Time For a New Furnace

[circlew]

The neighbors squirrel went in from the chimney cap above the roof soffit. They have no near ground intake or exhaust. It crawled down the liner in the same chimney used for the water heater.

My neighbor had a mother raccoon and three babies make a home in her chimney. She waited until they were old enough to climb out, then had a cover put on while they were away. My chimney has a cover that can be opened if using the fireplace. The chimney needs repaired, so it hasn't been used for many years.

 

[phillymatt53]

The neighbors squirrel went in from the chimney cap above the roof soffit. They have no near ground intake or exhaust. It crawled down the liner in the same chimney used for the water heater.

Then the homeowner should install a screened chimney cap to prevent such issues.

 

[william8]

Our Lenox had a ten year warranty for a two stage variable speed 95%+. A neighbor has an 80% and has had a couple of problems since new in 2017. One being a squirrel got into the exhaust flu and died in the squirrel cage blower.
If a furnace heat exchange is going to last 20 to 25 years, why not buy the most efficient one for your budget and save the energy? That will certainly be more value than a couple of repairs of parts.

Almost, if not all furnace brands have a ten year parts warranty. Some require registration for the second 5 years. They do not come with a labor warranty, only what the installer provides, or you can purchase extra. 20 years on the heat exchanger is also standard, some have lifetime. But the labor will kill the deal.

This is what we use for out 95+ furnace to keep out critters and insects:
https://pvcventscreens.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopUAklmcRr05VfdSovPzs5HEFaPkaQBMk6C4sxvoUX04tto5vE3

Our neighbors use nothing, only issue they have had is wasp nests. They love those pipes.

And to the other poster what extra maintenance does a 95+ furnace require? I'll tell you...NONE.

 

[wayupnorth]

2 weeks ago I had a new metal roof installed. In the middle of the night, things were falling off my fireplace mantle. Went back to sleep and the next night, same thing. I got up in the middle of the night, turned the lights on and there was 3 flying squirrels on the rafters. Next morning I got in touch with an exterminator who came the next day and set traps and by the next morning they were caught. He said the old flashing around the chimney was loose enough so they squeezed thru it to get into the house and trapped in with the new flashing.

 

[Chetlaham]

Then the homeowner should install a screened chimney cap to prevent such issues.

My neighbor down the street put insect screen netting held in place with hose clamps on his direct vent PVC pipes. I've been meaning to do the same for 15 years but keep pushing it aside LOL. I've never had anything big enter my furnace but I guess it is only a matter of time before I am kicking myself.

 

[phillymatt53]

My neighbor down the street put insect screen netting held in place with hose clamps on his direct vent PVC pipes. I've been meaning to do the same for 15 years but keep pushing it aside LOL. I've never had anything big enter my furnace but I guess it is only a matter of time before I am kicking myself.

Those chimney caps are not expensive, and are good insurance against critters invading the chimney.
The cost of having a servicer come out to repair the heater or clear the critter stuck in there would be substantially more expensive.

They also make them for the air vent pipes that are part of the sewer lines like the toilet, sinks, etc.

 

[Chetlaham]

Those chimney caps are not expensive, and are good insurance against critters invading the chimney.
The cost of having a servicer come out to repair the heater or clear the critter stuck in there would be substantially more expensive.

They also make them for the air vent pipes that are part of the sewer lines like the toilet, sinks, etc.

You're preaching to the choir here

In all seriousness I need to get them installed on my pipes.