In the Market for a New Furnace? Here are 3 Things to Consider

Whether your old furnace broke down for the last time or you’re sick of high heating bills and you’re thinking about upgrading to a more energy-efficient model, buying a new furnace is a big investment. During the winter months, you need to have a furnace you can depend on for safe, even heating throughout your home, and with a bit of research, you can make an informed decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

When you’re in the market for a new furnace, there are several things to consider, including type, size and efficiency. Knowing which options are best suited to your needs ensures that you’ll ultimately invest in the right furnace. When you’re shopping for a few heating system, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Things to Consider When Buying a Furnace

Fuel Sourcebuying a furnace

In most cases, it’s easiest to purchase a furnace that uses the same fuel as your existing furnace. Installation costs more when switching to a different type of furnace, but there are some instances in which the extra investment is worthwhile. If you aren’t sure what type of furnace you’d like to get, talk to an expert.

Sizing

Sizing is one of the most important aspects of your new furnace. A furnace that is too small may cost less up front, but it will have to work harder to heat your home, and you’ll end up spending a lot more on your monthly bills. An overworked system also won’t last as long as one that’s properly sized for your home. Save yourself a lot of headaches and future expense by purchasing a furnace that’s the correct size for your home.

Rebates and Incentives

A furnace is a major investment, so it’s always advisable to do your homework and get the best deal. Manufacturers frequently offer cash rebates that will put a portion of the purchase price back in your pocket. If you’re upgrading to an energy-efficient furnace, you may also qualify for valuable tax rebates and other incentives.

Furnace Installation in Hagerstown

When you need furnace installation in Hagerstown and the surrounding areas, depend on the heating experts right here at Larry & Sons. We offer some of the best furnaces on the market, and we’re always here to help you choose the one that best suits your home’s needs as well as your budget. To find out more about our heating system installation services, give us a call now at 301-733-5428.

5 Reasons to Replace the Furnace in Your Smithsburg Home

Many Smithsburg homes are heated with furnaces, since they generally provide safe and efficient heat.  Furnaces have also improved dramatically over the years as manufacturers find ways to make them more efficient. Even if your furnace has been reliable for many years, it may be worth the money to replace your old furnace with a newer, more efficient model.

Here are five major benefits to upgrading your furnace.

1. Lowering Your Utility Bills

Whether you realize it or not, your current furnace could be costing you more than it should in heating bills. If your furnace is 15-20 years old, it’s probably not heating your home as efficiently as the newer models with higher AFUE ratings. Even if your heating system has been replaced within the last ten years, the technology has advanced enough to consider an upgrade.

2. Fewer Repairs

Repair costs can add up if you are constantly repairing your furnace. Routine maintenance for your furnace can help reduce the need for repairs, but as furnaces age, they tend to need more repairs and replacement parts. If you need frequent repairs for your furnace, it may be time to replace it with a newer one.

3. More Consistent Heat

While maintaining consistent temperatures throughout your home involves several factors, such as insulation and thermostat control, your furnace could also be the reason you aren’t getting enough heat to all parts of the house. If some rooms are colder than others, or if your heating bills have recently gone up, it may be time for a furnace replacement.

4. Reduce the Chances of a Breakdown

When a furnace breaks down, it not only leaves you without heat, but it is also a major expense. Budgeting for a new furnace before it breaks down will put less financial burden on you than needing an emergency furnace replacement. Newer model furnaces are also more reliable and less likely to give you problems if maintained properly.

5. Safety

There’s higher potential for safety concerns with older or poorly maintained furnaces. In addition to fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning is another serious threat. When the heat exchanger stops working because it’s corroded or faulty, carbon monoxide can leak into the home. If you’ve had your furnace for more than 20 years, it could create safety hazards that you may be unaware of.

No matter how long you’ve had the furnace in your Smithsburg home, it’s always wise to speak with a qualified HVAC technician about furnace upgrades, particularly if you have expensive heating costs. Call today to talk with one of our heating experts about furnace upgrades.