We understand that purchasing a furnace may not be an immediate need, but it’s wise to learn the keys that can drive your decision when that time comes. Below are five important considerations that Parker Pearce Service Experts advises our customers to think about during their evaluation:
1. Heating Repair Frequency
Like any type of appliance, as furnaces age, the probability of frequent heating repairs increase. If your heating equipment is over 15 years old, you might start to experience relatively expensive repairs. More common and costly repairs include blower motor failures, ignition control failures and heat exchanger failures.
2. Operational Cost
The efficiency of gas furnaces in Gaithersburg area homes today naturally influences your home energy bills, and the level of efficiency can vary tremendously depending upon the system you buy. Furnaces older than 15 years can be extremely inefficient, wasting up to 40% of the dollars you spend to heat your home. Even newer furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A correctly maintained furnace will run more efficiently, decrease the likelihood of expensive repairs and most importantly ensure your safety. Don’t forget, these are gas-fired appliances. Another point worth mentioning is a properly maintained furnace will last longer before replacement is required.
4. Tune-up Checks
Parker Pearce Service Experts often receives questions relating to what really can be done to tune-up or maintain a furnace and there are actually many essential 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
- Much more...
5. HVAC Maintenance Interval
A trained and certified HVAC specialist who has the education to perform a tune-up must maintain heating equipment once a year. Simply put, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with aged equipment are some of the more obvious signs of a need to replace your furnace.
High energy costs and the need to reduce energy consumption are also compelling reasons to contemplate 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.
Gaithersburg area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Parker Pearce Service Experts at 301-476-4577.