We realize 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 five important considerations that Coastal Service Experts 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 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 Savannah 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 newer furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A properly maintained furnace will operate more efficiently, decrease the likelihood of expensive repairs and most of all ensure your safety. Remember, these are gas-fired appliances. Another point worth mentioning is a properly serviced furnace will last longer before replacement is necessary.
4. Tune-up Checks
Coastal Service Experts hears many questions relating to what actually 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 insight, tools and expertise to perform a tune-up is needed to maintain heating equipment once a year. Simply put, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with dated equipment are a few of the more obvious signals of a need to replace your furnace.
Out of control energy costs and the desire to reduce energy consumption are also compelling 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.
Savannah area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Coastal Service Experts at 912-208-2399.