We realize that not everyone may need a new furnace right now, but it’s important to learn the keys that will likely influence your choice when you are ready to buy. Below are five important considerations that Stevenson 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 system is over 15 years old, those repairs can become significant. 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 Dayton 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 extremely inefficient, wasting up to 40% of the dollars you spend to heat your home. Even recently manufactured furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A correctly maintained furnace will run more efficiently, lower the likelihood of expensive repairs and most of all ensure your safety. Remember, these are gas-fired appliances. Another point to mention is a properly tuned furnace will last longer before replacement is necessary.
4. Tune-up Checks
Stevenson Service Experts often receives questions relating to 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 technician who has the knowledge, skills and experience to perform a tune-up should maintain heating equipment annually. Simply put, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with dated equipment are some of the more obvious signals of a need to replace your furnace.
High energy costs and the desire to reduce energy consumption are also pressing 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.
Dayton area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Stevenson Service Experts at 937-503-7896.