Tips on Upgrading Your Outdated Furnace Before This Winter Hits
When the winter weather settles in, you want to ensure you have a reliable furnace that will keep your home and family safe. If your existing system is on its last leg, it’s best to schedule a furnace replacement ahead of time. Below, we’ll discuss key signs it may be time to retire your furnace and the best time to get a replacement.
Key Signs It’s Time for an Upgrade
While it would be nice if your furnace lasted as long as your home, that’s not the case. Fuel-burning furnaces last for 15 to 20 years, while electric furnaces last about 20 to 30 years. If your furnace is nearing the end of its estimated lifespan, it’s time to consider a replacement.
Even though your furnace may still be functioning, its efficiency level will starkly decrease as it ages. You’ll end up spending more money to heat your home each year. Some other key signs that it’s time for a furnace replacement include needing frequent repairs, uneven heating, very low indoor humidity, and carbon monoxide detectors routinely going off.
Choose a New Furnace
Upgrading to a new furnace is a big decision for any homeowner. It’s best to do your research and understand your budget so that you know exactly what furnace is best for you. Typically, it’s most cost-effective to replace your furnace with one that uses a similar fuel type. For example, if you already have a propane furnace, replacing it with another propane furnace will be the easiest.
The only reason you may consider switching fuel types is if you recently added natural gas to your home. Natural gas generally tends to be cheaper to purchase than other fuels and doesn’t require an on-site storage tank. Realize that it will be costlier to add a fuel line to a new furnace. However, if the long-term energy savings will more than cover the installation cost, changing fuel types could pay off significantly.
High-Efficiency vs. Standard Units
All furnaces have an efficiency rating that can help you decide which one is ideal for your home. Obviously, the more efficient a furnace is, the less energy or fuel it will consume to operate. In general, electric furnaces have an operating efficiency of 100%. When it comes to natural gas and propane, standard efficiency furnaces operate at between 80 and 89%, while high-efficiency units operate between 90 and 98%. While having a high-efficiency unit is a clear choice, its higher upfront price can deter those looking for a more budget-friendly heating option.
When to Schedule Your Replacement
It’s vitally important that you schedule a furnace replacement before your existing furnace completely fails. You never want to be without an operational heating system during the winter months, as it can be unsafe for your family and your home. The best time of the year to schedule a furnace replacement is in the early fall.
This time of year is considered the off-season for HVAC contractors, making scheduling more flexible. This can ensure the installation is done at a time that best fits within your unique schedule. Another key reason to replace your furnace in the early fall is that most manufacturers will have special discounts and offers on their products.
You can take advantage of favorable financing terms upon approved credit and may even receive some great rebates that can reduce the total upfront cost of buying a new system. These promotions aren’t as prominent in the winter seasons, as homeowners don’t really have a choice of whether or not to replace their heating system when it goes out. They simply have to, regardless of the price, to keep their home and family safe.
When you ultimately schedule a furnace replacement in the fall, it can bring you peace of mind that you’ll be prepared for the upcoming winter season. Even better, you won’t have to stress about your outdated heating system giving out on a cold winter’s night. If you happen to have a malfunction with your new unit, it will be covered under its warranty. Lastly, by planning your furnace replacement ahead of time, you get the added convenience of finding the perfect financing to fit your budget so that you’re not stuck overpaying for your new system.
Expert Furnace Replacement Service
BELOMAN offers expert furnace services for the Belleville, IL area. We can help with all your furnace installation, repair, and maintenance needs. Just phone us today to book your next service consultation.
