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If you own an older furnace, you may not get the efficiency or power that you need. The unit may also pose safety issues that need to be addressed. If you are unable to buy a new model, you may be able to improve the functionality and the safety of the unit by retrofitting it. Here are a few retrofits you may want to consider: Intermittent Ignition An older furnace is likely outfitted with a continuous pilot light that keeps the system burning. This constant flame can cause loss of energy and can pose a serious safety issue. Instead, you can add an intermittent ignition system to the unit, which will light only when the heat is needed. Typically, the flame will stay lit throughout the winter and will go out in the spring and summer. Installing an intermittent ignition is not an easy job, and it is not one you should attempt yourself. Call a professional to install it to ensure it is done right. You can expect to pay a couple hundred dollars for the new ignition and installation, but you'll get that cost back through lower energy bills. Vent Damper When your boiler is turned off, the steam that is left over from a previous session may escape through the chimney, which is a waste of the energy. You can contain that energy and make your furnace more efficient by adding a vent damper. The damper, also called a flue, will close off the vent. This will help to retain the heat for use when the system is turned back on. By adding a damper, you can save energy costs and heat a room more quickly. Derating Gas Burner This may be hard to believe, but sometimes, your furnace is actually too big for your house. It may be putting out more heat than you actually need for the space, especially if you have taken steps to make the rest of your home more energy-efficient. You can add a derating gas burner to your system to reduce the capacity. The system will put out only the heat you need. Adding a derating gas burner is another job that you should leave to the professionals. It's an inexpensive job in most cases, so you can easily fit it into your budget. An older furnace may not operate as efficiently as it can, and it may pose many safety issues for your home. By retrofitting it, you can streamline its operations and correct any safety issues. These are some of the most common, after-market modifications, but depending on the kind of boiler you have, there are many other options. Talk to a professional about what's possible. Are you looking for the right professionals to repair your furnace? Holland, MI, residents can visit our site to learn more. http://www.schaafsma.com/webapp/p/325/gas-fired-boilers-and-furnaces.
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