If you have a furnace, you can expect it to last anywhere from 15 to 20 years before needing to be replaced. But if you have an older home, furnace replacement may be sooner rather than later. Getting a new furnace can be a great investment for your home and family. A new unit is reliable and offers much better efficiency than older units.
But how do you prepare to overhaul your heating system and install a new furnace? We have some tips to help you understand the furnace installation process so you know exactly what to expect. Then, when you’re ready for your furnace installation you can give us a call to schedule the initial appointment. We can answer your questions about furnaces and compare your options so you can pick the best one for your family.
Determine Your Heating Needs
A lot of homeowners want to begin their search for a new furnace at their local hardware store. But before you begin to review your options, you need to take some other steps first. When you have a professional come to your home and assess your heating needs, it gives you a better idea of what you should look for in a furnace.
There are three top factors that you need to consider when choosing a furnace – efficiency, size of the unit, and type of furnace. All furnaces have an AFUE rating, which is short for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Higher ratings are more efficient and thus cost less on your energy bill each month. Other things to consider before beginning a furnace install include:
- Inspecting your existing furnace – Your existing ductwork may be fine to keep for your next unit with some minor repairs to the seals. But sometimes the ductwork also needs to be replaced. Assessing the furnace system as a whole helps you understand how big your replacement project will be.
- Clear out space – It’s no secret that furnaces are large and heavy. You want to clear out as much furniture and clutter from around the furnace space before an installation begins. This will ensure that the project goes smoothly and there is no damage to the furnace or your belongings.
- Smart thermostat – If you don’t already have a smart thermostat, now is the time to get one! You can create a heating and cooling schedule for your home to boost efficiency and save money on your monthly energy bill. With a wifi-enabled thermostat, you can even adjust the settings when you’re away from home.
- Air purifier – While you’re already installing a furnace, you may consider add-ons like an air purifier that can clean the air in your home. Your furnace’s air filter can only do so much, but an air purifier can eliminate even the smallest particles in the air like allergens and viruses.
- Humidifier – In the winter, cold temperatures feel even colder due to a lack of humidity. If you install an in-line humidifier you can boost the warmth in your home and help your new heater run smoothly.
What You Can Expect During Furnace Installation
If your furnace installation is simple, it can be done in a few hours. But if you have to replace ductwork and add in-line humidifiers or air purifiers then the project could take longer to get done right. Keep in mind that the project’s hardest part is removing the old furnace. After that, the installation is simpler. Your team of professionals will offer you warranty and maintenance plan options as well as go over best practices for taking care of your furnace.
Our professionals are ready to take care of you when you reach out. Contact Cowboys Air Conditioning & Heating today to schedule an appointment with our professionals.
