TOP TIPS FOR FURNACE REPLACEMENT
1. Choose local HVAC experts with a good reputation in your community.
Instead of choosing a contractor based on flashy ads or big discounts, prioritize a local, medium-sized company with a proven reputation in your community. Local companies often provide more personalized service and are vested in maintaining their reputation within the community. This means they are more likely to offer honest advice and reliable service.
2. Understand Efficiency Ratings.
AFUE Rating: Look for furnaces with high AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings. The AFUE rating measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into heat. Higher ratings (90% and above) indicate better efficiency and lower operating costs.
Energy Star Certification: Consider Energy Star-certified furnaces. These units meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and can offer significant energy savings.
3. Get a proper assessment of your heating needs.
Your home has unique characteristics—such as size, insulation, window placement, and existing ductwork—that should guide the selection of your furnace system. A home comfort specialist will conduct a detailed inspection to pinpoint any specific issues affecting comfort, ensuring your new system is both efficient and effective.
We will carry out a Manual J load calculation to accurately determine your home’s heating requirements. This assessment takes into account factors like square footage, insulation quality, and local climate conditions, ensuring your new system is properly sized for optimal efficiency and comfort.
THE Furnace INSTALLATION PROCESS
Installing a new furnace involves several critical steps to ensure proper operation, efficiency, and longevity.
1. Removing the Old Unit
If replacing an existing furnace, our technician will begin by safely disconnecting and removing the old unit. This process includes turning off the power and gas supply to the furnace to ensure safety. The technician will then carefully disconnect the electrical connections, gas lines, and ductwork. The old furnace is then removed from its location, and any refrigerant is safely recovered in compliance with environmental regulations. Special care is taken to avoid any damage or leaks during the disconnection process, ensuring a clean and safe removal of the old unit.
2. Preparing the Installation Site
The installation site is prepared to accommodate the new furnace. This includes inspecting and potentially upgrading the existing ductwork to ensure compatibility and efficiency with the new system. If necessary, and if you are also replacing your air conditioner at the same time, a new concrete pad may be installed to provide a stable, level base for the outdoor unit.
3. Installing the New Unit
Several steps are involved in installing the new furnace. First, the new furnace unit is carefully positioned in the designated location, ensuring proper clearance for airflow and maintenance access. The technician will then connect the furnace to the existing ductwork, ensuring all connections are secure and sealed to maximize efficiency. Electrical wiring is connected to power the system, and the gas line (if applicable) is securely attached. Finally, the flue or venting system is connected to ensure safe exhaust of combustion gases. All connections are thoroughly checked to confirm they are secure and meet safety standards.
4. Setting Up the Thermostat
Our technician will install and program a new thermostat if needed, ensuring it is compatible with the new system and configured for optimal performance.
5. System Testing and Calibration
After the installation, we perform a series of tests to ensure the furnace operates correctly. This includes checking all electrical connections to confirm they are secure and functioning properly. If it is a gas furnace, we inspect the gas line connections for leaks and safety. The system is then calibrated to ensure the thermostat and controls are accurately set for optimal performance. Airflow is tested to confirm it meets the recommended levels for efficient heating. Finally, the technician will run the furnace through a complete cycle to verify it heats the home effectively and responds correctly to thermostat adjustments.
6. Final Inspection and Homeowner Education
A final inspection ensures everything is installed correctly. Our technician will then teach you how to operate the new system, including how to use the thermostat and perform basic maintenance. We will discuss the importance of regular maintenance and provide a recommended maintenance schedule. Provide all warranty information and ensure the homeowner understands the terms and how to maintain the warranty.