We realize that buying a new furnace may not be a priority in the immediate future, but it’s wise to learn the keys that can drive your decision when that time comes. Below are five considerations that Comfort Masters Service Experts advises our customers to think about during their evaluation:
1. Heating Repair Frequency
Just like any appliance, as furnaces age, the potential for frequent heating repairs increase. If your system is over 15 years old, you might start to experience relatively expensive repairs. More common and costly repairs include blower motor failures, ignition control failures and heat exchanger failures.
2. Operational Cost
The efficiency of gas furnaces in Wheeling area homes today can vary widely and has a direct correlation to the amount of money you pay your utility company each month. Furnaces older than 15 years can be terribly inefficient, with up to 40% of your heating dollars going out the window (in a manner of speaking). Even newer furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A correctly maintained furnace will run more efficiently, lower the likelihood of expensive repairs and most of all ensure your safety. Don’t forget, these are gas-fired appliances. Another important point is a properly maintained furnace will last longer before replacement is needed.
4. Tune-up Checks
Comfort Masters Service Experts receives a lot of questions relating to what truly 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 certified technician who has the education to perform a tune-up should maintain heating equipment annually. In short, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with aged equipment are a couple of the more obvious indicators of a need to replace your furnace.
High energy costs and the need to reduce energy consumption are also strong 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.
Wheeling area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Comfort Masters Service Experts at 847-250-6729.