Gravity Furnace
Gravity Furnace Replacement in Los Angeles, CA
Older homes often feature outdated technology that can’t match the efficiency of newer systems. This is true even for heating systems, with many older homes in the Los Angeles area still being equipped with a gravity furnace. While these units do produce heat, they cannot do so as adequately as a modern furnace, leaving the homeowner to pay a higher utility bill every month. At New Generation Plumbing, we have the expertise to assess the condition of these units and provide gravity furnace replacement to Los Angeles, CA residents. If you still have one in your home, please call us today and we’ll find a solution to improve the performance or replace the system entirely.
What Is a Gravity Furnace?
The term “gravity furnace” is used to describe a popular heating unit that was used from the late 1880s to the 1950s. Though they’re very old, it’s still possible to find these units heating older homes in some regions throughout the country, including Los Angeles. True to its name, a gravity furnace uses the natural forces of gravity to disperse heated air throughout a building, instead of using a blower. A centralized unit burns fuel to generate the heat. Because hot air is not as dense, it rises through a system of ducts while cool air simultaneously passes downward to the furnace where it is then heated. While many gravity furnaces originally used coal as fuel, most have been retrofitted to use propane or natural gas today. This form of heating is not very efficient and can result in a lot of lost heat.
Repair vs. Replacement Costs
Since gravity furnaces are extremely outdated, they can’t keep up with the efficiency of modern units and lose nearly 50% of the energy they generate. For this reason, it’s usually best to hire a qualified individual like New Generation Plumbing to replace the entire unit with something newer. However, a total replacement can come with a considerable cost, especially since new ductwork will have to be installed to meet the needs of your new system. The cost of replacing a gravity furnace will rise even higher if there is asbestos present that requires special handling. Due to the considerable cost, some people opt to repair their gravity furnace, and our team is here to help with those as well.
In some cases, replacing the entire system is a much better option. Take into account the inefficiency of a gravity furnace. Losing all that heat is like throwing money out the window. Though a total replacement will come with a cost, it will end up saving you money on heating bills in the future, as a new system will heat your home much more effectively. In cases where your gravity furnace has lost structural integrity in any of its seams, replacement is absolutely necessary. A damaged seam can allow carbon monoxide to escape into the interior or your home, which is a significant health and safety risk. Our team of professionals will assess your gravity furnace and find the appropriate option for you.
Call Us Today to Inspect Your Gravity Furnace!
If you’d like us to inspect your gravity furnace in the Los Angeles area, please feel free to call us and schedule a time for us to visit your location. We are one of very few companies with the skills to complete repairs and replacements on this old form of heating. Call us today!