Heating InstallationFramingham, MAResidential

High-Efficiency Furnace Installation

Project Overview

This Framingham colonial home was struggling with a quarter-century-old furnace that could no longer keep up with New England winters. The homeowner had been patching the system with repairs for years, but escalating energy bills and uneven heating made replacement the clear choice.

After a thorough assessment of the home's heating load, insulation levels, and ductwork condition, we recommended a high-efficiency Carrier two-stage furnace paired with zone dampers. This combination addresses both the energy waste and the comfort imbalance between floors — two of the most common complaints in older Massachusetts colonials.

The project also qualified for a $1,200 Mass Save rebate, which helped offset the investment. The homeowner now enjoys consistent warmth throughout the entire home, whisper-quiet operation, and dramatically lower utility bills.

The Challenge

Homeowner's 25-year-old furnace was failing to heat the second floor and running up energy bills to over $400/month in winter. The existing single-stage furnace had an AFUE rating of just 65%, meaning 35 cents of every heating dollar was being wasted. The blower motor was on its last legs, producing loud grinding noises and cycling inconsistently. Ductwork inspections also revealed significant air leaks at key junctions, compounding the inefficiency and leaving the upstairs bedrooms 8–10°F colder than the main floor.

Our Solution

Our team performed a comprehensive Manual J load calculation to properly size the replacement system. We installed a 96% AFUE two-stage Carrier furnace with a variable-speed ECM blower motor, which delivers precise airflow at multiple speeds for optimal comfort and efficiency. To solve the second-floor temperature disparity, we added motorized zone dampers with a dedicated thermostat upstairs, creating a true two-zone system. We also sealed all accessible ductwork joints with mastic sealant and wrapped exposed basement runs with R-8 insulation. The entire installation — including removal of the old unit, electrical and gas connections, and system commissioning — was completed in one day.