We understand that purchasing a furnace may not be an immediate need, but it’s important to learn the keys that would impact your decision when you do need to buy a new one. Below are five important considerations that Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning advises our customers to think about during their evaluation:
1. Heating Repair Frequency
Similar to any other appliance, as furnaces age, the potential for frequent heating repairs increase. If your furnace 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 Calgary area homes today naturally influences your home energy bills, and the level of efficiency can vary tremendously depending upon the system you buy. Furnaces older than 15 years can be extremely inefficient, with up to 40% of your heating dollars going out the window (in a manner of speaking). Even recently manufactured furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A well maintained furnace will function more efficiently, reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs and above all ensure your safety. Remember, these are gas-fired appliances. Another point to mention is a properly serviced furnace will last longer before replacement is required.
4. Tune-up Checks
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning receives a lot of questions relating to what truly can be done to tune-up or maintain a furnace and there are actually many important 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
- Much more...
5. HVAC Maintenance Interval
A certified technician who has the insight, tools and expertise to perform a tune-up is needed to maintain heating equipment annually. To put it bluntly, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with dated equipment are a couple of the more obvious indicators of a need to replace your furnace.
High energy costs and the desire 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.
Calgary area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 403-279-5760.