Common Furnace FAQs

Winter season is upon us and temperatures are starting to dip. Before it gets too cold, homeowners should prioritize checking their furnaces to ensure they are ready to keep their houses warm without disruption. If you are unsure what to look for or if you see something that concerns you, call a local home heating professional to schedule maintenance. It is best to get this scheduled as soon as possible — don’t wait until there is an issue or until schedules fill up!

When it comes to preparing your furnace for winter, you may have a lot of questions. What type of service should be scheduled? Should I replace my furnace? What kind of furnace is the best investment? All of your questions can be answered by experienced HVAC professionals, no matter how unique your situation. Some questions are typical so you may find the following answers to these furnace FAQs helpful:

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Do I Really Need Maintenance On My Furnace?

The short answer: yes. Furnace maintenance ensures you won’t experience a furnace failure. It also helps your heating system run efficiently, saving you money in the long-run. Should your furnace suffer a major issue while it is under warranty, the manufacturer will likely require proof of maintenance before honoring the warranty.

When Should I Call For Furnace Repairs?

If you have a problem with your furnace, you should call for repair immediately. Waiting to call for furnace repair will likely increase the severity of the problem. Also, if you call as soon as you notice a furnace problem, the repairs are typically easier, faster, and cheaper to deal with.

 

When Should I Schedule A Furnace Replacement?

Your furnace will likely last well over ten to fifteen years with proper maintenance. If your furnace is close to or past this age, it is wise to start saving up for a new, energy-efficient model. Upgrading your heating system will improve your comfort and reduce your energy costs.

What Are Some Signs That A Furnace Should Be Replaced?

A furnace that has difficulty igniting or staying on, emits odd smells/noises, has corrosion, or otherwise isn’t performing normally, may require a replacement. Another, less obvious sign to watch for is an increase in energy consumption and rising monthly bills. Frequent repairs are another sign that an upgrade is necessary.

How Often Should I Replace My Furnace Filters?

Your furnace air filter collects dirt and dust to prevent particulates from entering the system or the air in your home. As such, the dirt and dust build up on the filter over time and clog it. Therefore, it is best to check your filter monthly and replace it when necessary.

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What Is The Best Type Of Furnace?

The best type of furnace is one that has the heating capacity to keep your house comfortably warm in an energy-efficient manner. Your new furnace should, therefore, be the right size and have a high AFUE rating. This way, it can meet your heating needs accordingly.

How Can I Reduce My Home Heating Bill?

Home heating costs account for a large portion of the energy bill. Regularly maintaining your heating system will increase its energy efficiency, thus consuming less fuel and decreasing your monthly bills. Another way to reduce heating bills is by investing in a programmable thermostat and setting the thermostat to a milder temperature.

How Do I Determine The Size, Or Capacity, Of A Furnace For My Home?

To determine the best furnace size for your home, factors such as your home’s total floor area, ceiling height, insulation, orientation, regional climate, and the amount of shade need to be considered. Consult with an experienced HVAC contractor to perform a Manual J load calculation for an accurate figure.

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How Long Will My New Furnace Last?

The specific lifespan of a furnace is difficult to assign for a variety of reasons. However, a new furnace should last over 15-20 years as long as it is properly cared for and maintained. A properly sized furnace for your home will also help increase its longevity.

What Is A Furnace’s AFUE Rating? The AFUE rating is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratio of heat production relative to the furnace’s fuel consumption. This efficiency rating should be a minimum of 80%, though 90% or greater is optimal. Your furnace’s user manual will have details on how to find its AFUE rating.

 

Conclusion

As a homeowner, you rest easier when you know you can rely on your furnace — especially during the colder months. If you have been performing routine maintenance on your furnace, it is likely to last upwards of two decades. In order for your furnace to live its longest life, homeowners should monitor air filters, change filters when necessary, and call professionals to perform annual inspections and cleaning.

If you have an older unit, a replacement furnace may need to be considered if it is not meeting your expectations. Furnaces that suffer from frequent breakdowns, increased fuel consumption, poor performance, and/or are very old are good candidates for replacement. When it is time to replace your furnace, make sure it is the right size for your house by working with an HVAC professional to perform a Manual J load calculation. Also, consider a furnace that is high-efficiency.

Call Wilcox Energy For All Of Your Home Heating Requirements

Wilcox Energy offers superior heating and cooling services in the area. Our technicians are NATE-certified and the best in the industry. With their experience with HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements, they have the knowledge to correctly address all of your HVAC system concerns.

Whether your system needs a simple repair or a total replacement, Wilcox Energy has you covered. For those that need to replace a system, we will first understand your needs and budget so we can find a solution that will work best for you. We prioritize great customer care along with energy efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality. We guarantee the most competitive pricing in the area and encourage you to call us today to schedule an appointment or a free, in-home estimate.

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For more information about our HVAC services, be sure to contact Wilcox Energy. You can click here to contact us, or you can call us at (860) 399-6218 to find out more. We offer a full line of heating and cooling repairs, maintenance services, and installations.