Maintaining the heating and cooling appliances in your home is crucial to your comfort. However, over time, your appliances will get old and may start having issues. That’s exactly what this Northborough, MA client wanted to avoid. After one of our regular service visits to make sure everything was working properly, we let the client know that their furnace was over 15 years old. This Northborough, MA client decided furnace replacement was worth the investment for a more efficient 95% furnace and heat pump system.

After your furnace reaches a certain age, MillTown recommends furnace replacement due to a variety of reasons, ones that you can find below. Replacing an old furnace can be a challenging task, but it’s necessary to ensure your home’s HVAC system is reliable and safe. Learn more about this Northborough, MA furnace replacement process so you exactly what to expect.

Diagnosing a Furnace Replacement in Massachusetts

Furnace and Heat Pump Inspection

A heating system inspection is a comprehensive look into the various components of your HVAC system. These inspections check to make sure everything is working properly and safely. Here is a list of what is checked during a heating inspection:

• Gas lines
• Heat exchanger
• Exhaust vents
• Blower motor
• Condensate pump
• Condensate drain line
• Wiring
• Ductwork
• Air filters
• Evaporator coil

Symptoms Indicating You Need Furnace Replacement

When performing a regular maintenance visit for this VIP MillTown client, we found that their furnace was over 15 years old. The typical lifespan for a furnace is roughly 10-15 years depending on how well it was maintained. After 10-15 years of heating your home, you will start to see issues with your furnace, like:

• Reduced efficiency
• Increased energy bills
• Uneven heating
• Frequent breakdowns
• Strange noises coming from the furnace
• Poor indoor air quality

Benefits of Replacing Your Furnace

There are several benefits to a furnace replacement in Northborough, especially if you have an older or inefficient unit. Here are some key advantages:

1. Energy Efficiency: Newer furnaces are designed to be more energy-efficient, often featuring higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. This means they can convert a greater percentage of fuel into usable heat, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower heating bills.
2. Cost Savings: By upgrading to a more efficient furnace, you can save money on your heating expenses over time. The reduced energy consumption translates into lower utility bills, helping to offset the initial investment of purchasing and installing a new furnace.
3. Improved Comfort: Older furnaces may struggle to evenly distribute heat throughout your home, resulting in uneven temperatures or cold spots. A new furnace can provide more consistent and balanced heating, enhancing overall comfort levels in your living space.
4. Enhanced Reliability: Older furnaces are more prone to breakdowns and may require frequent repairs, leading to inconvenience and unexpected expenses. Replacing your furnace with a newer model reduces the likelihood of system failures, ensuring greater reliability and peace of mind.
5. Advanced Features: Modern furnaces often come with advanced features such as programmable thermostats, zoning capabilities, and variable-speed blowers. These features allow for better temperature control, improved energy management, and customized heating settings based on your preferences.
6. Environmental Benefits: High-efficiency furnaces consume less fuel and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to older models. By upgrading, you contribute to a more sustainable environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
7. Increased Home Value: If you plan to sell your home in the future, having a new and efficient furnace can be an attractive selling point. Prospective buyers appreciate the presence of an updated heating system that offers energy savings and reduced maintenance requirements.

Northborough, MA 95% Furnace and Heat Pump Replacement Process

This Northborough, Massachusetts client would be replacing their 80% furnace air conditioning system with a 95% Bryant furnace and Bosch heat pump. The modernized unit with updated materials helps the system operate 15% more efficiently than the previous system (80% vs. 95%). This type of system is highly beneficial because the furnace is supported by the heat pump, a more efficient way to heat your home. The heat pump will control the heat and air conditioning when outdoor temperatures are higher than 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and the furnace will kick on when outdoor temperatures drop below 30 degrees. A 95% furnace and heat pump system is a great choice for Northborough homeowners due to its energy efficiency and adaptability in a variety of temperatures.

The first step in replacing the furnace is determining the type of unit needed for the home. Depending on the manufacturer, a horizontal unit may be required, which can be specific for left- or right-lying units. In this case, this furnace replacement in Northborough, MA was a horizontal-left unit.

Removing the Old Furnace

Once we had the appropriate furnace, we began the removal process. We started by turning off the power, evacuating the air conditioning refrigerant lines, and turning off the gas supply.

Next, we began the demolition of the old unit. We cut off the natural gas supply to the furnace and cut the electrical wires that power the unit.

Then we removed the service cover, exposing the internals to the furnace and heat pump. We also unscrewed the exhaust flue from the unit.

Next, the filter and the return air duct on the right side of the HVAC unit were removed. On the left side, there was an AC unit that would be replaced with a heat pump.

During the removal process, we were incredibly careful to not disturb the flexible ductwork. Flexible ducts are easily squished due to their soft, flexible nature. We took care to avoid this problem and removed the AC coil from the housing to make removal of this furnace replacement in Northborough much easier.

The furnace assembly was then able to be removed. Lastly, the old platform for the system was removed. This platform was constructed of 2×4 framing lumber.

Preparing to Install the 95% Bryant Furnace and Bosch Heat Pump

While preparing to install the replacement furnace and heat pump, it was noted that the provided 16” concentric vent would be too short for the roof application with the new HVAC system. However, the quick parts-delivery service at MillTown Plumbing was able to get them the correct 32” concentric vent in time to avoid drilling an additional hole in this Northborough, Massachusetts client’s roof.

To pair the heat pump to the furnace, metal tabs on the heat pump were folded back to allow the units to sit flush with each other.

Bryant Furnace Installation

Once the old furnace was removed, we installed a new drain pan tray and stand to catch any excess condensation or leaks and to keep the new unit off the floor. Additionally, a new air filter housing was installed on the return air duct for the furnace replacement in this Northborough home.

Once the air filter housing was installed, the furnace replacement could be put into place. Following that, the installation was relatively straightforward in terms of reconnecting gas lines, electrical connections, and refrigerant lines. Additionally, all parts where air flowed through were sealed with foil tape.

However, there were modifications that needed to be made. The client had a propane fuel source for their appliances, however, this furnace was set up for gas supply. That meant the expert HVAC technicians at MillTown Plumbing needed to install a natural gas to LP (liquid propane) conversion kit.

This kit is designed to use a heavier pressure switch for the gas supply valve. This is because propane has a higher density than gas, so it requires a stiffer spring to deliver the correct amount of fuel.

On the gas supply valve, the HVAC technicians installed a pressure switch that cuts off the supply if the pressure gets too low. If the supply pressure is too low, the HVAC system can run inefficiently which creates soot and accelerates system failure. We wanted to guarantee the best possible performance and longevity for this furnace replacement in Northborough, MA.

Outdoor Heat Pump Compressor and Condenser

The outdoor heat pump unit was installed on a plastic stand to keep it off the ground, ensuring adequate airflow and environmental protection. The electrical connections were properly hooked up, and the refrigerant lines were connected. The system was then recharged with refrigerant.

Thermostat Installation and Testing

With every new HVAC system installation, MillTown provides and installs a new thermostat.

Once everything is installed, the system is tested for functionality.

Northborough, MA Furnace Replacement Contractor

Here at MillTown, we provide cost-effective, permanent solutions to keep your home in tip-top shape. We commit to your satisfaction and offer high-quality, same-day service. Our technicians are clean, courteous, and respectful of your home. It is why Massachusetts and New Hampshire homeowners have trusted us for over 35 years. Contact MillTown today if you are a local Northborough homeowner interested in furnace replacement, repair, or maintenance!

Milltown Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Drain Cleaning & Electrical

4.6

Based on 729 reviews

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Timothy M. Coy

14:57 20 Sep 22

My review is more for Pedro my tech, than Milltown. Pedro was amazing! He took the time to walk me through not only my issue, but also just general utility care I should know as a homeowner. He was personable, and really took the time. And it was greatly appreciated! I’d have him back for all my plumbing needs! I think nearly $600 was a little steep to replace a hose spigot… But I was willing to pay it because of the service Pedro provided.

Jan Young

19:23 09 Aug 22

Less than eight hours after I first called Milltown with a dead water heater and no hot water, I now have a brand new unit working perfectly. The technician, Jonathan, and the supervisor with him were wonderful. I am so grateful that I didn’t have to wait several days, and that these folks were so nice to work with. And the dispatcher, Ralph, was very helpful as well. I am very happy right now!

Lisa Silva

11:43 25 Jun 22

Our shower started leaking the week before I was having surgery. Milltown sent Darrin out to assess our situation . Darrin recommended we completely replace our shower unit . We agreed. He was able to get things expedited and was in our home working on it two days after my surgery. He was kind, knowledgeable, worked cleanly, and efficiently. His partner James was also very good. Thank you Milltown for sending such a good crew.

J S Doane

14:18 24 Mar 22

I was already a Milltown customer for both plumbing and water heater services, so I didn’t hesitate to contact them for some needed electrical work at my 100+ year old house. Based on my experience with this company, I expected good service. The service I received from the Electrical Team was OUTSTANDING!. Matthew H was so helpful during the estimating process, and in his recommendations, and patiently answered all of my questions. On the scheduled work days, Matthew and his team always arrived on time, and were as professional and courteous as they could possibly be. This is a two-family home, and the amount of work that they have completed on time, as promised, has been amazing. So organized, and informative every step of the way, and I’m thrilled with the results. The peace-of-mind I now have in knowing that the work was done correctly by licensed professionals like Matthew and his team is so important, especially for electrical services. I highly recommend Matthew H and the whole Milltown electrical crew!March 23rd: For the last package of work, Matt and Dan came back to install all of the new ceiling light fixtures, all NINE of them. Each new fixture was replacing a really old one that was not LED compatible. The installation was fast, and perfect, and they even cleaned up each area as they went!. Service doesn’t get any better than this. Milltown is the best!!

Nicole Fox

22:25 17 Mar 22

Customer service was good. They set up an appointment for the day after my call, even though it was not an emergency request. Technicians Pedro and James were friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful in explaining the repair and costs. I decided not to wait on getting another quote, since the price was within the range I expected. They had their tools right there. After struggling to fix the clog myself for months, the drain finally flows again! I definitely recommend this company for their professional team and quick response.

Furnace replacement near me:

Massachusetts

• Acton, MA
• Andover, MA
• Ayer, MA
• Ballardville, MA
• Bedford, MA
• Billerica, MA
• Boxford, MA
• Burlington, MA
• Carlisle, MA
• Chelmsford, MA
• Clinton, MA
• Concord, MA
• Danvers, MA
• Devens, MA
• Dracut, MA
• Dunstable, MA
• Georgetown, MA
• Groton, MA
• Harvard, MA
• Haverhill, MA
• Hudson, MA
• Lancaster, MA
• Lawrence, MA
• Leominster, MA
• Littleton, MA
• Lowell, MA
• Lunenburg, MA
• Lynnfield, MA
• Marlborough, MA
• Methuen, MA
• Middleton, MA
• Newburyport, MA
• North Reading, MA
• Pepperell, MA
• Reading, MA
• Tewksbury, MA
• Topsfield, MA
• Topsfield, MA
• Townsend, MA
• Tyngsborough, MA
• Waltham, MA
• Westford, MA
• Wilmington, MA
• Woburn, MA

New Hampshire

• Amherst, NH
• Atkinson, NH
• Auburn, NH
• Bedford, NH
• Brookline, NH
• Chester, NH
• Danville, NH
• Hampstead, NH
• Hollis, NH
• Litchfield, NH
• Londonderry, NH
• Manchester, NH
• Mason, NH
• Merrimack, NH
• Milford, NH
• Nashua, NH
• Pelham, NH
• Plaistow, NH
• Salem, NH
• Sandown, NH
• Windham, NH

By Milltown Plumbing