We realize that not everyone may need a new furnace right now, but it’s smart to learn the keys that will likely influence your choice when you are ready to buy. Below are five important considerations that Chief/Bauer Service Experts advises our customers to think about during their evaluation:
1. Heating Repair Frequency
Just like any appliance, as furnaces age, the probability of frequent heating repairs increase. If your system is over 15 years old, those repairs can become significant. 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 Champaign area homes today naturally influences your home energy bills, and the level of efficiency can vary tremendously depending upon the system you buy. 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 correctly maintained furnace will operate more efficiently, reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs and above all ensure your safety. Remember, these are gas-fired appliances. Another point to mention is a properly tuned furnace will last longer before replacement is necessary.
4. Tune-up Checks
Chief/Bauer Service Experts often receives questions relating to what really 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 technician who has the insight, tools and expertise to perform a tune-up must maintain heating equipment once a year. To put it bluntly, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with dated equipment are a few of the more obvious indicators of a need to replace your furnace.
Out of control energy costs and the interest to reduce energy consumption are also compelling reasons to weigh the 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.
Champaign area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Chief/Bauer Service Experts at 217-689-2469.