Buying a new furnace for your suburban Chicago home is a significant investment, but it’s inevitable that you, as a homeowner, will need to replace your furnace at some point. But choosing a new furnace should not be taken lightly. You need a furnace that’s going to function at its best for your home, and to do so efficiently so that your energy bills are budget friendly.
Lifespan of a Furnace
The life of a furnace depends not only on the type of furnace, but how well the unit is maintained. A furnace that receives proper annual maintenance can last 20 years or even more. A furnace that has not been maintained may only last 15 years or less. If your furnace is nearing those numbers, you’re likely correct to be in the market for a replacement unless you’re not having issues with it. Sometimes the rule “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” applies.
Do You Need a New Furnace?
Before you invest in a new furnace, you should consider whether or not you actually need one. Two main factors usually spur a new furnace purchase – frequent repairs/age, or the desire for more energy efficiency. If your furnace has an issue that can be fixed, consider the following questions.
- What’s its overall condition? If you make the repair, but other repairs may be on the horizon, paying for a repair could be flushing money away.
- How much does the repair cost compared to replacement? If the repair cost is more than half the price of replacement, your money may be better spent on a new furnace.
- How efficient is your furnace? Sometimes upgrading to a newer, efficient furnace can pay for itself in reduced energy bills.
- How well is your furnace working for you in general? If you haven’t been getting enough heat, or have had to repair it multiple times, it may be at the end of its life.
- How long will the repair last? If your technician tells you that the repair is just a band aid and that you may have to repair it again next year, it may be time for replacement.
If your answers to these questions point to a repair as the better option AND your energy bills have not been increasing, replacement may not be necessary at this point.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a New Furnace
If it’s clear that it’s replacement time, choosing a new furnace should involve considering several factors.
Size
The size of the furnace you choose is arguably the most important consideration. A furnace that is too large for your home will cycle too frequently, making it work harder, increasing your energy bills and decreasing its life. One that’s too small will run constantly as it struggles to heat your home, again increasing your energy bills and decreasing the life of the furnace.
A professional HVAC technician will be able to determine the appropriate furnace size for your home.
Fuel Source
Most people choose a furnace with the same fuel source as their old furnace, but if you have access to both electric and gas, you might want to consider switching. Gas furnaces tend to have lower operating costs and are more efficient in colder climates. Electric furnaces, on the other hand, are usually less expensive and need less maintenance.
Efficiency
The higher the efficiency rating of the unit the better. You’ll pay more up front for the most efficient models, but you’ll save money in the long run on your energy bills.
Programmability
Being able to program your furnace temperature for when you’re home or away, or day vs. night, can save you more money on your heating bills.
Zoning
A furnace that you can zone by having thermostats in different areas of the home to choose the temperature in each area can also reduce your energy bills.
Price
Of course you’ll want to stay within your budget, but don’t choose based on price alone. Spending more up front for efficiency features will pay for itself in the long run with reduced energy bills.
Rebates and Incentives
Sometimes higher efficiency furnaces come with rebates or incentives from utility companies. Your HVAC professional can discuss what’s available in your area.
Warranty
A warranty on your furnace can be invaluable. Look for longer term warranties, and deals that warranty both parts and labor.
Other Home Heating Options
While furnaces are the most common heating system, you do have other options.
Boilers
Boilers are an efficient heating system option, and they tend to last for a long time when they receive proper maintenance. Boilers are filled with water from a cold supply line, and then the water is heated by a gas burner or electric heating element. Then the heated water or steam then travels through pipes to radiators located throughout the home. Then the water returns to the boiler to be heated again.
Boilers use less energy than forced air furnaces. Electric boilers tend to be more efficient than gas boilers. Boilers can last for 30 to 50 years, unlike forced air furnaces that last 15 to 20 years.
Since boilers don’t use ductwork, there’s no dust or mold buildup that gets into your home’s air. Boilers also create a consistently comfortable environment, since radiators distribute heat evenly through rooms.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are an increasingly popular choice. They are energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and provide both heating and cooling.
Heat pumps work by redistributing air rather than heating or cooling it using energy. In the winter, the heat pump captures warm air from the outside to transfer it in. In the summer, the heat pump captures warm air from the inside and transfers it out.
These systems don’t create ashes, smoke, or other harmful debris that you need to clean from your air, making them ideal for keeping your home safe and comfortable. They also don’t contain hot surfaces that can burn you or your family.
Additionally, these systems dehumidify your home. This is great for the summer when the air becomes heavy with moisture.
Consult With a Reputable HVAC Company
When you’re choosing a new furnace, a reputable HVAC professional will sit down with you to discuss your needs and budget and explain your options. They will help you to weigh the pros and cons of each option so that you can make an informed decision.
TR Miller Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing has been serving the heating needs of suburban Chicago residents since 2008. We are a family-owned company, so we understand the needs and concerns of our customers. Our certified technicians are highly trained in HVAC maintenance, cleaning, repairs, and replacement and our entire team is dedicated to ensuring your family’s comfort and safety.
If you need a furnace replacement, give us a call. We’d be happy to listen to your needs and review your options with you. We’ll work with you to select an option that meets your needs and budget. We want to be your trusted HVAC partner for life!
