Tips to Consider Before Replacing Your Furnace
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, commonly referred to as HVAC systems, are precision mechanical constructs that make our homes more comfortable and safe. Like every other mechanical system, HVAC systems have a limited lifespan; anticipate that a well-maintained system can service your home for 20-30 years.
When the time comes to replace your HVAC, it will help if you have an established relationship with a reputable heating and air conditioning company. Replacing the system is more complicated than removing component parts and replacing them with new components. An experienced technician can lead you through the process of making decisions that affect your home for the next twenty years. Let’s begin with some easy questions:
- I know it’s old, but can it be repaired?
- If I replace it, how much might it cost?
- Will the room addition we built three years ago affect the new equipment we purchase?
That is just the beginning. The U.S. has many high-quality manufacturers of HVAC parts, and each brand has multiple styles, grades, and sizes of component parts. That is because even when houses are built identical in size, shape, and features, the families that live inside the home have different needs and comfort expectations. It is not required of you to know all the details of industry standards, but an experienced HVAC tech can guide you through the overwhelming amounts of information and help you make decisions wisely. The two major factors that determine the best product are:
- The house. Details will be gathered about the square footage, number of floors, number of rooms, and activities planned for each room.
- Comfort expectations. Some families have health issues or simply desire certain levels of comfort in their homes. These issues and expectations can determine the system features needed to accomplish the goals.
The next stage includes a home visit to gather further details.
- A service provider may take measurements and count doors and windows to perform a Heat Load Calculation. This will help determine the size of the component parts necessary to perform basic HVAC functions.
- Attic insulation might be inspected. Some simple tests might determine the integrity of the building envelop, especially as it concerns air leaks around attic openings, windows, and doors.
- Simple observations of the ductwork will determine whether existing ducts will provide adequate airflow. Floor vents and return registers will be located to make sure they are not covered.
Seasoned HVAC technicians will complete a simple interview with the homeowner concerning:
- Trouble spots, such as areas that are hard to heat or cool.
- Areas in the home with moisture problems.
- More than ordinary indoor air quality needs, such as a family member with respiratory ailments, including asthma, allergies, or medical conditions. A whole house purification system might be suggested.
- Any other questions the homeowner might have concerning a new HVAC system.
Have Questions About Replacing Your Furnace?
Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help with Replacing Your Furnace, Maintenance, and repair. Contact us and get the answers you need.
