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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Old Furnace Removal and Demolition
Then we removed the service cover, exposing the internals to the furnace and heat pump. We also unscrewed the exhaust flue from the unit.
Service Cover Removed on Old Furnace
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.
Furnace Filter Removal
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.
Old AC Coil Removal
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.
Furnace Platform Removal
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.
32″ Concentric Vent
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.
Assembling New Furnace and Heat Pump
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.
Air Filter Housing Installation
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.
Sealing Furnace 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.
Natural Gas to LP 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.
Gas Supply Valve
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.
Outdoor Heat Pump Compressor and Condenser
Thermostat Installation and Testing
With every new HVAC system installation, MillTown provides and installs a new thermostat.
HVAC System Thermostat
Once everything is installed, the system is tested for functionality.
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!
I cannot recommend Milltown based on their practices and up charged quote they gave me. To even get a quote, they charge you $85 to come out and evaluate what needs to be done. I needed a hybrid water heater replacement, installation, and piping that had to be brought up to code.Of the 12 contractors who quoted the job, Milltown was the highest by far at $6,991, which is about double the average ($3,400) and $1900 over my second highest quote. This outrageously inflated price included the $750 state rebate for a water heater priced at $1,349. The $6,392 remaining is for the rest of the associated parts and labor.As for the $85 evaluation fee, it completely feels like a scam. If you choose their inflated service, they put the $85 fee towards the service cost but if not, you’re left with that bill. To me this feels as if they are preying on the “sunk cost fallacy” so you don’t waste your $85. Either way, they get a profit; it’s a win-win situation for them. There is no way I can recommend them. There are cheaper options in the area for the same work. Please be diligent and learn from my mistakes. Don’t get a quote from them. Don’t hire their services. I hope this will save you the headache.
I had a badly blocked shower drain. Called Milltown in the morning, and the call was handled in a friendly and professional manner. The call-back to schedule a next-day appointment was also quick, pleasant, and courteous. A subsequent call informing me that my appointment could be squeezed in same day was most welcome, and when the plumber arrived, she quickly and efficiently resolved the issue. Everyone was very pleasant to interact with. Thanks!
Kenny P. Is a top notch plumber! He arrived on time and was incredibly professional. Our situation was quite unique and he was very patient with our problem. Kenny is an incredible representative of Milltown. He would not give up until he solved our issue- all the while working with a smile and great demeanor. Booties on his shoes, left the sink and area cleaner than it was when he arrived. We are SO greatful to him and will be telling everyone to call Milltown! A++++++ for Kenny !!!!!!!
The Gentleman Ralph who came to my home and installed the toilet did a Great job! He was very knowledgeable of what needed to be done , and performed the installation efficiently and with superior professionalism. During and after the job was completed Ralph kept me informed of the services of Milltown. No pun intended I was truly " relieved " after completion of the installation.
I've used Miltown several times now. Each technician has been extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They've resolved every issue in a timely manner. Scheduling an appointment is very easy and the answering service is very helpful in getting this accomplished. Highly recommend!!
I got a toilet replacement and the charged me almost 3,000. I won't them to anyone. They're way to expensive and come to find out its still leaking. Like seriously, if your going to charge the most do the job correctly without any mistakes!!!!!!!!! I won't recommend them to anyone. Call a local plumber would be the better option. On top of that they charged me 2,000 for traveling fees, like your located in Chelmsford - Lowell. I couldn't gave you 40 bucks for gas. They pretty much robbed me.
Making an appointment was fast and easy. Mike arrived exactly on time, and diagnosed the problem very quickly, but still checked other possibilities just to be sure. On the day of the repair, Mike and his partner arrived again on time, with booties in hand. They introduced themselves, interacted playfully with our curious child, and explained exactly what they would be doing. At the end of the day, they provided a full summary of the work, including many before & after photos. They provided some information on next steps, and emailed everything to me on the spot. 100% will use them again!
The pros are Milltown was very professional. They were clean, prompt and the quality of work was good. The cons are they were VERY expensive. I was able to talk them down by approximately 40% and it'd be better if the initial price were reasonable.
Matt and his assistant arrived on time and carefully assessed my exhaust fan replacement. As the fan in place was over 10 years old Matt provided me with the different options I had for how to replace the unit and how it would look when finished. We discussed my options and Matt went to work. Unfortunately it meant Matt needed to access the fan from the attic which was extremely hot and pretty much a crawl space. The job was well done, they were very professional and cleaned up when finished. I would definitely recommend Mill Town for professionalism and fast scheduling. And I would absolutely recommend Matt for electrical work!! Thank you Mill Town!
I needed my kitchen faucet replaced on Friday as we are entertaining the next day. Milltown responded to my inquiry immediately. Customer service was excellent. The technician was there the next day. He was professional in his manner and extremely friendly. He resolved the problem and provided me with insightful information.In my opinion the price was a high but you get what you pay for so yes I recommend Milltown.Shawn M
Outstanding overall experience! They worked with me to meet a critical deadline (thank you Kevin) Great communication, they pick up the phone when i called, return calls promptly, arrive on time as promised and do great work (thank you Josh and Danny) and follow up after the job is completed. I am very happy and will be sure to call them again when i need additional work!
Mathew came to do an electrical safety inspection. He was early, polite and professional. He gave me a fair estimate of work that I need done in my house and was thorough in his inspection - even giving me some extra advice on smoke detectors in my home and explained some issues that I've been having.Definitely will use MillTown again.
Such a pleasure to work with this competent, knowledgeable, and polite team! They follow through on their promises, handle the issue, and clean up after themselves. I only knew that Milltown did plumbing, but I’ll be using them to handle everything I can now that I see their full range of services! Shout out to Izzy and Kenny for being so lovely and helpful!
I had 2 experiences with Mill Town recently.I had a new gas hot water heater installed in my home and was shocked at the price of $3,000 - but proceeded due to lack of how water. No complaints about the tech, he was considerate and nice. But shortly after the install the safety relief valve started to leak. They came back and put an expansion tank on system which made no sense since one had not been needed in the 25 years we had been there. It continued to leak and they then told me the town water pressure was too high and a pressure reducer would be needed. Again, pressure had been the same over the 25 years we had been there (yes I measure it) - and the town water department confirmed same. I refused to accept that and had to travel. When I returned the leak had stopped so I did not pursue further.2nd experience was have leaky tub drain fixed. The only offered to replace the entire drain and not repair it - a bit disappointed about that. The price was a bit high, but the work was high quality.Milltown has great customer service. I feel their prices are high (why 3 stars only) but they are a premium plumbing service so you know things will be done right.
I was delighted to have called Milltown Plumbing and Heating into my home to clean and service my furnace for the very first time (with this company). The technician did an exceptional job and was extremely skilled at what he did, explaining the furnace cleaning step-by-step to ensure the owner knew the process. He ran down his checklist and completed all the electrical checks and readings to reassume me that, even though my furnace was an older model, it was still up and running. I would not hesitate to refer friends and family to Milltown Plumbing and Heating moving forward.
Izzie was the plumber who diagnosed our toilet problem and provided 3 quotes. She was great. She Was 99% sure she could resolve the plug with snake and a fair price. she was very friendly polite and resolved the plug quickly. I would highly recommend her.I was also very pleased with the customer service that Milltown provided. They called to confirm appointments, notify me of change in time due to tech that called in sick and notified me when the plumber was on the way. Very friendly and respectful of my time. Also a fair price to unplug my toilet. Thank you Milltown!!
Liam came in Monday morning to provide us the quote on EV charger. He explained everything in details about the installation & provided us the quote. Quote was reasonable & we agreed to move forward. He came back next day with his co-worker & install the charger. Everything went so smooth. He was very professional & answered all our questions. We are very happy with their work. Will definitely use them again for future needs. Keep up the good work Liam👍🏼
I’ve had very extensive work done by Milltown electricians, hvac and plumbing (hot water and boiler, basement bathroom plumbing and pump installation, whole basement electrical installation) The company has great communication and responsiveness. They are on time, get out quickly to my home and they stand behind their work. With the large scope if projects we have hired them for it is inevitable that something needs attention after the invoice has been paid. Many companies make excuses or find a way to charge an additional cost. They did not do this. This makes me feel they are trustworthy.Additionally, all of their employees (I’ve probably met 5 at this point) speak highly of the company and how it treats them. I like supporting companies that treat their employees fairly and with respect.We joined their membership program and have staved lots of money with it. I have had so many disappointing experiences trying to remodel or maintain my home. It’s nice to finally not have to think about who to call when we have maintenance or projects that need to be done. Great job Milltown!
The Milltown Plumbing team was very professional in all aspects of their work. I had a great experience and am glad that I chose them for their services. They got the job done instantly with no problems which made it a smooth and worry free experience. While encountering finance issues, the team also responded in a professional manner and addressed the issue. They also make your heating options very clear and do not seek to confuse you on getting a service that you do not need done. I highly recommend them if you need heating, AC or draining services done on your home/property!
You really do get what you pay for. Yes they can be pricey but it is worth it. Pedro is the man. I was attempting a DIY repair and learned my lesson trying to play plumber I turned a mole hill into a mountain, ended up with broken fittings and broken pipe and ultimately no toilet for a few days I tried looking at videos and reading tutorials to try and figure out how to remedy my self inflicted disaster. Eventually i bowed my head, checked my ego, threw in the towel and called in the professionals and what a Pro Pedro was man. Not only did they get someone in fast but Pedro was super personable, friendly, very respectful and most importantly clearly a master at his trade who knew what he was doing and truly cared about doing a great job. It’s wonderful seeing someone have true pride in their work and passion for what they do. He accomplished his task quickly and cleanly and left me with 100% confidence in the quality and durability of this repair. I have had so many bad experiences with trade folks but never with Milltown you really do get what you pay for and next time I know to leave it to the Pros. Thanks again for the save Pedro you the man.
Called Milltown for regular maintenance on our gas boiler. Nathan B did a super thorough inspection, then explained our options in a professional and friendly way. I really appreciated the time he took to go over the results of his inspection with me. We chose to do a meaningful repair that we'd been putting off. Price for the repair was very competitive with a quote we'd gotten a year earlier from a different plumbing/HVAC company. Since we started using them last spring, quality of service from Milltown has always been excellent and this was no exception.
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.
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!
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.
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!!
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
Cleansing Your Sewer Line and Drains This Spring
Apr 15, 2021
Apr 15, 2021
Cleansing Your Sewer Line and Drains This Spring
Furnaces
Heating
Cleansing Your Sewer Line and Drains This Spring
Nothing is more important than cleansing your sewer line and drains this spring. Much like any other system in your home, both of these systems are prone to problems, especially clogs. A clog usually occurs when there is some sort of blockage found within your pipes.
Thankfully, there are ways around these series of backups. If you follow the following steps, you can keep your pipes running smoothly this season.
Typical Causes of Sewer Backups
Sewer backups can lead to In terms of residential backups; there are many contributing factors. These include:
Tree Root Intrusion
Grease Accumulation
Improper disposal of paper products
If you do have a sewer line clog, follow these following steps to clear the blockage.
How to Remove a Sewer Line Clog
Use a pipe wrench to loosen the cap on your main drain line before you open it entirely. Once the cap is loosened, open it and let the buildup drain out. Once the cap is opened, make sure to step out of the way. If there is any waste caused by the clog, the backflow will spill out of the main line drain. Make sure to let it run off entirely before attempting any further repairs.
Next, feed the auger cable down the drainpipe. Each auger, or plumbing snake, is different, so be sure to follow the instructions that come with the tool for best results. However, the general principle is that you should gently feed the auger cable into your drainpipe until you hit the clog. You’ll know when you’ve hit it because the cable will get progressively harder to move through the pipe. Allow the auger to run until the clog has been removed. You’ll be able to see when it happens because the water level in the drainpipe will begin to gradually decrease and then drain out entirely.
That said, don’t stop running the machine as soon as the clog disappears. There could still be smaller pockets elsewhere in the pipe, which may cause additional problems down the road. Once the clog has been removed, spray the hose down your drainpipe at full blast. Doing so will simultaneously remove any lingering debris that is stuck in the pipe and clean off the auger.
Afterwards, pull the plumbing snake out of the pipe slowly. You most likely want to hose the auger cable off a few times before winding it back onto the machine. When you’re done, place the cap back on your drainpipe and use the pipe wrench to tighten it up.
Avoid Clogging Your Drains
While grease is the absolute worst substance you can put in your drain, there are other objects that should be avoided all together. This is especially pertinent if you have a garbage disposal unit as part of your drain system. These items include the following:
Bones
Fibrous fruits/vegetables: This includes celery, artichokes, asparagus, lettuce
Coffee Grinds
Fruit Pits: Includes avocado pits, peach pits, etc.
Corn Husks
Egg Shells
Potato Peels
Pasta, Rice and Grains
If these items much like grease or oil, can clog up your drain or prevent the garbage disposal blades from working properly. If the blades are jammed, this can also increase the buildup in the disposal drain.
If you do experience a clogged drain, there are ways to remedy it.
Cleansing Your Drains
If your drains do have a clog, there can be a number of indicators. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent drains from clogging.
Run hot water through the sink after each use. Hot water keeps oils in food products running down the drain, rather than building up on the interior surface of pipes, which can make drains sluggish and lead to clogs.
Throw a handful of baking soda into the drain and follow it with hot water. Baking soda is a terrific cleaning agent, and it’s also great for absorbing foul odors and leaving your drainpipes smelling like a rose. Okay, maybe not like a rose, but a lot better than they otherwise would.
Pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes; then chase it down with very hot water. Vinegar is a wonder cleaner. It contains acetic acid, which acts as an excellent organic solvent in removing an organic buildup of crud in pipes.
You May Call for the Wrong Service: Do You Need Furnace Repair or Replacement?
Feb 25, 2021
Feb 25, 2021
You May Call for the Wrong Service: Do You Need Furnace Repair or Replacement?
Furnaces
Heating
When a furnace has begun struggling or shut down completely, most everyone would prefer to choose the simplest and least expensive option. The question of furnace repair or replacement is always going to be on your mind. A quick fix may not be that perfect solution, however. Heating professionals should never simply recommend a furnace replacement just to sell more equipment. To the homeowner, the question is a matter of weighing short-term costs, the life expectancy of the equipment, and the quality of heating and energy efficiency that you expect.
Before assuming that either furnace repair or replacement is right for you, let’s examine the issues at play and how to weigh your options.
When Repairing the Furnace Isn’t Enough
Between furnace repair or replacement, the wrong choice can hurt you in the long run. In some cases, you could notice setbacks just days later. The technician can probably get your broken furnace to turn on again by replacing some small parts. But what if the furnace is now running very inefficiently? You’re now paying spiked utility bills.
Furnaces that need to be replaced will also perform poorly. This causes hot and cold spots around the house, poor indoor air quality, and odd noises or odors. An inadequately repaired furnace might even present a heightened risk of house fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
It’s also best to avoid jumping to the conclusion that replacement is the best option. While a new furnace will almost assuredly be more energy efficient, don’t expect the furnace to pay for itself anytime soon unless you are replacing older equipment.
The Benefits of Accurate Troubleshooting
By making all necessary repairs or determining that a full furnace replacement is the best option, you’ll be sure to enjoy better heating:
Maximum energy efficiency to save you money on fuel
Reliable heating for the rest of the fall and winter
Avoiding the extra costs of repeated repairs or unnecessary replacement
Better indoor air quality
Safety and peace of mind
When one thing goes wrong with your furnace, other problems may pop up. In older equipment, wear and tear can cause multiple parts to break down around the same time. If the furnace has been running with a worn out part, other parts may have been overtaxed and are now damaged, too.
All of this makes it important to get advanced diagnostics. By finding the root issues and examining all of the many parts, the heating technician can add up everything that needs to be repaired or replaced. This way you avoid spending a small fortune on a new furnace you don’t need, and you won’t have another breakdown just a week later.
How to Decide Between Furnace Replacement or Repairs
After a heating expert has diagnosed the problem, the homeowner can look at a few options before deciding. You can anticipate what to expect based on the conditions described below.
Repairs will typically solve your heating trouble in these circumstances:
The system is less than 10 years old. Life expectancy for a furnace typically ranges from 12 to 25 years. The younger the furnace, the less likely a major breakdown has occurred and the more likely a repair will be most cost-effective.
There are no recent changes to system efficiency. Struggling furnaces are more likely to have massive systemwide problems calling for replacement. If the furnace has simply stopped turning on, you probably just have a broken part or connection.
You have clogged air filters. Cleaning the filters should get things working smoothly again. If the filters get clogged faster than they should, other changes may be needed but the furnace itself is not likely the culprit.
You are experiencing thermostat problems. Electrical problems and broken thermostats can make it seem like your furnace is broken. The thermostat may just need tightened connections or recalibration, or you might upgrade to a modern smart thermostat.
Ductwork needs professional cleaning. Are rooms getting heated unevenly? Does the vent let out dusty or lukewarm air? Furnace efficiency depends on clean ductwork.
Telltale signs that you should replace your furnace include:
The furnace is older than 15 years. Take the current problems as a sign. Old furnaces cost you with inefficiency and will likely need more repairs soon. Replacement may actually be your cheapest option when all is said and done.
You notice higher costs on energy bills. Compare your bills to the same months from previous years to see how much the costs have been spiking. At some point in a furnace’s life cycle, cleaning and tune-ups cannot restore the equipment’s maximum efficiency. Older furnaces can continue to work while gradually losing efficiency. The problem only gets worse until eventually the furnace fails completely.
Your system is emitting carbon monoxide. Furnaces produce carbon monoxide as they burn fuel, but the lethal fumes are supposed to be safely escorted away through the flue. If the airways get clogged or the heat exchanger cracks, the carbon monoxide gas can leak out. The amount may be small at first, but no amount is safe. Replace it before this turns into a life-threatening problem.
Your furnace is improperly sized. Undersized furnaces have much shorter lifespans because they get overworked. Either the home will always be insufficiently heated or your energy bills will be much higher than they should be. Oversized furnaces can be problematic, too. They achieve the desired temperature very quickly, then cycle off. All that on-and-off cycling wears down the parts rapidly.
Breakdowns and repairs have become frequent. Each repair may seem minor, but something is wrong if your furnace can’t make it through the rest of heating season without another repair.
Figuring out the best solution for a furnace problem requires some troubleshooting and advice by an HVAC professional. Before you invest in a new furnace or try to get by this winter with small repairs, make sure to have your heating equipment looked at by a friendly expert that you can trust.
