We realize that not everyone may need a new furnace right now, but it’s wise to learn the keys that can drive your decision when that time comes. Below are the top 5 considerations that Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning advises our customers to think about during their evaluation:
1. Heating Repair Frequency
Just like any appliance, as furnaces age, the potential for frequent heating repairs increase. If your system is over 15 years old, you might start to experience relatively expensive repairs. Costly, yet typical repairs include blower motor failures, ignition control failures and heat exchanger failures.
2. Operational Cost
The efficiency of gas furnaces in Livermore area homes today vary significantly and their efficiency directly influences your utility bills. 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 well maintained furnace will function more efficiently, decrease the likelihood of expensive repairs and most importantly ensure your safety. After all, these are gas-fired appliances. Another important point is a properly maintained furnace will last longer before replacement is required.
4. Tune-up Checks
Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning hears many questions pertaining 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 knowledge, skills and experience to perform a tune-up is needed to maintain heating equipment annually. Simply put, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with old equipment are a few of the more obvious indicators of a need to replace your furnace.
Excessive energy costs and the desire to reduce energy consumption are also pressing 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.
Livermore area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 925-364-5427.