Why Keeping Up with Your Old Furnace Can Be Dangerous

A Highlight on The Lennox EL280 Gas Furnace

Over the next few months, you’ll be using your heating system more frequently. In fact, there will be days where it’s going to run 24/7. But if you have an old, inefficient furnace, you must understand the health and safety hazards of an outdated heating system.

Old furnaces always have the possibility of experiencing system malfunction, so it’s important to be aware of the potential problems that may arise. An old furnace, especially one that hasn’t been properly maintained, could cause serious health concerns for you and your family.

If you have a furnace aged 15 years or more and has a standing pilot light, it is considered “outdated”. While newer furnace models with pilot lights have sensors that automatically shut down once a problem is detected, but your old unit may not have this safety feature.

Old furnaces have a high likelihood of releasing carbon monoxide, a very dangerous gas. Most old pilot lights are controlled manually, and even a slight adjustment can let out carbon monoxide. This is particularly dangerous for those who live in modern homes, which are designed to be more airtight. In an attempt to create a more energy-efficient living space, tight homes lack proper airflow, which is necessary for proper fuel combustion. When this happens, dangerous gases are left stuck inside the home.

If your pilot light creates a yellow flame, it means that your furnace is malfunctioning and the gasses working inside of your system are no longer balanced. This is also a sign that your furnace is leaking carbon monoxide.

In addition, your old furnace may be affecting your home’s indoor air quality. Respiratory issues such as asthma and chest-related concerns may increase. An inefficient furnace can attract an increase of dust, dirt, and mold into your home. As it pumps air through the vents, it also distributes these pollutants throughout your home.

Here at Four Seasons Air Specialists, your health and wellbeing is our top priority. For this reason, we partnered with Lennox Industries to offer you not only innovative and energy efficient furnaces, but also heating systems that are packed with safety features. We are your trusted heating company in Grant, MN.

Features of the Lennox EL280 Gas Furnace

The EL280 has an efficiency rating of up to 80 percent AFUE, which can save you hundreds of dollars in heating costs per year, compared to older, low-efficiency furnaces.

The EL280’s ultra-low continuous fan speed provides a quiet, constant flow of air and enhances indoor air quality devices.

When matched with a Lennox air conditioner or heat pump, the EL280 can improve your cooling Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which leads to greater energy efficiency and lower energy costs.

Energy Efficiency

With an efficiency rating of up to 80 percent AFUE, the EL280 can save you hundreds of dollars in heating costs per year, compared to older, low-efficiency furnaces. (Actual savings will vary depending on your area’s fuel rates and your family’s lifestyle.)

Its dual-fuel capability can be incorporated with an electric heat pump to create a dual-fuel system that maximizes comfort and fuel efficiency by smoothly alternating between electric and gas heat, optimizing energy use and minimizing heating costs.

To minimize heat loss and maximize comfort and efficiency, Lennox created a sealed blower compartment for the EL280.

Performance

This furnace has a Duralok Plus heat exchanger that is built from patented ArmorTuf steel that captures waste heat, and a stainless steel secondary heat exchanger that enables the unit to achieve industry-leading efficiency levels. This solid component exceeds industry requirements and extends the EL280’s lifespan.

The EL280’s SureLight igniter increases its lifetime and improves reliability.

Its SureLight control board effectively controls its operation, guaranteeing better reliability and efficiency.

To further lessen heat loss, Lennox designed the EL280 with an elegantly-styled, durable steel cabinet with high-quality paint finish.

The EL280 include special sound-absorbing materials that further reduce sound for even quieter operation.

Call the Heating Pros

If you are looking for a new furnace and wants it properly installed, call Four Seasons Air Specialists. Our technicians are factory-trained and have multiple years of experience to ensure your brand new furnace is set up according to the manufacturer’s standards. We have been your trusted Mahtomedi heating and air conditioning (furnace installation) contractor for over 40 years.