Why to Replace Your Furnace Before Winter

March 26th, 2019 Posted in Furnaces
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At the end of last winter did you determine that it is probably time for a new furnace? When spring and summer arrive, it can be easy to put thoughts of warming your home on the back burner, but this is the best time to consider replacement. Waiting until the first signs of winter arrive is not a good plan when it comes to furnace replacement. Here are some reasons why you should replace your furnace now before winter begins knocking at your door.

  • You are not using it. The best time to replace a furnace is when you are not using it. If you wait until fall, or worse, winter, you can be stuck without heat during the installation process. The same is true for your AC unit; choose a cooler time of year for replacement to avoid going without AC.
  • Easier scheduling. Unfortunately, the first days of winter are when many people realize they need heating service or a new unit installed. It can be difficult to find a HVAC service that can come out right away during this busy time. Off-season is the best time for quick service and easy scheduling for your furnace installation.
  • Great deals. Many companies have their best deals when demand is low. You may be able to save money on your new furnace by having it installed in the off-season – ask for summer, spring or fall specials.

There is no reason to wait until winter arrives to get your new furnace installed. Call your local HVAC contractor and ask about off-season service specials for furnace installations. When winter does arrive, your new furnace will be installed and ready to keep you warm.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
264 Buchanan Highway
Dallas, GA 30157
(770) 505-7426

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Is Your Furnace Telling You It Is Time to be Replaced?

January 8th, 2018 Posted in Furnaces
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Furnaces can last 10-20 years, sometimes even longer, but they do eventually need to be replaced. With ongoing repairs, a furnace may continue working, but that is not necessarily the best option. Replacing your furnace may be a major expense, but it can save you money in the long run. Your furnace may already be alerting you that it needs to be replaced. Here are some of the signs:

  • More noise. If your furnace is getting noisier each year, even with regular tune-ups, it may be trying to tell you it is time for new heating system. If your furnace is 15 years old or older, it is unlikely to quiet down with service, but the noise lets you know it is coming to the end of its lifespan.
  • Soot or rust around vents. Older furnaces that use fuel tend to create more CO2 that can lead to rust and soot in your ducts and around your vents. This can affect your home’s air quality, as well as drying out the materials in your home.
  • Higher energy bills. Does your heating bill go up every year? It may not be just higher fuel or energy costs; your furnace may be less efficient. Newer furnaces are more efficient and can help you pay for your new model over a few years of lower heating bills.
  • More repairs. If you are on a first-name basis with your furnace repairman, it may be time to replace your furnace. Repairs can keep your furnace running, but in the long run, it will cost you more.

If these signs are occurring with your furnace, talk to your local HVAC contractor about the new options available. You can save money off your monthly heating bill and have fewer repairs with the purchase of a newer, more efficient furnace for your home.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

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What a Written Estimate on Installing a New Furnace Should Tell You

January 29th, 2013 Posted in Uncategorized
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When you are having a new furnace installed, it is very important to ask for a written estimate from your HVAC contractor before agreeing to any work.  The estimate should give a breakdown of what is going to happen in your home. This means that there should be full description of what the HVAC contractor is proposing to do. A written estimate should also give a detailed description of the furnace being installed, including make, model and BTU’s. Look for the listing of permit costs on the estimate. Has the contractor included it in his bid, or is he expecting for you to pay for the permit costs as an added item?

You also want to get an estimate of the amount of time that it will take for the company to complete the furnace replacement. This doesn’t have to be an hourly estimate, but you should receive an estimate on how many days they expect the project to take from start to completion.

Check the estimate to see if it lists the length and type of warranty being provided for the work that the contractor is going to do and for the furnace itself. If there are necessary costs, such as electrical work, to complete the installation, the estimate should state whether those costs are included in the estimate or not.

The estimate should also provide you with the terms of payment that will be expected should you choose that contractor to do the work. A partial down payment when signing the contract is standard. Full payment should never be required until the job is completed to your satisfaction.

Once you have found what you need on the written estimate, it is good to compare between contractors. Make sure that each estimate is providing comparable services and equipment to the others.

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Two Stage Furnace Benefits

May 22nd, 2012 Posted in Furnaces
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Summer may seem like an odd time to buy a new furnace, but it is actually a great time to get a good deal on the best selection of energy efficient furnaces.  And there is no better time to install your new furnace.  By selecting and installing your new furnace in the summer months, you can take your time and will not be rushed by the need to get the furnace replacement done as soon as possible.

While shopping for a new furnace, ask your HVAC professional about the benefits of a two stage furnace.  Most homeowners assume that the greatest benefit of a two stage furnace is that they are very energy efficient.  While it’s true that two stage furnaces are energy efficient, what most homeowner appreciate is that they will keep your home more comfortable.

A traditional single stage furnace operates at only level.  The furnace is either on or off and the temperature of your home is controlled by how long the furnace runs.  The furnace turns on when the temperature drops below a certain level and shut off when reaches a degree or two above the desired temperature.  The result is that there is constant cycle of higher and lower temperatures as the furnace cycles on and off.

A two stage furnace operates differently.  It can operate at high and low so to avoid too much cycling on and off, it runs on low during mild weather.  It runs longer, but uses less energy and avoids the frequent temperature swings of a single stage furnace.  When temperatures drop the second stage kicks in for additional heat when it is needed.  With a two stage furnace, your home is more evenly heated with fewer temperature swings.

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Understanding Variable Speed Fans

January 18th, 2012 Posted in HVAC Equipment
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If you have been shopping for a new HVAC system for your home, you probably know that there are many confusing options and features on most new HVAC systems.  The good news is that most of these features help increase the efficiency of your HVAC system and reduce operating costs.  One feature commonly found on many of today’s energy efficient heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioning systems is a variable speed fan.

A variable speed fan is sometimes referred to as a variable speed blower.  Not matter what nomenclature the manufacturer gives it, the purpose of the fan or blower is to circulate the heated or cooled air through your home.

Variable speed fans are primarily designed to increase the energy efficiency of the system.  Unlike a traditional fan that operates at the same speed under all conditions, a variable speed fan runs faster or slower depending the demand for warm or cool air.  When the demand is low, the fan will run at a slower speed and reduce energy consumption.

A variable speed fan has other advantages as well.  Some homeowners prefer to set the fun to run all the time, continuously circulating the air in the home.  The home is more evenly heated and cooled and the furnace filter can do a better job of removing airborne contaminants.

If you are one of these homeowners, an HVAC system equipped with a variable speed fan is an excellent choice.  When running in continuous mode, the fan will run quietly and use far less energy than a traditional fan.

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Should I Buy a Natural Gas Or Propane Furnace?

December 20th, 2011 Posted in Furnaces
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Most gas furnaces are available set up to operate using either natural gas or propane.  Naturally, buyers want to know which is better.  Before you even get to that debate, you have to determine whether you even have a choice.  Propane is more easily compressed into a liquid state that can be stored in a tank and is delivered to your home in a tank truck.  Most homes can have a propane storage tank installed so propane is a viable alternative for most homes.

Natural gas does not compress as easily as propane and is usually delivered through a municipal pipeline.  If your area has natural gas service, then you can choose between the two energy sources.  If there are no municipal gas lines serving your area, your only alternative is propane.

Assuming you have a choice, it doesn’t make much difference which type of gas you use from a comfort standpoint.  The heat provided by a natural gas furnace is not significantly different than that provided by propane furnace.  You won’t notice much of a difference between the two types of fuels in terms of comfort.

The real difference is in the cost of the two energy sources.  Propane is more expensive than natural gas, but it is also more efficient.  It takes more natural gas to produce the same amount of heat produced by a given amount of propane.  Your local HVAC contractor can help you determine which fuel is more cost effective in your area.  Don’t forget to include the cost of buying a propane storage tank and the cost to hook up to the municipal gas line in your calculation if necessary.

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