We realize 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 the top 5 considerations that Epperson 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 furnace is over 15 years old, those repair can be especially expensive. Costly, yet typical repairs include blower motor failures, ignition control failures and heat exchanger failures.
2. Operational Cost
The efficiency of gas furnaces in Hilton Head Island area homes today can vary widely and has a direct correlation to the amount of money you pay your utility company each month. Furnaces older than 15 years can be terribly inefficient, resulting in up to 40% of your home energy dollars being wasted. Even recently manufactured furnaces can waste up to 20%.
3. System Maintenance
A correctly maintained furnace will function more efficiently, decrease the likelihood of expensive repairs and most importantly ensure your safety. After all, these are gas-fired appliances. Another important point is a properly tuned furnace will last longer before replacement is necessary.
4. Tune-up Checks
Epperson Service Experts often receives questions relating to what actually can be done to tune-up or maintain a furnace and there are actually many vital 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 certified technician who has the education to perform a tune-up must maintain heating equipment once a year. To put it bluntly, without routine maintenance, frequent repairs combined with old equipment are a couple of the more obvious signs of a need to replace your furnace.
Out of control energy costs and the need to reduce energy consumption are also compelling reasons to weigh the replacement of your furnace. In fact, an independent study by Decision Analyst suggested nearly 20% of homeowners who recently replaced their furnace specifically did so to lower their utility bills.
Hilton Head Island area homeowners seeking more information are urged to call Epperson Service Experts at 843-619-3781.