Important Questions to Ask When Replacing a Furnace

Furnaces last about 15 or 20 years, which is a good lifespan for the investment. However, if your furnace is at the end of its life and struggling with efficiency and repairs, it may be time to replace it.

If you’re not sure whether to spring for a new furnace now or try to get another season out of it, here are some important questions to ask when replacing a furnace.

What Type of Furnace Should I Get?

Furnaces are available in oil, natural gas, or electric versions. Natural gas furnaces are the most energy efficient and burn clean. They use a pilot light to ignite the gas in the system, which then fuels the burners and heats the air in your home.

Electric furnaces work similarly and have the same internal components, but they don’t use a pilot light to heat your home. Instead, they have a blower to draw cool air in and push heated air out.

Oil furnaces are common in older homes, but over time they’ve fallen out of favor. They use oil to convert to heat and are often found in cold climates. Additionally, some homes may use oil furnaces because they don’t have the ductwork to use natural gas or electric systems.

Can I Install a New Furnace on My Own?

Even if a furnace installation seems easy, it’s never a good idea for the average homeowner to install or replace a furnace on their own. Installation can be dangerous and complex, which is why it’s best to hire a professional HVAC technician.

How Do I Know It’s Time to Replace a Furnace?

Here are some signs it’s time to replace your furnace:

• You’re paying for constant repairs: If you’re always spending money on repairs for your furnace, it makes sense to consider replacing it. Generally, if your repairs are around half the price of getting a new furnace, it’s time to cut losses and replace it.
• The system is reaching its lifespan: Furnaces last about 15 or 20 years, on average. Maintenance factors into its lifespan, however. If your furnace seems like it’s aging and struggling, it may be time to replace it.
• Your home has cold areas: If your furnace no longer heats your entire home efficiently, it could mean that it’s struggling with the wear and tear. A newer system will give you better efficiency and comfort.
• Skyrocketing energy bills: An older furnace will not run as efficiently as a new system. If you’re noticing higher energy bills, it may be time to consider replacing your furnace.

When is the Best Time of Year to Replace a Furnace?

You can install or replace a furnace at any time of year. Generally, the early spring or fall is the best availability to have a furnace installed, as HVAC technicians are often busier during the winter heating season when furnace problems are emergencies.

How Big Will My New Furnace Be?

Choosing the right size furnace is important for both comfort and efficiency. An HVAC technician can help you determine the best size furnace for your home’s needs with a heating load calculation test. This shows how the air circulates through your home and air’s quality, giving them the information needed to choose the most efficient furnace.

Keep in mind that any changes you may have made to your home since getting your existing furnace, such as installing new windows or adding insulation, are important for determining the right size for your new furnace.

How Much Does a New Furnace Cost?

Your new furnace’s cost depends on a number of factors, including the type of furnace and any supporting work you need, such as new ductwork or ventilation. The size of the furnace you’re getting will also impact your cost, especially if you require more than one furnace to heat your home.

Should I Replace My Furnace and AC at the Same Time?

If your air conditioner is aging along with your furnace, it may be best to replace both systems at the same time. Pairing an older air conditioning system with a newer heating system will put extra strain on the components, since these systems rely on the same equipment.

How Long Does It Take to Install a New Furnace?

Furnace installation or replacement can usually be finished in one day. If you’re switching to a different type of furnace or you’re adding supporting equipment like ductwork or ventilation, this may add time to the installation, however.

Will my New Furnace be Energy Efficient?

Energy efficiency has a big impact on your costs for heating, beyond the cost of the furnace itself. Choosing an energy efficient furnace makes a big difference, and that’s measured in the annual fuel utilization efficiency or AFUE. High-efficiency furnaces will have an AFUE of 90 or more, so keep this in mind as you shop for new furnaces.

If you need a new furnace installed or a replacement for your existing furnace, contact the HVAC experts at Adeedo to schedule your appointment!