FAQ – Furnace Questions and Answers

When they are working properly furnaces are very helpful to have around. However, they do require maintenance and servicing on a regular basis, and when a problem arises it can be very frustrating. The following is a list of some of the more common questions and answers about furnaces. Be sure to contact us if you have a question that is not on our list.

Before calling a service technician, make sure you check the following first:

– Is your thermostat set at the right temperature?

– Is the furnace filter clean?

– Does the thermostat power on correctly? Is it turned on? Do you have a tripped circuit breaker?

– If you own a gas furnace, check to ensure that the supply of gas is working correctly.

How often does my furnace need to be serviced?

Your heating system should be serviced once a year at least. When you have your furnace serviced it will help to ensure it continues to work efficiently and can help to extend your unit’s life.

What are some of the most common signs that a furnace needs to be replaced?

Every furnace model and make has its own little quirks and might start showing issues in different ways. Some of the most common problems that older furnace tend to have include the following:

– Pilot light problems on gas furnaces

– Unpleasant smells

– Doesn’t produce as much heat as it did in the past

– Extensive corrosion

– Becomes slow to ignite

Why should I think about replacing my furnace?

It is expensive to purchase a new furnace, but it is often worthwhile to do. If your furnace is old and needs to be repaired, replacing it might be a good idea. New models can be up to 60% more efficient, so they are much less expensive to operate. Replacing a ten to a fifteen-year-old unit can lower your utility bills by a third or even more.

How do I select the best furnace?

The right furnace to meet your requirements is going to depend on the size and age of your property, the number of rooms it has, and your local area’s climate. Local issues like regional incentives, rebate programs, and utility bills all can make a significant difference to the operating costs as well as the upfront costs. Heating professionals can provide you with advice on the benefits and features of various furnaces and help you select a furnace that will heat your house well and be affordable to operate.

Why should I hire a professional installation company after purchasing a new furnace?

It is critical to have your furnace installed by professionals since heating systems can be quite complex. If your furnace is not installed properly, at best, it could end up wasting energy, and in some cases could be quite dangerous to use. When it comes to furnace installation, it is best to not try to cut corners.

How much does a new furnace cost?

There are many different factors involved in the cost of having a new heating unit installed. They include the size of your property, the condition of your ductwork, and how efficient the new equipment is. Speak to a professional heating company and get suggestions from them on which units will suit your budget and needs the best.

What is the best size furnace for a residence?

There is no one rule that can tell you what size of heating system is best for a certain property. The size of the equipment load is based on a number of different factors including the layout of your rooms, the location and size of the windows, the kind of material that your house is made out of, and the height of your ceilings. All of those things need to be considered when determining the right size of an HVAC system for your house. Call us today for a no-obligation, free assessment.

Are larger furnaces better?

Larger furnaces are not necessarily better. A large furnace is more expensive to run and over the long-term might be less effective. A furnace is its least efficient when it is first turned on, and when a furnace is too powerful then it will run for several short cycles, and then repeatedly switch off, which means it never reaches its maximum efficiency.

When should I install a new furnace?

Ideally, you should install a new furnace when the weather is warm. However, if your furnace breaks down during the winter, you can still have an experienced technician fit the replacement.

When should I replace my furnace?

As long as you properly maintain your furnace a standard model should last for 15-18 years. You might need to replace a high-efficiency furnace after 12-14 years. If your furnace is over 10 years old, you should carefully monitor it for any loss of efficiency and signs of damage.

How can I cut down on my energy use?

Minimizing the use of your appliances, heating, and lighting can save you lots of money on your utilities A programmable thermostat can be used to set a lower temperature on your furnace at night, and while you are away from home. That will help to reduce your consumption of energy. A high-efficiency furnace also can save you more money compared to a standard furnace. High-efficiency modern furnaces have a 97% efficiency rating. By contrast, standard furnaces that are ten years old are only rated at 55%.

Is the ENERGY STAR logo important?

It has been found that any HVAC equipment that has the ENERGY STAR logo on it is more energy-efficient than the federal minimum standards. You can save lots of money by selecting an ENERGY STAR rated furnace, and your carbon footprint will also be reduced, while you can still enjoy all of the convenient benefits that a modern heating system provides.

How can I maximize my heating efficiency?

A good place to start is to choose an energy-efficient furnace. You can also try to do the following:

– Have a professional technician inspect and service your unit once per year

– Do not allow debris and dirt to build-up in the unit

– Change or clean your air filters on a regular basis

– Leave the thermostat set at a consistent temperature

Why should I use a programmable thermostat?

They have a tendency to be a lot more accurate compared to thermostats relying on mercury. When you have a programmable thermostat you can accurately control the temperature of your house, and you can set it to change the temperature at various times during the day and night. That way you won’t need to worry about leaving your heating on accidentally at full blast while you at work.

What kind of air filters should I use?

Use air filters that are easy to clean. They should also be fine enough so that they can filter out pollutants and fine dust while keeping the HVAC system energy-efficient and clean.