Spring may officially be here, but we’re still dealing with cooler temps for now. Hopefully, your heater has served you well this winter and you’re still keeping warm and comfortable in your home. If it hasn’t, or if you’ve decided this is its last winter, you may be considering a replacement. This is a huge investment and it’s important that you consider it carefully. When you contact our team for any sort of furnace service in Spokane, WA, you can count on us to help you make an educated decision.
We believe that selecting a new heater doesn’t have to be complicated or scary, so long as you work with an HVAC pro who is aware of your home’s specific needs. Keep reading for our brief guide on selecting a new heater. And don’t hesitate to reach out for more information!
Look at Your Fuel Options
After you’ve decided to replace your outdated or malfunctioning heater, the next step is to choose a fuel option that will best suit your needs and budget. If you already had a gas-powered system in place, then it likely makes the most sense to stick with the gas-powered options. Natural gas, after all, is cost-effective and very efficient.
If you live in an area that doesn’t easily have access to the main natural gas line, however, then you’ll have to go electric. Another reason many homeowners choose electric powered heaters is due to safety. Gas powered systems aren’t inherently unsafe, but any time you’re dealing with the fumes it can create, there is a potential for hazard.
Get the Right Size
We can’t understate how important it is that your new furnace is properly sized for your home. Whether a heating system is oversized or undersized, it can create significant inefficiencies and an increased risk of repair needs. A heater that’s too small won’t be able to provide sufficient heat, while one that’s too big will start short-cycling due to its power.
Once your heater is appropriately sized, it can be installed in your home. For this kind of job, you want to leave the work to the pros.
Does My Heater Really Need to Be Replaced Just Yet?
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the choices you have to make when shopping for a new heater. As a result, you may decide to wait it out just another year. There are instances in which repairs can help your system last a little bit longer, but if any of the following statements describe your situation, we really do encourage replacement:
- Your furnace is over 15 years old. While it depends on the manufacturer and how well maintained your heater is, furnaces are designed to last about 10-15 years. If yours is older than this, it simply can’t perform as efficiently as it once did, and it could very well be time to replace.
- You need to call for frequent repairs. Have you found yourself calling for heating repairs more than just a couple times a year? If so, it may be that the system is worn out.
- You’re paying too much to heat your home. A struggling furnace can cause your heating bills to rise unexpectedly. If you find yourself paying much more than you did this same time last year, it’s a sign your system can’t run as efficiently as it once did.
ACI Northwest is here to help with your home comfort needs or concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us for helpful advice.