Is It Time for a Furnace Replacement? Here’s What You Need to Know.

The winter heating season is upon us.

Your air conditioner worked hard all summer long to keep you cool, healthy, and comfortable, and now, some of the same components will be working to keep you warm. HVAC systems work year-round. This hard-working system deserves some attention and eventually, you will need a furnace replacement.

HVAC systems are complex mechanical structures, with electrical, chemical, and mechanical components. While it is tempting to “set it and forget it,” that is a mistake. They require regular maintenance to ensure they perform at peak efficiency. Even with the best of care, these systems have a limited lifespan. After decades of use, technological breakthroughs, and improvements, the best of care can provide about 20 to 25 years of usefulness. Eventually, the HVAC system, including the furnace, will need a furnace replacement.

No one replaces a crucial building system such as an HVAC system without a good reason; they are a major investment in your home and the process requires significant planning. Replacement generally happens as an emergency response to catastrophic failure or a planned replacement to avoid an emergency. The latter is preferable, but either way, a new HVAC system will benefit your home and family.

1. A new system WILL be much more efficient than old furnaces. It is easy to overstate this fact since the replacement model has not been chosen yet. However, new electric and natural gas furnaces are 50 to 70% more efficient compared to 20-year-old systems. That means there will not be a bad choice concerning energy efficiency.
2. The efficiency of new HVAC systems is communicated to consumers by efficiency ratings, developed by engineers and the US Department of Energy. Air conditioner systems are rated with a SEER or season energy efficiency rating. Currently, air conditioners are available with ratings between SEER 15 and 22. Furnaces are rated an AFUE or annual fuel utilization efficiency system. Natural gas furnaces may have a rating between 90 to 98.5% efficiency. Electric furnaces are considered 100% AFUE efficient.
3. An energy-efficient system will cost less money to operate, reducing utility bills each month, and improving the family budget. The US Department of Energy estimates that a new HVAC system will save 20 to 40% on heating and cooling portions of residential utility bills.
4. An energy-efficient system will use less energy, putting less pressure on the environment. This factor might hold more importance for some purchasers than others, but it should not be lost on any.
5. Expect a new system to be quieter. New technological advances include variable-speed blower motors. Adjusting the speed of the blower motor provides the desired level of comfort with reduced noise. If you heard little from your old system, expect to hear less with the new system.
6. A new system will provide cleaner air, with fewer airborne allergens. Investigate the air filtration and UV light options, especially if family members are susceptible to severe allergies, asthma, or breathing illness.

Expert Furnace Replacement Services for a Comfortable Home Year-Round

Let All Star A/C & Heating Services help with your Furnace Replacement. We have a seasoned team of HVAC contractors who will configure and design your furnace replacement to keep you and your family comfortable.