Professional Technician Repair Central Gas Heater. Closeup Photo. Household Heating Equipment.
You may be moving to a new house before you need to replace your furnace. Most will last for anywhere between twenty to thirty years. Keeping up with all of the necessary routine maintenance will help keep your furnace running efficiently through winter, but eventually, the time will come to get a replacement.
However, before picking out a new model and contacting a service professional, there are some factors to consider before furnace replacement. Keep reading to learn more about what to keep in mind before making this critical investment in your home.
Pick the Furnace Type
The furnace type is determined by the fuel it uses, which can be either electric, natural gas, or oil. The most common types of furnaces use either natural gas or electric, which are often much simpler and cheaper to install than an oil furnace on average.
Oil furnaces are less common and get ready for the high operating costs. Replacing the oil in the storage tank is expensive and needs to be done at least once a year. It even applies to homes with a smaller square footage. It’s surprising how quickly the furnace can burn through the oil in the tank.
Gas and electric furnaces are common in new and older homes. Both are energy-efficient options for heating a home, especially when you properly keep up with essential maintenance tasks. Replacing old filters at least twice a year can result in significant energy savings.
Operating costs for electric furnaces vary by utility service provider. Your electricity rates will vary, especially if you’re not locked into a set rate. Talking to your utility company may help you get a lower rate per kilowatt hour (kWh) overall, saving you even more money. Natural gas furnaces are the cheapest to operate—however, if you don’t have existing ductwork, the installation costs can be high.
Some homeowners want to switch from an electric to a gas furnace, or vice-versa. It will involve replacing ductwork and electrical wiring, depending on the type of furnace. It’s a good idea to talk to an HVAC professional before making the final decision since the installation costs may not be worth the switch.
Consider Smart Technology
You do not need to have a smart home to take advantage of the technology. You can turn your HVAC system into an intelligent one with a few components. The overall costs depend on the technology you decide to install. The simplest option is to install a smart thermostat, which is also the most cost-effective route to take.
Your smart thermostat connects to the furnace using a wired connection. It can be a DIY project, but only when you have experience with wiring. Otherwise, it’s a task best left to a certified electrician. The thermostat is also wirelessly connected to your home’s WiFi, allowing you to remotely control the furnace using a compatible app on a smartphone or tablet.
Not only is it a pretty convenient way to keep your home at a warm and comfortable temperature, but it also results in significant energy savings.
Lower Costs with Rebates
Replacing your furnace doesn’t have to burn through your savings and leave a hole in your wallet. You can take advantage of all kinds of federal, state, utility, and manufacturer rebates to lower the overall costs associated with replacing your furnace.
Furthermore, consider reaching out to an HVAC professional to learn more about which rebates may apply to your furnace replacement project.
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