Sometimes Things Do Go Right

Since 2004, wires need constant fixing.

For over ten years your humble observer has had to make minor repairs to our 35-year-old heating system at the start of each winter.

However, safety concerns, energy inefficiency, and the fact that I was the only one in the household who knew how to light the pilot on the old unit finally prompted the ordering of a new Lennox SL280V variable speed furnace. We also added an air purifier and a digital thermostat.

The new SL280V

Procrastinating has another advantage besides saving money: technology is advancing at such a rapid rate that the replacement unit, even one with just average features, is leaps and bounds ahead of the unit that it replaced. The new system is cleaner, quieter, and much more energy efficient. It has an electronic ignition, i.e., no pilot light. The city inspector (the permit cost $151) said that our old gas bill of more than $200 per month should be cut in half. We'll see.

The system was installed today just as freezing temperatures blanketed the Bay Area. The furnace, purifier, and thermostat all performed like a champ. At the beginning of our busiest month of the year it was encouraging to be reminded that sometimes things do go right. © 2013 Stephen Yuen