We’re far into the heating season and you’ve been running your furnace for a few months now. It’s often the time of year when you might be worried about your furnace’s performance. Perhaps you’ve already realized that your current furnace just isn’t cutting it. If your furnace is at the end of its estimated lifespan, if it’s struggling to do its job, and your heating bills are through the roof, we’d recommend replacing your unit.
When we bring up the idea of gas furnace replacement to our customers, we’re often met with some hesitancy and we totally understand why. We’ve heard some horror stories about people who’ve had stressful experiences with other companies or contractors! But furnace replacement doesn’t have to be a stressful process. The good news is that our team is here to ensure that your replacing your gas furnace is as easy and stress-free as possible.
If you’re thinking it’s time to go with an upgrade, here are some questions to ask when it’s time to shop for a new HVAC system.
What Is the Safety Rating of the furnace?
If you’re shopping for a new furnace, the safety of the furnace is a topic that inevitably comes up. After all, your family’s safety is your top priority. We understand that many homeowners have concerns and questions about the safety of natural gas furnaces because of the carbon monoxide risk.
However, although homeowners worry about the possibility of carbon monoxide leaks, modern gas furnaces are equipped with safety features that minimize the risk. So long as they receive regular maintenance and timely, repairs, gas furnaces don’t present significantly greater safety hazards than any other heating system.
We highly recommend that you leave your gas furnace installation to a professional company such as ours. According to the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the safety of a gas furnace safety depends on who installs it. Qualified HVAC technicians are the only ones who have the expertise to install your system safely and effectively. You don’t want to void the warranty from the get-go by having it installed by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing.
How Energy Efficient Is the Furnace?
A furnace’s efficiency can be determined by its annualized fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. In a nutshell, this measures the percentage of the energy that becomes heat through the heating process. Currently, the minimum AFUE rating that all new furnaces must have is 80% but they go up to 98% in high-efficiency models. When you consult with our team, we’ll help you decide on an AFUE rating that’ll be the best choice for your home’s and family’s needs.
Are There Rebates or Tax Credits Available?
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes tax credits for ENERGY STAR-certified gas furnaces with an AFUE of 97% or higher are eligible. This tax credit is effective for products purchased and installed between January 2023 and the end of 2032.
Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning serves Colorado Springs, CO and the surrounding area. Want a professional opinion on your furnace? Just reach out to us!
