A Buyer’s Guide To Energy-Efficient Furnaces

energy-efficient furnaces, Long Island, New YorkNew Furnaces Meet Higher Energy Standards

As another Long Island winter approaches, considering an upgrade to an energy-efficient furnace makes sense. New high-efficiency furnaces with Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of at least 90 percent really shine in these cold winters. Continue reading “A Buyer’s Guide To Energy-Efficient Furnaces” →

A Ceiling Fan Can Be Your Furnace’s Best Friend

ceiling fan with furnace, Long Island, New YorkWhen cooler weather arrives, homeowners need to be ready for it. Though many homeowners know the basic tips of sealing their windows and checking their home’s insulation to improve furnace and whole-house efficiency, there are other tricks to keeping your home comfortable and lowering energy costs. Did you know that by utilizing your ceiling fans in conjunction with your furnace, you can enjoy a cozier winter at a lower cost? Continue reading “A Ceiling Fan Can Be Your Furnace’s Best Friend” →

Bump In The Night: Furnace Sounds That Mean It’s Time To Call A Pro

furnace sounds, Long Island, New YorkIs Your Furnace is Making Strange Noises?

 

Snap, crackle, pop is fine in your cereal bowl, but not so fine when it’s coming from your furnace. How can you tell when those creaks and bumps in the night warrant a repair call? Here’s how to diagnose some furnace noises: Continue reading “Bump In The Night: Furnace Sounds That Mean It’s Time To Call A Pro” →

If Your Furnace Was Red Tagged This Winter, You Have A Decision To Make

red tagged furnace options long island, ny areaDoes Your Furnace Need Repairs or Needs to Be Replaced

If your furnace has been red tagged, you have a very important and potentially expensive decision to make: Repair the problem or replace the furnace. Neither is an attractive option, but when you realize a red-tagged furnace is an actual threat to health and life, the need to make a choice becomes even more urgent. Continue reading “If Your Furnace Was Red Tagged This Winter, You Have A Decision To Make” →

With This Handy Buyer’s Guide, Select the Right Furnace

Selecting A Furnace Know What You Need for Your Home’s Heating Needs

 

When shopping for a new furnace, it is important to get just the right one for your home’s particular needs. It will have a huge impact on your comfort this winter and will be the determining factor  on how much you pay  in heating costs. Use this buyer’s guide to help figure out which heating system is best for you. Continue reading “With This Handy Buyer’s Guide, Select the Right Furnace” →

Faced with Repair or Replace Decision? Some Tips!

Is Your Furnace Not Doing the Job Any More? Things to Think About:

Homeowners often face the decision of whether to repair or replace their furnace. Before making this important decision, answer the following questions:

  • Is your system in overall good condition? If so, it might be more cost- effective to repair it.
  • How long are you planning to live in your home? If you are moving within a couple of years, evaluate whether a new system will increase the value of your home. If the cost outweighs the investment value, consider repair. If you are planning on living in your home for many more years, consider the benefits of a more energy efficient system.
  • Have you addressed insulation and duct work? Proper insulation and seals can save up to 20 percent on your energy costs.
  • Are you using a programmable thermostat? A programmable thermostat can save up to 30 percent in energy costs.
  • Have you performed the Home Energy Yardstick? Use this tool to score your home’s energy efficiency.

Consider repairing if:

  • Your system is less than 15 years old.
  • The repair is under $500.
  • The overall condition of your system is good.
  • Your energy bills are reasonable and not concerning.
  • Your Home Energy Yardstick score is 5 or above.

Consider replacing if:

  • Your system is over 15 years old.
  • Your system needs frequent repairs.
  • Your Home Energy Yardstick score is less than 5. If the energy savings of a more efficient unit will cover all or part of your investment, consider replacing it.
  • Your utilities costs are constantly rising.
  • You are concerned about air quality. Consider replacement with an energy-efficient system that can reduce the potential for air contaminants like mold, bacteria, and dust.

A general rule of thumb that can be helpful in deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace is to add up your energy costs for the past winter and multiply by 20 percent. Divide that number into the cost of buying and installing. This is an estimate of how many years it will take to recoup your investment.

Of course, you can also count on T.F. O’Brien for expert advice on repairing vs. replacing your furnace. We can walk you through the options and help you make an educated decision. Call us if we can help.