Heating FAQs

You should consider replacing your existing heating system in several different instances. For example, a heating system that requires repeated and frequent repairs is probably worth replacing. It’s likely not very efficient and may not last much longer anyway. You can save yourself a lot of aggravation as well as money by replacing the heater sooner rather than later.

You should also consider investing in a new heating system if your current unit is more than 10 years old. Even if it seems to still be working well, the newer systems are so much more energy efficient that you’ll come out on top anyway. The monthly energy savings you’ll incur immediately will quickly offset the replacement and installation costs for your new heating system.

AFUE ratings tell us how energy efficient a particular heating system is. At this point, only heating systems with an AFUE rating of 80% or better are even sold, although if you have an older system its AFUE rating could be significantly lower than this. Current models are usually 80% AFUE or 90+%.

That depends on a variety of factors. Furnaces with AFUE ratings over 90% will certainly save you money on a monthly basis when it comes to your heating costs. But they’re also more expensive to purchase and install than 80% AFUE furnaces which are still quite energy efficient.

In order for it to be worth it for you to invest in a 90% or higher AFUE furnace, you’d need to be using your furnace frequently for extended periods of time. This is certainly the case in areas with harsh winters and colder climates year round. However, if you live in a more temperate area, you may not save enough with the 90+% AFUE furnace to offset the higher installation costs.

To a very small degree, an electric furnace is technically safer than a gas powered furnace. However, as long as you maintain your gas furnace properly, the risk of anything going wrong with it is quite slim. In particular, the newest gas furnaces are quite safe, quiet and energy efficient.

The lifespan of your particular heating system will depend on quite a few things. For instance, an electric furnace will typically last longer than a gas one, and so on. But at the least, you should expect any new system you have installed to last you at least 15 years. Keeping up with regular maintenance can extend the life of your heating system considerably, as well as cut down on repair and energy costs over the years.

There are many factors to consider when you’re trying to decide which home heating system is the best for you and your family. The size of your home, its layout, the type of climate you live in and the particulars of your family’s heating needs will all play a role. You’ll also want to make sure that you get a system that’s efficient and can heat your home comfortably without costing you ridiculous amounts of money on your heating bill each month.

This may seem like a lot of information to take into account, and it can be hard to do on your own with no real frame of reference to refer back to. That’s why you should always have a heating expert assist you in making this difficult decision. They can help you sort through all of the data to find the heating system that’s best for your home and your family.