacing both AC and Heater together?
* Any good Web sites where I can do general research before I start
looking at specific brands or systems?
* Any general ideas on cost, I realize they probably vary greatly, but
any ballparks.
* Can I save money by hauling out old furnace myself (if it will save
a couple of hundred bucks, I have a saw-z-all and a couple of
brothers, how tough could it be??) obviously I would have to safely
vent refrigerant, which is probably freon, due to age of system.

Any Advice welcome--