We realize that not everyone may need a new furnace right now, 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 Donelson Air Service Experts advises our customers to think about during their evaluation:
1. Heating Repair Frequency
Just like any appliance, as furnaces age, the likeliness of heating repairs increase. If your system is over 15 years old, those repairs can become significant. More common and costly repairs include blower motor failures, ignition control failures and heat exchanger failures.
2. Operational Cost
The efficiency of gas furnaces in Nashville 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, wasting up to 40% of the dollars you spend to heat your home. Even newer furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A well maintained furnace will operate more efficiently, reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs and most importantly ensure your safety. Don’t forget, these are gas-fired appliances. Another important point is a properly serviced furnace will last longer before replacement is needed.
4. Tune-up Checks
Donelson Air Service Experts hears many questions concerning what actually 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
- Much more...
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 each year. To put it bluntly, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with aged equipment are some of the more obvious indicators of a need to replace your furnace.
High energy costs and the desire to reduce energy consumption are also strong reasons to contemplate 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.
Nashville area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Donelson Air Service Experts at 615-953-9885.