We understand that purchasing a furnace may not be an immediate need, 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 A-PLUS 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 heating equipment 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 Waldorf area homes today vary significantly and their efficiency directly influences your utility bills. Furnaces older than 15 years can be terribly inefficient, resulting in up to 40% of your home energy dollars being wasted. Even recently manufactured furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A well maintained furnace will function more efficiently, lower the likelihood of expensive repairs and most importantly ensure your safety. Remember, these are gas-fired appliances. Another important point is a properly tuned furnace will last longer before replacement is needed.
4. Tune-up Checks
A-PLUS Service Experts often receives questions concerning what actually can be done to tune-up or maintain a furnace and there are actually many essential 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 should maintain heating equipment annually. To put it bluntly, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with dated equipment are some of the more obvious indicators of a need to replace your furnace.
Out of control 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 shows nearly 20% of homeowners who recently replaced their furnace specifically did so to lower their utility bills.
Waldorf area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call A-PLUS Service Experts at 301-747-3140.