We recently purchased our first home last year and it came with 2 central HVAC units, one for the upstairs and one for the downstairs. We had to have the downstairs unit repaired a couple of months ago so it would heat. The thing is, the unit is not efficient at all (wasn't before the repair) and our electric bill has quintupled over the past two months. We are now looking to get the unit replaced. I am trying to see what the prices are for units these days, the good brands vs. the bad, energy efficieny, etc. and all the other stuff you need to look at when comparing different models. The unit is going to heat approx. 1100 square feet. Anybody have info on this or know where I can find info about units online? Also, if we did this job this year is it eligible for the green tax credit for making your home energy efficient? We also have a fireplace downstairs that runs off a large propane tank. It is a Martin Industries factory built fireplace. On the model tag it says that the fireplace can be used with wood, propane, or natural gas. Does this mean I could burn wood in the fireplace as well? I know it sounds dumb because the tag says I can but I worry that the chimney may not be made for the type of heat and fumes wood puts off. Is it possible the fireplace can burn different types of fuel while the chimney may not be able to handle that? The fireplace also has an electrical cord coming from it and looks like it should have a blower but I have not located any switches for this. Is this possible for it to have an electrical cord with no use? I have included some pics in case they provide any help. Spoiler I have had a hard time finding out anything about this because this company (Martin Industries) that manufactured the fireplace went out of business in 2002. Any help regarding these questions is greatly appreciated. TIA
I am guessing you heater is electric, since you bill have gone up so bad. I would recommend replacing with a gas(1st) or propane heater. As for the fireplace. I would not burn wood if it has a blower. I have never heard of a blower being in a fireplace. Are you sure it is not a power cord run behind the trim and going to something else? Get in there and look up the flue.... open the damper and if there is a straight shot to the outside I wouldn't see why you couldn't remove the fake logs and put wood in there. I have a natural gas fireplace and use the gas to start my wood when using my fireplace.
the cord may be going to an electric ignition for the fake logs. Does the label on the front of the fake log holder thing say wood is OK. that may have been installed after the fireplace.
No, the ignition is just like one on a gas grill, a push button spark. I know the fake log holder is strictly for gas but it can be easily removed.
Yep. Behind the grill there are swithes for flame intensity and fan speed. Both grills have a plate at the bottom that hinges out to reveal those switches. We just keep them at their respective settings and use a remote controls to turn them on and off.
Brands do not matter for the HVAC. They are all required to have certain energy efficiency standards. You have to know the cubic feet for size of it. If you have really high ceilings that is a problem, also things like large windows etc alters the required size.
Judging from the pics I posted in the original post, does it look like my fireplace should have a blower? Most of the fireplaces I have seen do not have those vents below, above, and to the sides like mine so I am figuring there is something there. I'll probably unscrew the vent looking pieces when I get home and see what is exposed.
