My paycheck is derived from selling heating units, but for my personal opinion, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

My paycheck isn't derived from selling HVAC equipment. No way in hell would I consider replacing the unit if it's functioning properly, is within safety specifications, and the tech can't give you a good reason for doing so other than "Well, you really should."

Yes, you're coming up on your AVERAGE design life, which with most forced air furnces seems to hover around 20 years.

But, as baymee said, if it's not broke, don't replace it.

Are you talking about a boiler or a hot water heater. Most current models of hot water heaters have a short lifespan. From 3 years to 12 years. At some point they start to leak. This is when the water heater needs to be replaced. Not before, but when it leaks.

If this is a boiler, it can be cleaned and repaired for probably 40-50 years. New controls can be installed to marginally increase performance, but 15 year old equipment is usually as efficient as can be expected.

My paycheck is not dependent on selling new equipment, so I encourage repairing before replacing.

"The last couple of visits for maintenance the service guy suggested replacing the ~15 year old furnace might be in order."

Looks to be that the service guy is recommending replacing the Heil furnace, not the water heater.

Plus, I don't think Heil makes/markets boilers, do they?

Are you guys out to lunch and forgot to bring money ? look
at the heat exchanger. It is rotting out. there is a serious problem with the gas flame. it's HIGHLY corrosive.
The gas pressure is not right or the gas utility is dumping waste gas into the line as in propane, Butane,and or benzine. That is very common to bring up the supply for
excess demand. your first hint is 3 inches of ice on the
top of the B vent on the roof. also look at the air shudders. they are almost wide open. ( high temp lean mixture ). there might even be a cat litter box next to the furnace. I've seen 23 year old heat exchangers that still have the paint on the out side of them. If it was my furnace it would be out the door. a heavy coating of rust,
as this one has, makes a very nice insulator. You know, lots of air buddles in the rust. This is just my observations. you guys have your own opinion. that's what
makes for good competition. actually i'd red flag that furnace and call in the gas company. they have the final say. That leaves me out of it. If they say the furnace is fine and it burns down the house or gasses people, so be it. Not my problem. As i said before. This is just my opinion.

........."also look at the air shudders. they are almost wide open. ( high temp lean mixture ).".......

Yes I see that ,,,,,, why would they need to do that,,,, obviously to get a good flame ,,,, but why is that?

........"there might even be a cat litter box next to the furnace."........
You mean as in flakes of rust?????

Seeing that I would be going for a Mid-E furnace should I replace the 15 year old AC unit as well even thought it running OK ,,,,,, or it was last year anyway? Now might be the best time to get it replaced price wise.

I am including a few more PICÂs to see if that can give a better idea to yÂall as to whatÂs going on.

KC

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Hers a PIC of it running ..... seems to be more "yellow" than i would expect.

KC

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From the pictures, the overall burner assembly looks to be clean and in reasonable shape. I can see some flame markings in the burner cavitys, but this is normal. Rust on cast iron burners is also normal. If the burners have not been removed and the jet holes cleaned, the shutter adjustment may be wider. It may need to be removed and the jet holes cleaned.

My picture of the flame does not show any yellow, unless the center fire to the right side is yellow. Different burners will burn cleaner than others. Adjustments of a shutter can affect the color of the flame. This is obvious a problem with reproduction of color pictures. I am set to 800x600 with 32 bit color accuracy.

When I look at the burner spacer bar, it looks to be dirty, and needs to be cleaned with a wire brush.

The discoloration on the burner box, is normal. Any new furnace will discolor during the first season, depending on the manufacturing oils left on the system.

You have what is called a hard flame. Almost a lifting flame. As the pictures show it is also an uneven flame. this could cause incomplete combustion and high acid. there are two ways to correct this and the first way should
NEVER be done. the second way is usually behond the ability
of the novice home owner. I'll e-mail you the rest of the
info. Two many conflicting posts on this matter.
B.T.W. Bob. The human eye is only capable of seeing
16 million colors so 32 bit will make no difference but
over drive your video card and 8x6 is even low for 16 bit.

Thanks guys .... the shorter, 1", well defined flames are a nice blue. The flames that billow and flutter above them at the 5-10" (??) height are blue and flickering yellow along the whole length of all three bars.

KC

If you are not comfortable working with the furnace, hire someone to do the cleaning. If they recommend replacement get them to explain why they have said this. Always get a supporting opinion. Many techs out there are selling concepts rather than need. That is why I said I believe in repair before replacement. The HVAC industry is poorly regulated, with untrained workers offering opinions that are based on thier needs, and not the needs of the customer.