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 the top 5 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 probability of frequent heating repairs increase. If your furnace is over 15 years old, those repair can be especially expensive. 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 Melbourne 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, resulting in up to 40% of your home energy dollars being wasted. Even the latest models of furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A well maintained furnace will function more efficiently, decrease the likelihood of expensive repairs and above all ensure your safety. Remember, these are gas-fired appliances. Another important point is a properly tuned furnace will last longer before replacement is necessary.
4. Tune-up Checks
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 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 certified professional who has the insight, tools and expertise to perform a tune-up is needed to maintain heating equipment once a year. To put it bluntly, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with aged equipment are a couple of the more obvious signs of a need to replace your furnace.
Excessive 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 stated that nearly 20% of homeowners who recently replaced their furnace specifically did so to lower their utility bills.
Melbourne area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 321-428-7635.