Furnace Modification and Repair
Retrofitting means adding to or changing an existing heating system. Some retrofitting options that can improve a system's energy efficiency include installing programmable thermostats, vent dampers, intermittent ignition devices, additional ductwork, zone control for hot-water systems, and converting steam systems into hot-water systems.
Intermittent Ignition Devices
Older furnaces and boilers are sometimes retrofitted with intermittent ignition devices that eliminate the continuous pilot light. Although these intermittent ignition devices can save you some in fuel costs, they are not always cost effective when installed on aging equipment. If it's possible to turn off your furnace's pilot in the spring and to turn it on again in the fall, you can save the same amount of money as you would using one of these devices. However, you won't save much energy turning off the pilot intermittently yourself during the heating season.
Ductwork — Forced Air
It's common to upgrade forced-air duct systems by adding additional return ducts and replacing damaged fiberglass duct board and fiberglass-and-plastic flex ducts. The savings can be substantial if the existing ductwork leaks or is installed in unheated areas.
Additional return ducts may be helpful if the central return can be isolated from the rest of the house by closing off all the internal doors, and using door undercuts or transfer grilles.
