Determining if your furnace needs replacing can be difficult. After all, repairs are typically far more affordable than a replacement, but how long should you coddle your aging furnace before you throw in the towel? Ask yourself these questions and know the benefits that come from investing in a new furnace.
- What type of warranty is available? Chances are your existing furnace’s warranty expired years ago. A new, extended one delivers peace of mind and can save you money on repairs and replacement parts.
- Could I use a new thermostat? Your outdated furnace might still be run by a manual thermostat or a non-programmable digital model. Programming temperature setbacks while you’re away or sleeping saves energy and money. If the new furnace you’re exploring comes with a programmable thermostat, that’s just another reason to decide your furnace needs replacing.
- Could I benefit from a condensing furnace? Gas furnaces that earn the highest Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings are known as condensing furnaces. Fuel passes through two heat exchangers to extract the most heat possible. This causes condensate to form, which must be drained away through a pipe. If you choose to replace your furnace with a condensing version, make sure it’s installed level and that the drain pipe slopes so condensate can drain properly.
- Is my current furnace improperly sized? Oversized furnaces are preferred over undersized units, so some contractors fudge the numbers when sizing your unit to deliver one on the larger side. However a properly sized furnace is important to keep energy costs low, reduce wear and tear on the system, and prevent uncomfortable temperature fluctuations. If your current furnace is oversized, you could benefit from improved comfort and lower energy bills by choosing a contractor who can size a replacement correctly.
With these questions in mind, you should easily realize the benefits that await you if you determine your furnace needs replacing. To learn more about choosing your replacement furnace, please contact Around the Clock Heating & Air Conditioning today. We have proudly served Los Angeles-area residents for over 45 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about replacing your furnace and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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