We understand that buying a new furnace may not be a priority in the immediate future, but it’s important to learn the keys that would impact your decision when you do need to buy a new one. Below are five important considerations that TML Service Experts advises our customers to think about during their evaluation:
1. Heating Repair Frequency
Like any type of appliance, as furnaces age, the likeliness of heating repairs increase. If your furnace 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 Boise 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 extremely inefficient, with up to 40% of your heating dollars going out the window (in a manner of speaking). Even recently manufactured furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A correctly maintained furnace will operate more efficiently, lower 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 tuned furnace will last longer before replacement is needed.
4. Tune-up Checks
TML Service Experts hears many questions pertaining to what really 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
- Much more...
5. HVAC Maintenance Interval
A certified professional who has the education to perform a tune-up must maintain heating equipment annually. To put it bluntly, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with old equipment are a couple of the more obvious signs of a need to replace your furnace.
Excessive energy costs and the need 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.
Boise area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call TML Service Experts at 208-488-4892.