We realize that not everyone may need a new furnace right now, but it’s smart to learn the keys that can drive your decision when that time comes. Below are the top 5 considerations that Broad Ripple Service Experts 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. Costly, yet typical repairs include blower motor failures, ignition control failures and heat exchanger failures.
2. Operational Cost
The efficiency of gas furnaces in Indianapolis area homes today can vary widely and has a direct correlation to the amount of money you pay your utility company each month. Furnaces older than 15 years can be terribly inefficient, with up to 40% of your heating dollars going out the window (in a manner of speaking). Even recently manufactured furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A properly maintained furnace will function more efficiently, decrease the likelihood of expensive repairs and above all ensure your safety. Remember, these are gas-fired appliances. Another point worth mentioning is a properly tuned furnace will last longer before replacement is required.
4. Tune-up Checks
Broad Ripple Service Experts often receives questions concerning what truly can be done to tune-up or maintain a furnace and there are actually many vital 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
- Others...
5. HVAC Maintenance Interval
A certified technician who has the insight, tools and expertise to perform a tune-up must maintain heating equipment each year. In short, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with old equipment are some of the more obvious signals of a need to replace your furnace.
Excessive energy costs and the need to reduce energy consumption are also strong reasons to consider replacement of your furnace. In fact, an independent study by Decision Analyst shows nearly 20% of homeowners who recently replaced their furnace specifically did so to lower their utility bills.
Indianapolis area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Broad Ripple Service Experts at 317-527-0271.