Replacing Your Furnace? Avoid These Pitfalls

Are you thinking of replacing your furnace before the heart of the winter sets in? It makes sense to invest in new equipment at the start of the season.

Your furnace has worked hard for years. Before we move into the coldest months of the year, upgrade your equipment to ensure your warm all winter long, without the risk of having your furnace stop at the most inopportune time.

Replacing your furnace isn’t as easy as purchasing the first piece of equipment you find. If you buy the wrong furnace, it can impact how warm you are in the winter months, and how much you pay on your utility bills. Common mistakes homeowners make include:

Buying the wrong sized furnace

A larger furnace won’t produce a greater supply of heated air. Instead, if you install a furnace that isn’t sized correctly for your home, it’ll have to work harder to produce the proper amount of conditioned air. A too large furnace won’t cycle properly, as your home will reach temperature before it completes the cycle. A too small furnace will struggle to keep up with demand. Either will put excess wear and tear on the unit, meaning your equipment will wear down before its time.

Focusing solely on price

Furnaces are expensive. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sticker price. But a good furnace that is properly sized for your home can easily last for 15 to 20 years. That’s why it makes sense to pay attention to the energy efficiency, and how much it will cost you on your utility bills each month as well. Selecting an energy efficient unit can reduce your bills enough to pay for the equipment over the life of the furnace.

Selecting the wrong contractor

It’s easy to find ways to cut corners. You can always find an “installer” who is willing to cut corners and offer lower prices. But will that installer be around if there are problems with your system? If you select a reputable contractor, they care about their business. They select high quality equipment, and stand behind their work.

Not asking questions

Your furnace is a big purchase. You should never go with the first one, especially if it’ll last you for as long as twenty years. Find out more about high efficiency and what it brings to your home. Ask about warranties and maintenance plans. The more you understand about keeping your furnace in good working condition, the longer it’ll last you over the years.

Putting off the purchase

If you’re considering installing a new furnace, there’s a reason for it. Your equipment is old and reaching its end of life. Or maybe it’s making noises, or repair work is increasing. The longer you wait, the more likely your furnace will break at an inopportune time. That first dip into the twenties or teens can send your furnace into a tailspin, and you scrambling to install a new furnace quickly. If you focus on installation now, you can take the time necessary to select the right furnace for your needs.

We can help. If you have any questions about replacing your furnace, give us a call today.