Leading Up to Your HVAC System Not Working Completely, There Are Usually Indications That Trouble Is Coming…
Like our weather here in Buffalo, NY, your HVAC system deciding not to work in the middle of winter, can be unpredictable. There are indicators that it may be time for a new furnace, or your family cuddled together under blankets because your heater stopped working altogether, may be sign enough. Whatever the case may be, no one wants to be without warmth too long in January, so we are here to help you with some tips for how to choose a new furnace.
Tips for How to Choose a New Furnace
When selecting your new furnace, like all things in your home, it can be overwhelming and stressful, especially in the dead of winter. The below are just a few things to keep in mind when selecting your new furnace. Things like price, warranty, availability, etc. will likely also play a major role in your new furnace decision.
Let’s get down to it and review some of the key things you should consider when choosing a new furnace.
Type of System / Energy Source
Choosing your new furnace is likely going to be highly impacted by the current type of furnace and energy source you have for your system. Gas and electric furnaces are different, and a boiler is also another option many homes have. 47% of households rely on natural gas as their main heating fuel, compared to 36% of households who rely on electricity (EIA). For most Buffalo homeowners who are replacing their furnace, they stick to the type that their home is already set up for to avoid additional costs and prolonged downtime.
Energy Efficiency
We have reviewed before how energy efficiency plays a major role in the cost and effectiveness of your home’s heating and cooling. Finding a furnace that will save you money and work efficiently, is something that you should keep in mind when selecting your new furnace. Know the AFUE rating, AFUE stands for “annual fuel utilization efficiency”. This is a measurement of how well your furnace uses fuel to heat your household. The higher the rating, the more efficient your heating unit.
Size
One of the most important factors that contribute to a HVAC system’s effectiveness, is the size of the system. If a furnace is too small for a home, it won’t be able to properly heat the entire space during colder weather. Also, if the furnace is too large, it will operate inefficiently and it will cost more than a unit of the proper size. A heating expert can help you find a furnace that is the right size for your home.
Features and Benefits
HVAC systems have gotten more complex with new features, over time. To choose a new furnace that is right for your home and family, know what features different systems have to offer, and select a furnace with attributes that you are looking for. If advanced filtration is important to you, find a furnace with those options. If you want zoned heating, that could also be a selection.
Indicators That It May Be Time for a New Furnace in Your Buffalo, New York Home
Leading up to your HVAC system not working completely, there are usually indications that trouble is coming. If you see any of the below signs, don’t wait until it’s too late to call a Buffalo heating expert to help you diagnose and address your issues.
– Varying Temperatures: With age, furnaces become more inefficient and they may lose the ability to disperse heat evenly throughout your home, as they are working harder. If some rooms in your Buffalo, New York home are chillier than others, this could be a sign that your furnace is on its last leg.
– Increased Heating Costs: Have your energy bills and maintenance costs for your furnace progressively increased? If so, your expenses could be a significant sign that your furnace is close to needing to be replaced.
– Noisy: Has your furnace started talking to you or have the sounds of your furnace changed? Furnaces can be noisy, however; if that noise gets louder over time, then you may want to consider a replacement.
– Soot: If you have found new black powdery or flaky substances around your furnace registers, it may be time to replace your furnace. The soot usually means your furnace is not performing well and can cause extreme dryness throughout your home which can lead to damaged furniture, flooring, and plants.
– Age: Today’s furnaces have a typical lifetime of around 20 to 30 years. If your heater is more than 15 years old, it is probably time to start considering furnace replacement options.
Furnace Service Experts in Buffalo, NY
While having a furnace stop working in January is not ideal, Reimer Home Services is here to help. We are dedicated to making sure you choose a new furnace that is right for your Buffalo home and family.
We’re an experienced and locally trusted team for new furnace installation in Buffalo.
Contact us today to start with a free in-home estimate. We’ll work with you to find the right heating system for your home and your budget.
Don’t put up with your failing heater for yet another winter. Make the right call and talk to us about new gas and electric furnace installation here in Buffalo and Western New York.
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