Considering a Furnace Replacement?

As a homeowner, you may be struggling to accept the fact that it’s furnace replacement time. You don’t want to deal with the expense and disruption to your daily routine. But keeping your home and family comfortable is a priority, so you’ve got to make a decision soon.

If you’re considering a furnace replacement and weighing your options, we have some information that may prove helpful in making this difficult decision.

Furnace Replacement Options

Of course, the first question on your mind is probably about the costs. On average, a furnace replacement price ranges from $2,700 to $6,800, including equipment, labor, and materials. A gas furnace will cost more, ranging from $3,800 to $10,000 for high-efficiency models and other variables.

Choosing the type of furnace that is right for your home can be confusing. With so many options to consider, how do you know where to start? Take it one step at a time. Let’s look at the different furnace types. 

Gas and Propane Furnaces 

If you prefer a gas or propane furnace, they come in three main categories: single-stage, two-stage, and modulating types. 

Single-Stage Furnaces

These are the most basic furnaces and the most commonly installed. It has only one setting and operates at maximum until you turn it off. The units are lower in cost but are not highly efficient.

Two-Stage Furnaces

With a two-stage unit, you have a choice between two settings: high or medium. They are more expensive than a single-stage unit but are a little more efficient.

Modulating Furnaces

This type of furnace uses advanced technology to increase or decrease the flame in increments to maintain a steadier temperature. The units are expensive but deliver consistent, efficient heating.

Gas furnaces are less expensive to operate than electric furnaces, but they come with potential safety hazards. Also, electric furnaces generally have a lifespan of about 30 years, compared to the average 20-year lifespan of gas furnaces.

Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces are a clean, environmentally-friendly source of heat. But some units can cause a significant increase in electric bills. When you decide to choose an electric furnace, talk with a heating professional to determine the most efficient model for your home.

Electric Heat Pumps

A heat pump functions by moving warm air through the system. It doesn’t use electricity to generate heat, but it does use electricity to run the condenser and evaporator fans. A heat pump is an efficient system that can also be used to produce air conditioning in hot weather.

Boilers

Boilers are the least common heating systems, but they are very effective. They use water to transfer heat throughout the home. You can think of it as a high-powered water heater. The water is heated and then pumped through special plumbing lines to a radiator or floor heating grid. The unit reuses the water, making it another efficient method of heating.

Signs that You Need a Furnace Replacement

Like most people, you don’t think about your furnace much until it stops working properly. Many problems that homeowners encounter could have been prevented with routine maintenance checks by a licensed heating professional. 

A trained technician can spot problems early and address them so that you avoid expensive repairs in the future. If your heating issue is repeated or too expensive or unsafe to repair, they may recommend electric or gas furnace replacement. 

Some of the things that indicate the need for a furnace replacement include:

  • Age of the unit
  • Short cycling
  • Increasing energy bills
  • Poor air quality in the home
  • Uneven heating
  • Odd smells from the unit
  • Unusual noises coming from the unit

Since the age of the unit is a factor in determining whether to replace the unit, you may be asking, “Should I replace my 25-year-old furnace?” Or, “Should I replace my 40-year-old furnace?” It’s best to have the system assessed by a professional before making that decision. Some systems can last up to 30 years or more, but at that point, a major breakdown is highly likely. Ultimately, your individualized answer should come from a heating expert. 

Let the Experts at Premier HVAC Services Help You Decide

So, should you replace a furnace before it breaks? Ultimately, you must decide whether you want to continue paying expensive repair bills or go ahead and invest in a more reliable unit. It may not be an easy decision, but a trained technician can help. 

If you’re considering a furnace replacement, contact Premier HVAC Services LLC. Our skilled technicians will evaluate your system and discuss the best solution for your situation. Give Premier HVAC Services a call today or use the convenient online form.