Do you know how long it's been since the last time your home's furnace was replaced? You should, because it's an important thing to keep in mind when you call for furnace repairs. If it's been over a decade since your last furnace replacement, you can expect the need for repairs to become more frequent over the coming years.
Eventually, it becomes more cost-effective to look into furnace installation in Bethesda, MD, instead of continuing to make expensive repairs. When that day comes, you can turn to Buric Heating and Air Conditioning for help.
Signs You Need a Furnace Installation in Bethesda, MD
Furnaces aren't cheap, so it should come as no surprise that most Bethesda homeowners want to keep them running for as long as possible. The problem is that in some cases, continuing to make repairs becomes akin to bailing out a sinking ship.
It's important to know when to invest in a furnace installation near you, and while our expert HVAC contractors are always happy to provide their professional opinions, we want you to make an informed decision. Here's what to look out for:
Old Age
Some furnaces can last as long as 15-20 years, but most start to experience increasingly frequent breakdowns when they hit the 10-year mark. You don't need to schedule a furnace installation near Bethesda on the first day of your furnace's 11th year, but keep the unit's age in mind when considering whether to have a furnace repaired or replaced.
Costly Repair Needs
If you've owned a home for a while, the chances are good that you've heard of the 50% rule. It states that appliances should be replaced when any single repair will cost more than half the price of a new unit of the same quality. This rule applies just as much to heaters as it does to washing machines.
Inability to Keep Up With Demand
There are a few factors that can leave an otherwise relatively functional furnace unable to keep up with your family's home heating demands. If you've recently constructed a home addition or refinished a basement or garage, for example, your current furnace is unlikely to be able to keep up with the household's new needs. Even if you haven't made any changes to your home, it's still best to replace an aging furnace when it loses so much efficiency that it can't keep up.
Steadily Rising Utility Bills
There are many reasons for your utility bills to go up. They include increased use of the furnace and rising prices of gas and electricity. If it seems like there's something more going on, though, your furnace may be to blame. Think about upgrading to a more energy-efficient model.
How to Choose a Furnace
Deciding it's time to install a new furnace is just the first step. Next, you'll have to decide what brand and model will be the best fit for your home. We'll be here to help every step of the way, but we'll need some information from you. Before we make any recommendations about what the best furnace is for your situation, we'll need to know:
1. What Energy Source You Plan to Use
These days, almost all furnaces run on either natural gas or electricity. We'll need to know which of these fuel choices you prefer to help narrow down selections. As a general rule, it's more affordable to stick to the same energy source when you upgrade your furnace, but we'll be happy to discuss the pros and cons of both gas and electric heating.
2. The Size of Your Current Furnace
Smaller furnaces are less expensive, but they can't keep up with the demand imposed by larger homes and households. We'll need to know if your current unit is able to keep the home consistently warm when it's in good working order so that we can recommend a replacement of the right size.
3. What Features You Want
Today's furnaces are much more technologically advanced than the models installed even a decade ago. They have features like smart thermostats, variable-speed motors, electric ignitions, noise reduction, and other upgrades designed to improve safety and efficiency. Let us know what your priorities are when it comes to convenience vs. cost.
Ready to Schedule a Furnace Installation in Bethesda, MD?
If you're ready to upgrade your furnace, you need a local heating company you can rely on. At Buric Heating and Air Conditioning, we only work with licensed contractors committed to providing friendly, professional service. You can trust us to offer unbiased, expert advice and complete your furnace installation correctly the first time, every time. Give us a call today.
