We realize 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 the top 5 considerations that Midland Air 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 heating equipment is over 15 years old, those repairs can become significant. 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 Columbia 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 terribly 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, decrease the likelihood of expensive repairs and most importantly ensure your safety. After all, these are gas-fired appliances. Another point to mention is a properly maintained furnace will last longer before replacement is necessary.
4. Tune-up Checks
Midland Air Service Experts hears many questions concerning what really 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
- Others...
5. HVAC Maintenance Interval
A trained and certified HVAC specialist who has the skill and hands-on experience 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 indicators of a need to replace your furnace.
Out of control energy costs and the interest 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.
Columbia area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Midland Air Service Experts at 803-399-7208.