We know that purchasing a furnace may not be an immediate need, but it’s smart 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
Like any type of appliance, as furnaces age, the likeliness of heating repairs increase. If your furnace is over 15 years old, those repairs can become significant. Costly, yet typical repairs include blower motor failures, ignition control failures and heat exchanger failures.
2. Operational Cost
The efficiency of gas furnaces in West Palm Beach 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, wasting up to 40% of the dollars you spend to heat your home. Even the latest models of furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A correctly maintained furnace will function more efficiently, lower the likelihood of expensive repairs and above 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 required.
4. Tune-up Checks
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning often receives questions pertaining to what really can be done to tune-up or maintain a furnace and there are actually many vital 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 trained and certified HVAC specialist who has the insight, tools and expertise to perform a tune-up is needed to maintain heating equipment each year. In short, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with old equipment are a few of the more obvious signs of a need to replace your furnace.
Out of control 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 shows nearly 20% of homeowners who recently replaced their furnace specifically did so to lower their utility bills.
West Palm Beach area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 561-629-1826.