Temperatures in New Jersey are dropping. Is your furnace ready? Buying a new furnace is a big decision, but it is essential to keep your energy costs down and your home warm this winter. Ask yourself these four questions to help you decide if now is the right time to buy a new furnace.
How Much is Your Energy Bill?
Looking at your energy bill over the year is a great way to see how efficient your furnace is. Try looking at your online customer profile for your hydro or gas company to find this information, or keep track manually. If your furnace is over twenty-five years old, you could be spending 45% more on your energy bill than you should be. Replacing your furnace will help lower your energy bill and save you money in the long run.
How Old is Your Furnace?
Did you know that an average furnace lasts up to eight years? If your furnace has already reached that age, it’s time to consider buying a new one. Signs your furnace has gotten too old include unfamiliar sounds or your pilot light emitting a yellow flame instead of the usual blue one. Once a furnace becomes too old, you could find yourself paying more for the increasing number of breakdowns.
How Can You Maintain Your Furnace?
Regular maintenance is essential to upkeep your furnace and help extend its lifetime. An Air Expert HVAC technician can inspect your furnace to see if your air filter has become clogged and ensure it’s running at peak efficiency. They can also recommend yearly maintenance plans and suggest if it would make more sense to replace your unit altogether.
What Kind of Furnace Should You Get?
After you’ve decided it’s time to buy a new furnace, you’ll have to determine what type of furnace is right for you and your home. There are three primary options when it comes to new furnaces. Natural gas furnaces are powerful and attach to the natural gas lines you may already have in your home. Propane furnaces are great if your home doesn’t have a natural gas connection. Clean-burning fuel can be purchased widely and for a reasonable price. Lastly, electric furnaces are cheaper to install than gas furnaces and are considered safer. However, they are not as efficient and can cost you more in energy bills.
Ensure your furnace is prepared for the dropping temperatures this winter. Air Experts can help you determine if your furnace needs maintenance or if it’s time to replace your unit. Call us at (732) 681-9090 or contact us online to schedule a service appointment today!
