-
Key Features To Include In A Finished Portable Cottage 29 August 2023
-
Climate-Controlled Sunrooms: Can You Install One Soon? 9 August 2022
To Repair Or To Replace, That Is The Question
Marvin Simmons
When you buy a house, you should ask how old the furnace is and how much the owners typically pay to keep their home warm. High heating costs are a legitimate concern since they can really put a pinch on your budget. If you have an older house, your furnace could be as little as 55% efficient, which means you will end up paying double what you should to heat your home. If you buy the home despite the inefficient furnace, you need to decide whether to repair or replace your furnace. While repairs are cheaper than buying a whole new furnace, in the long run, a new furnace might be the best option.
Repairs to Get More Efficiency from Your Furnace
One problem that could make your HVAC system less efficient than it should be is a leaky duct system. Leaky ducts can decrease your furnace efficiency by up to 40%. The problem with leaky ducts is that when air leaks out of your ducts, it decreases the volume of air that reaches your home. Your furnace is sized so that it will pump enough air into your home to heat it quickly, but if the volume of air is decreased, your furnace will have to run longer, and it will use more fuel and electricity than it should. Thus, you should have your ducts checked for leaks, and if your technician (like those at Climec Residential Inc.) finds leaks, you should pay to have them repaired.
When Fixing Ducts Isn't Enough
If you have your ducts checked out, and you still feel like you are paying too much to heat your home, it might be time to buy a new furnace. While a new furnace can be expensive, by buying a highly efficient furnace, you can reduce your heating costs. If you go from a 55% efficient furnace to a 98% efficient furnace, you can save around $40 for every $100 you spend to heat your home. With that kind of savings, the new furnace might just pay for itself and then some.
There is no reason to pay too much to run your furnace. If you have an older furnace, even if it is running at its best, it will never be as efficient as a newer furnace. The problem is that furnace technology has advanced, and newer designs are way more efficient than older furnace designs. Financing a new furnace might be the best option you have to heat your home inexpensively.
Share