We know that buying a new furnace may not be a priority in the immediate future, but it’s important to learn the keys that can drive your decision when that time comes. Below are five important considerations that Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning advises our customers to think about during their evaluation:
1. Heating Repair Frequency
Just like any appliance, as furnaces age, the probability of frequent heating repairs increase. If your system is over 15 years old, those repairs can become significant. Some of the typical repairs include blower motor failures, ignition control failures and heat exchanger failures.
2. Operational Cost
The efficiency of gas furnaces in Raleigh area homes today vary significantly and their efficiency directly influences your utility bills. Furnaces older than 15 years can be very inefficient, resulting in up to 40% of your home energy dollars being wasted. Even the latest models of furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A properly maintained furnace will operate more efficiently, lower the likelihood of expensive repairs and above all ensure your safety. After all, these are gas-fired appliances. Another important point is a properly tuned furnace will last longer before replacement is required.
4. Tune-up Checks
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning hears many questions concerning what really can be done to tune-up or maintain a furnace and there are actually many essential checks and calibrations in the process:
- Gas Pressure and gas valve calibration
- Cleaning and checking safety switches
- Cleaning the heat exchanger
- Inspecting the heat exchanger for dangerous conditions
- Cleaning the blower system
- Cleaning and replacement of worn ignition sensors
- Others...
5. HVAC Maintenance Interval
A trained and certified HVAC specialist who has the insight, tools and expertise to perform a tune-up should maintain heating equipment each year. Simply put, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with old equipment are a few of the more obvious signs of a need to replace your furnace.
High energy costs and the need to reduce energy consumption are also compelling reasons to weigh the replacement of your furnace. In fact, an independent study by Decision Analyst suggested nearly 20% of homeowners who recently replaced their furnace specifically did so to lower their utility bills.
Raleigh area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 919-578-4329.