We know 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 Eveready 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 furnace is over 15 years old, you might start to experience relatively expensive repairs. 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 Richmond 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 very 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 operate more efficiently, lower 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 required.
4. Tune-up Checks
Eveready Service Experts hears many questions concerning what truly can be done to tune-up or maintain a furnace and there are actually many essential 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
- And many others...
5. HVAC Maintenance Interval
A certified technician who has the education to perform a tune-up must maintain heating equipment annually. In short, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with aged equipment are a few of the more obvious signals of a need to replace your furnace.
High 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.
Richmond area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Eveready Service Experts at 804-548-4480.