When it comes to furnaces, there are of course a lot of questions that homeowners and business owners alike will ask, even in the Decatur, AL area where temperatures usually don’t dip very low during the cooler months.
Furnaces are complex devices that cool your home and business, with plenty of moving parts and processes. Here are some common questions about your furnace that you may ask.
Can I Do Furnace Installation Myself? You shouldn’t attempt furnace installation yourself unless you’re a licensed professional with experience. Doing so can be illegal, since a permit is generally needed to complete such work. Permits help make sure the installer is licensed and trained to carry out such a task.
Attempting a DIY furnace installation can result in gas leaks, carbon monoxide leaks, and other hazards. This isn’t worth the potential savings in installation costs.
How Long Do Furnaces Last? Everyone wants to know how long their furnace will last when getting a new one, or what to expect out of an old furnace. In most cases, you can expect to get 15 to 20 years from your furnace, though some models are able to last for longer, depending on the brand.
This, of course, is if maintenance has been carried out properly. Failing to maintain a furnace or installing the wrong size for your vents can shorten its lifespan considerably, since this will make your furnace work harder than it should.
When Is My Furnace at The End of Its Life? Knowing when to replace an old furnace will save you time and money in repairs that won’t get you much more heat out of an aging unit.
If you’re noticing climbing energy bills, uneven temperatures throughout your home, not enough heat, or strange noises, it may be time to replace your old furnace with a new, energy-efficient one that will save on your electric and gas bills. Other signs of an aging furnace include having a hard time starting the unit, odd smells, or worst of all, your carbon monoxide alarm going off. Another sign that it’s time to replace? Your repair bills keep piling up.
How Much Do Furnace Repairs Cost? Sometimes, it’s worth it to repair your unit, especially if it’s not that old. If you have a warranty, then repairs shouldn’t cost you anything, unless you’re at fault for damaging the unit.
If you need to pay, then the average repair is around $300. Of course, this will depend on what needs repairs. Thermostats, blower motors, ignitors, and thermocouples can all go bad and require replacement. The simplest repairs can cost you under $100, while the most extensive repairs can go as high as $1200.
How Much Does a New Furnace Cost? A new furnace will cost some money, but if installed correctly, it’ll save you big on your upcoming energy costs, especially if you’re switching from an old furnace to a new one.
Gas furnaces usually range from $1700 to $9,700, depending on the size of your home. Smaller homes will have cheaper furnaces, and larger homes and businesses will trend on the more expensive side. Electric furnaces and oil furnaces are around the same range.
Any Other Questions? If you have any other questions, be sure to contact us at Southeastern Mechanical Services today. We’re here to answer all your furnace-related questions if you’re in the Decatur, AL area and beyond.
