Did your furnace perform well under par this winter? Did you notice a difference in comfort from last season? It might be time for a furnace upgrade. Continue reading “If Your Furnace Didn’t Perform To Expectation This Winter, Consider An Upgrade”
Tag: furnace
If Your Furnace Was Red Tagged This Winter, You Have A Decision To Make
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, You Can Select A Furnace That Impacts Your Home’s Unique Heating Demands
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, You Can Select A Furnace That Impacts Your Home’s Unique Heating Demands”
Faced with Repair or Replace Decision? Some Tips!
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.