If you live in a cold climate, your furnace may be essential equipment in your home. The furnace provides the warmth that you and your family need to be comfortable and even safe throughout the winter. However, it is usually a massive and complicated piece of machinery, so it is expensive to repair and even costlier to replace.

If your current heating system is not efficiently heating your home, it is time to consider buying a furnace or heater.

Points to Consider Before Replacing Your Furnace or Heater:

• Age of Your System

A furnace’s average lifespan can range from 15 to 30 years. If your furnace is more than 15 years old and you have begun to notice difficulties, it may be nearing the end of its useful life. And if your furnace is approaching 30 years old, it’s probably time to replace it soon.

• Energy-Efficiency

When a furnace reaches the end of its useful life, it becomes more difficult for the system to distribute heat uniformly throughout your home. That results in a significant increase in your monthly energy bills.

• Frequency of Repairs 

If you notice anything unusual about how your furnace is performing, contact a furnace repair in Lafayette, Indiana, professional right away to get it fixed before it worsens. Here are some of the most common furnace or heater component issues that homeowners face during the winter:

• Heat exchanger
• Flame sensor failure
• Ignitor problems
• Blocked flue vent
• Faulty thermostat 
• Malfunction burner

Some of these warning signs may suggest the need for maintenance or HVAC repair in Lafayette.

Points To Know Before Buying a New Furnace or Heater

• Size of the Furnace

A properly sized system is vital to overall house comfort. If you install a unit that is too large, the unit will cycle more frequently, causing it to work harder than necessary. That raises your operating costs, puts you at risk of more frequent repairs, and can reduce the life of your furnace. On the other hand, a furnace that is too small will not provide adequate heat to your home and run continuously, increasing your energy expenses. 

Having a professional contractor assess the proper size of your home should be one of your priorities. The technicians will take measurements around your home to determine the appropriate size of the heating system for your family’s heating needs.

• Energy-Efficiency

Another point of consideration when buying a new furnace is its energy efficiency. The AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, measures furnace efficiency.

Consider purchasing a furnace with an AFUE of greater than 90%; the higher the AFUE rating, the greater the efficiency. 

• Fuel Source

Besides the efficiency rating, you need also look for the fuel source that is appropriate for your home. Your location must be accessible to each energy source, whether you choose a gas, oil, or electric furnace. Electric furnaces are still the most popular alternative for most households today due to their availability and ease of use.

• Maintenance Expectation

A brand new heating system also requires regular maintenance. After installing your new furnace, check the air filter once a month and replace it when it becomes dirty, or at least every three months. A professional should inspect your furnace once a year to avoid inconvenient breakdowns, maintain good indoor air quality, and keep your family comfortable. Furthermore, skipping maintenance may affect the life of your HVAC system.

• Cost

The cost of a new furnace will vary depending on the brand, size, and efficiency. However, you should expect to pay between $3,500 and $7,500, including installation.

It is essential to hire a professional for your furnace installation. Because professionals will properly install and calibrate the furnace will save you money in the long term. In addition, it will run more effectively and be less prone to severe problems that need costly repairs.

You must examine your options and select a furnace appropriate for your needs and your property. Our experts at Brand Heating & Air Conditioning will assist whether you need a furnace replacement or furnace repair.

If you are looking for a reliable heat pump repair in Lafayette, IN, call us at (765) 449-9709 or send us an email at help@brandhvac.com for help.