A properly maintained furnace can last roughly 20 years; however, as it advances in age the components begin to wear and the system becomes less efficient. This leads to more frequent repairs and begs the question whether it makes more sense to replace the unit sooner rather than waiting out the life expectancy.
Fortunately, reputable and quality furnace contractors will assess the existing furnace to determine if continuing to make repairs is reasonable or will encourage homeowners to move forward with a replacement.
Companies like Dran’s Heating & AC in Newport News guide homeowners through finding a new furnace that suits their household and meets their lifestyle needs. They address all questions and concerns and ensure the new installation process is smooth and seamless. How will you know if you need a furnace replacement and what factors should you consider with a new installation? Let’s learn.
Factors To Consider with a New Furnace Install
Many variables attribute to whether a furnace should be replaced or if you should proceed with repairs to the existing system. Much has to do with the heating system age and its efficiency.
A furnace that is relatively new, less than ten years old, with minor concerns such as a gas valve replacement or a thermostat repair, is more cost-efficient to make these small fixes than to replace the whole unit
Older heating equipment, close to it max lifespan, will cost considerably more in frequent repairs than to have a new furnace installation. Most professional furnace contractors in Virginia will recommend a replacement if the repairs costs exceed 50 percent of the new installation.
It can also be more economical to invest in a new system when your heating unit has a low AFUE – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating and it constantly breaking down.
A modern higher efficiency furnace will save substantial energy costs and offer a more comfortable household environment. Visit – Furnace Replacement: Things to Know Before Replacing a Furnace – to learn what you should know before replacing your furnace.
Here are a few factors to consider as you decide whether to repair your existing heating system or replace the furnace for a new unit.
The efficiency rating
When comparing furnaces, the efficiency category should be a primary factor. This will determine its cost-efficiency and eco-friendliness. AFUE represents the energy percentage converted into usable heat. The higher this rating, the greater the efficiency.
A heating system with a 95 percent AFUE only lose 5 percent of the fuel to waste. Selecting a high AFUE rated furnace can help homeowners reduce utility costs and conserve energy consumption. The thing to consider when looking at the highest ratings is these are also a bigger investment.
While that investment will give many returns over time, the upfront price point may exceed your budget. View here for factors to consider before buying a new heating system.
The local climate and weather
Your local Newport News climate will directly impact the amount of heating power your system needs to produce for a comfortable interior temperature. In colder climates such as Virginia with its harsh winter season, a higher heating capacity and greater efficiency rating are vital to combat frigid weather.
Milder climates to the south can take advantage of lower heating capacities since the temperatures don’t get extreme in these regions.
Ideally, you’ll consult with a qualified and reliable heating technician familiar with your region’s weather and capable of offering insight into the most suitable furnace to provide for your household’s needs.
– The household requirements
In that vein, reputable and quality furnace installation contractors assess your home including its size and layout, occupants in the home, and specific preferences for climate control.
For instance, a family each with different temperature preferences could benefit from a multi-one heating system that allows customized settings in different areas of the house.
Additionally, expert technicians recommend programmable thermostats and smart heating and cooling systems to enhance climate control and ensure comfortability as you adjust the settings remotely and can schedule cycle based on your day-to-day routine.
– Professional installation
Many furnace manufacturers provide warranties in varying lengths, between 10 and 20 years for the heating exchange and approx. 10 years for other components. The longer the duration expresses the company’s confidence in their product.
With these warranties, however, is the stipulation that the furnace be installed by a credentialed and experienced furnace installation professional. Improper installation can void the warrant. You want to keep invoices and receipts related to the heating system installation so that warrant claims will be validated.
You want to fully review the warranty requirements, all terms and conditions, to make an informed choice when comparing heating systems and maximize the protection for your furnace investment.
Final Thought
The best furnace installation company in Newport News will work with you as you compare heating systems to ensure you find one with the greatest efficiency, one to provide optimal climate control for full comfortability, and one that fits your budget.