Furnace Replacement 101: What You Need to Know

Thinking about getting your furnace replaced? No need to be intimidated—the replacement process is simple and straightforward. 

While it’s a considerable investment for your home, hanging onto a tired furnace will cost more in the long run. As they wear out, heating systems turn into vampires, sucking up extra resources and driving up your utility bill. Additionally, they require frequent repairs, which can become costly. 

You’ll be pleased to know that in recent years, heating systems have become much more efficient. Older furnaces, on average, have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating between 56 to 70, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). That means older furnaces squander 30 to 44 percent of the natural gas or oil they burn.

Furnaces manufactured after 2015 are legally required to have an AFUE rating of 80 or higher. Some units even burn at 98.5 AFUE, meaning virtually all of the fuel gets used for heating. Upgrading to a newer and more efficient model will take a noticeable burden off of your monthly energy bills. 

Our team of specialists at Great Dane Heating and Air Conditioning is committed to making your furnace upgrade speedy, stress-free, and satisfying. We’re pleased to bring the finest heating and cooling equipment to our Clinton Township neighbors.

When To Replace Your Gas Furnace

Regularly maintained furnaces typically have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, a poorly maintained unit, with infrequent filter changes and cleaning, may die prematurely. You should also factor in its condition: has your furnace required multiple repairs lately? Heat loss and upticks in your utility bill could also indicate your heating system is past its prime. 

Choosing The Right Furnace

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Furnaces come in different sizes and efficiency ratings to suit various homes. A heating unit too small for your home will create cold spots. A heating unit too large will use too much fuel, driving up your energy bill.

Before any installation, you’ll want to set up an in-person consultation. During the consultation,  a specialist will take measurements to find a furnace that will perfectly accommodate your heating needs. You can also choose from various efficiency ratings. The general rule of thumb is that low-efficiency units are cheaper upfront, but high-efficiency models save money over time.

How Long Does it Take to Install a Furnace?

After your consultation, it typically takes four to eight hours to install the furnace. However, the time frame may be longer if you’re getting new ductwork or other modifications like electric or gas line extensions. Great Dane Heating and Cooling’s team members strive to make our installations quick and minimally intrusive. We also take the right precautions, with social distancing measures and PPE equipment to keep everyone safe. 

Schedule Service Today

We hope this article demystified the process of furnace replacement for you. We like to arm our customers with knowledge because we believe informed decisions are the best decisions. If you have any additional questions or need assistance, call our Clinton Township, MI office at (586) 790-2604 or request service online today.