The Bad News

is the decision to get a new furnace/boiler. The single problem could be fixed for about $350 but the guy said the system would be shut down if the gas company saw the hookup. I imagine when this was converted to natural gas it was considered OK but now, it would get the RED tag and gas shut off until it was changed. The house was built in 1918. The furnace/boiler used coal. Then it was converted to oil, then natural gas. The pipes and the furnace itself are encased in asbestos. It has been on my mind for some time that it could be dangerous. Then when the motor coupling to the pump broke and the house almost shook with such a loud clattering, I really got concerned.
Hopefully, the new system is the right decision instead of just fixing the coupling problem. With natural gas prices predicted to rise 50 to 70 percent, a new system would be way more efficient.

At least, I hope it would.