We realize that buying a new furnace may not be a priority in the immediate future, but it’s smart to learn the keys that would impact your decision when you do need to buy a new one. Below are five important considerations that Niagara Home Services by Enercare advises our customers to think about during their evaluation:
1. Heating Repair Frequency
Like any type of appliance, as furnaces age, the potential for frequent heating repairs increase. If your system 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 Niagara Falls area homes today vary significantly and their efficiency directly influences your utility bills. Furnaces older than 15 years can be very inefficient, with up to 40% of your heating dollars going out the window (in a manner of speaking). Even newer furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A correctly maintained furnace will function more efficiently, reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs and above all ensure your safety. Remember, these are gas-fired appliances. Another point to mention is a properly maintained furnace will last longer before replacement is necessary.
4. Tune-up Checks
Niagara Home Services by Enercare often receives questions relating to what truly can be done to tune-up or maintain a furnace and there are actually many vital 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 trained and certified HVAC specialist who has the education to perform a tune-up is needed to maintain heating equipment annually. In short, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with dated equipment are some of the more obvious signals of a need to replace your furnace.
Out of control 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 suggested nearly 20% of homeowners who recently replaced their furnace specifically did so to lower their utility bills.
Niagara Falls area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Niagara Home Services by Enercare at 289-273-2229.