As the weather starts to cool off in Fresno, many homeowners are unsure how to prepare for the upcoming heating season. Do they need to schedule a furnace tune-up? Or will a simple repair do the trick? Some homeowners even ponder if it is time to replace their unit altogether. Furnaces that are older than 10 years of age are near the end of their shelf life. If you are preparing to fire up your furnace for the first time this winter, our team at Allbritten is here to help you determine if a new furnace install is right for you.
When Do You Need a New Furnace Install
Have you turned the furnace on in your home and noticed a home that is not keeping your home warm or have you seen an increase in your monthly energy bills? If you have neglected regular maintenance and repairs on your furnace over the years, these warning signs could point to a larger problem of having to need to install a new furnace.
Spotty Heat: Units that are working overtime struggle to keep your home warm. As a result, you will feel some rooms in your home are cooler than others or that when the heat is on your home does not stay warm.
Loud Noises: If it sounds like a freight train in running through your home when you turn on your heat then it is time for you to look at purchasing a new furnace. This loud noise is a result of an outdated unit.
High Energy Bills: Higher energy bills usually point to an inefficient unit that is working harder than it needs to keep your home comfortably warm.
Outdated Unit: Furnaces typically last at least 10 years. If your furnace is 10 years or older it is time to replace your unit with a more efficient model.
Selecting the Right Furnace
If you do not know where to start when purchasing your new furnace, we recommend speaking with a professional in Fresno to discuss what your goals are in regards to energy efficiency as well as budget.
Here at Allbritten, we stock the Carrier® Infinity® 98 furnace, which was rated ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient 2014 unit. It is the most advanced furnace that has been produced by Carrier®. Not only is this unit extremely quiet, but its tight temperature control will keep your home at a consistent temperature.
Energy efficiency
At the end of the day, you will want the most energy-efficient furnace at the best cost. Older furnaces run from 50% – to 70% efficiency while newer units can run up to 98.3% efficiency. When selecting your energy-efficient furnace, keep an eye out for the ENERGY STAR® stamp of approval.
Once you have selected your new furnace, you will want to have it regularly maintained to ensure it is running as efficiently as possible.
Selecting the Right Contractor
Now that you are ready to purchase a new furnace for your home, it is time to start doing your research to find the right contractor for you. This may seem like a daunting task, but thanks to technology, it is easier to navigate the market to find the right company for you.
It might be easy to want to choose a contractor based on who can offer you the best prices; however, a lower estimate does not necessarily mean the best quality. More often than not, companies that have extremely low prices have inexperienced technicians who could do a poor job installing your furnace. It is important to look for a company with competitive pricing compared to the rest of the market.
Look for contractors who have a team of certified technicians and have continuous training to keep up with the ever-changing industry. It is also an added benefit to find a company that has been honored and awarded by well-known companies. At the end of the day, you want to select a contractor you trust.
Last, we suggest you head online to conduct some additional research. Read Google reviews and check to see if you see them on the Better Business Bureau. Installing a new furnace is a big investment that you want to carefully evaluate before you ultimately select them.
Here at Allbritten, all of our technicians are NATE-certified and trained in helping you select the right furnace for your home. If you are running an outdated unit and are ready to invest in a new furnace, schedule your Free in-home estimate today!
