We realize that purchasing a furnace may not be an immediate need, but it’s smart to learn the keys that will likely influence your choice when you are ready to buy. Below are the top 5 considerations that Roy Inch & Sons Home Services by Enercare advises our customers to think about during their evaluation:
1. Heating Repair Frequency
Like any type of 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 London 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 newer furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A correctly maintained furnace will function more efficiently, decrease the likelihood of expensive repairs and above all ensure your safety. Don’t forget, these are gas-fired appliances. Another point worth mentioning is a properly tuned furnace will last longer before replacement is required.
4. Tune-up Checks
Roy Inch & Sons Home Services by Enercare often receives 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 must maintain heating equipment once a 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.
Excessive energy costs and the desire to reduce energy consumption are also compelling reasons to consider replacement of your furnace. In fact, an independent study by Decision Analyst stated that nearly 20% of homeowners who recently replaced their furnace specifically did so to lower their utility bills.
London area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Roy Inch & Sons Home Services by Enercare at 226-270-1164.