We know that purchasing a furnace may not be an immediate need, but it’s wise to learn the keys that would impact your decision when you do need to buy a new one. Below are five important considerations that Knochelmann 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 furnace is over 15 years old, you might start to experience relatively expensive repairs. 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 Sharonville 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 terribly inefficient, with up to 40% of your heating dollars going out the window (in a manner of speaking). Even the latest models of furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A correctly maintained furnace will run more efficiently, reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs and most of all 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 necessary.
4. Tune-up Checks
Knochelmann Service Experts often receives questions relating to what actually 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
- And many others...
5. HVAC Maintenance Interval
A certified professional who has the education to perform a tune-up is needed to maintain heating equipment once a year. In short, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with aged equipment are a few of the more obvious signs 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 shows nearly 20% of homeowners who recently replaced their furnace specifically did so to lower their utility bills.
Sharonville area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Knochelmann Service Experts at 859-905-0834.