We realize that not everyone may need a new furnace right now, 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 considerations that R & M Climate Control Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 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 system is over 15 years old, you might start to experience relatively expensive repairs. Some of the typical repairs include blower motor failures, ignition control failures and heat exchanger failures.
2. Operational Cost
The efficiency of gas furnaces in Knoxville area homes today vary significantly and their efficiency directly influences your utility bills. Furnaces older than 15 years can be very inefficient, with up to 40% of your heating dollars going out the window (in a manner of speaking). Even the latest models of 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. Don’t forget, these are gas-fired appliances. Another point worth mentioning is a properly maintained furnace will last longer before replacement is required.
4. Tune-up Checks
R & M Climate Control Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning hears many questions pertaining to what truly 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 knowledge, skills and experience to perform a tune-up is needed to maintain heating equipment each year. Simply put, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with old equipment are some of the more obvious signals of a need to replace your furnace.
High energy costs and the desire to reduce energy consumption are also compelling reasons to consider replacement of your furnace. In fact, an independent study by Decision Analyst stated that nearly 20% of homeowners who recently replaced their furnace specifically did so to lower their utility bills.
Knoxville area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call R & M Climate Control Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at 865-229-6176.