They were one-shot wonders. Everyone likes "The Riddle of Steel" but no remembers their other so called "hits". Has been my standard response to questions like that ever since NB showed me that gem.
Well, it was kind of leaking natural gas into the basement? Something about a cracked gas manifold, and being 45 years old (manufactured in 1978), it wasn't exactly repairable at this point, not to mention really inefficient... New one is SO much better at keeping the house a constant temp.
45 years old!!! WOW... can't blame it then, what a beast. That is truly well above the average lifespan of a furnace. It should be commended for its service.
Yeah, I know! Also, at least it finally died when the temp was still hovering at or around the freezing point, and not -20 degrees F in January....