The furnace was a Sunbeam Gravity feed, coal fired furnace. Near as we can tell it was install in the early 1900's. Next to the furnace was the coal bin which is now a storage area for holiday decorations, camping gear, etc. Later the furnace was converted to fuel oil. The time this was done is not clear but piping from the fuel tank was left when the furnace was finally converted to natural gas.

This furnace was huge, measure over 7' in diameter and 5' tall. The gas burner which resemble a very large blow torch was mounted in the center of the fire box. The rest of the items for the burner, the gas valve, thermocouple, etc were located outside of the firebox in the area normally used to remove ashes from the firebox area.

It was heartbreaking to open the door into the firebox and see this large burner operating. The money just when from the burner and out the flue. The efficiency was never calculated but I would estimate it at 10%, if that much. The other problem was no mater what I tried the furnace would fill with gas and then ignited with a large explosion. An explosion large enough to be felt throughout the whole house. This was mainly due to the placement of the pilot below the burner. Relocation of the pilot to above the burner did not seem to help either.

The furnace was converted from gravity feed to forced air sometime during it life. unfortunately this was not determined until a year after I moved in. During investigation of the furnace and the the need to prevent the explosion, required removal of the high temp cutoff cover. Much to the surprise of all the High Temp shutoff also had a fan control with a wire connected to it. Following the wire to a large box next to the furnace revealed a blower with a burnt out motor. Not wanting to purchase a new motor on a furnace that would be replaced soon resulted in the adaptation of the water pump motor from the cistern. When the motor was replaced it was then discovered that the high temp limit switch was not functioning properly either since the contacts were welded shut. After replacing the switch the furnace worked great, with the exception of the dollar bills going up the flue.

Something had to be done, this furnace was on its last leg and since the house had not insulation at the time I could not see wasting any more money. Through the help of a friend a high efficiency furnace was located. This new furnace efficiency is 90% which does not require a flue. Just plastic pipe to remove the combustion gases.

Pictures of the new furnace coming!!!