The House: Heating Unit

If you are not a heating expert you might ask the question, "What good would it do me to look at the furnace?" In the case of proposed construction, the builder will specify the make and the size of the unit, and you can compare this with the one installed in the house.

There are many types of heating systems, any of which are satisfactory when of proper capacity for the house. These will include warm air systems, with ducts and outlets; hot water pipe and radiator types; and radiant pipe or panel types--these may be gas, oil, electric, or coalfired. Many systems have compact units of much smaller size than was true some years ago. The main concern is that the particular system has proper capacity for comfort and economy.

Two things you can check are the "Btuh output" and the calculated "heat loss." These measure the amount of heat the furnace will give and the amount of heat needed for the dwelling. If the specifications call for a "70,000 Btuh output" furnace, do not accept a furnace marked with any figures less than this, because if you do you may not be able to heat your home properly or economically. If the builder has substituted a different make furnace with the same rating, then be sure the furnace that the builder installed is equal to or better than the one that should have been put in.

Of course, if you live in a warm climate, less elaborate heating equipment may suffice. Furthermore, if you're buying an old house, you'll need expert advice on whether the heating system will be satisfactory, and what repairs it may need.

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