Your furnace heats your home. You change the filter once in a while, and the rest of the time, you don't really give it another thought. Until you wake up one cold morning and there is no heat. A furnace will usually not give you any indication that there is a problem. It runs along smoothly for years, until one day, it just dies. That is why annual inspections are so important. A certified professional might be able to see worn parts and replace them before the winter sets in. Or you might be faced with replacing the entire unit. Either way, it is better to find out sooner rather than later. You could have quite a hard time finding a repairman during the winter when most crews are extraordinarily busy. You might need a new furnace if:
- Your system is twenty or more years old
- Last winter it made all sorts of odd clanking, squealing and shuddering sounds
- It has been running less efficiently
- You have been neglecting it in recent years – not properly maintaining or servicing it as regularly as you should
- You have added a new room or some other addition that requires heat
Better safe than sorry. If you have any indication that your furnace might not make it through another season, call in an expert for an evaluation. Remember, he will charge you just for stepping through the door, and in some cases try to sell you a complete new system when all you need is a new belt. So be careful about who you call. Our contractors can help you decide which furnace type and brand is right for you: Trane, Carrier, Goodman, Amana, or Bryant.
If you come to the conclusion that it is time for a new system make sure you get the right one for your needs:
- It should be big enough to heat your entire home but still fit into the allotted space
- It is compatible with existing hook ups, lines, ducts, etc. Unless you are making a complete switch over from gas to electric or vice versa
- Calculate the operating costs for each beforehand and choose the one that is most practical for your area and for your needs
Improper installation can be fire hazard. Only have a trained professional HVAC contractor install your new system.
