We realize that purchasing a furnace may not be an immediate need, but it’s wise to learn the keys that will likely influence your choice when you are ready to buy. 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
Just like any appliance, as furnaces age, the potential for frequent heating repairs increase. If your furnace is over 15 years old, those repairs can become significant. Costly, yet typical repairs include blower motor failures, ignition control failures and heat exchanger failures.
2. Operational Cost
The efficiency of gas furnaces in Houston 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 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 run more efficiently, lower the likelihood of expensive repairs and most importantly ensure your safety. Remember, these are gas-fired appliances. Another point worth mentioning is a properly serviced furnace will last longer before replacement is needed.
4. Tune-up Checks
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning often receives 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 technician who has the knowledge, skills and experience to perform a tune-up should maintain heating equipment once a year. In short, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with dated equipment are a few of the more obvious signs of a need to replace your furnace.
Out of control 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 suggested nearly 20% of homeowners who recently replaced their furnace specifically did so to lower their utility bills.
Houston area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at (713) 352-7887.