So you think it’s time to get a new furnace, and you’re not sure where to start. Should you try to sort through units or talk to a contractor first? What should you do while the contractor is setting it up? You have a lot of questions.
At Paragon, we’re here to help you choose the right furnace and get it installed correctly. Below, we’ve put together some tips to help you choose a good contractor and have a smooth installation.
But before we talk about the furnace purchasing process, you may be wondering whether you really need a new furnace just yet. First, let’s talk about how to tell when you need a new furnace.
How to Tell When You Need a Furnace Installation Service
1. Frequent Furnace Breakdowns
If your furnace keeps breaking down, it’s probably time to just get a new one. You need to be able to rely on your furnace throughout the cold months.
Furnaces do need regular maintenance, but they shouldn’t need frequent repairs just to keep running. When the repair costs start piling up, it’s time to install a new furnace.
2. Unpleasant Noises That Can’t Be Fixed
Most old furnaces make noise, but the noise shouldn’t be too loud or unpleasant. When your furnace starts making new noises that intrude on your peace and quiet, that’s a sign that something is wrong.
Sometimes you can repair a noisy furnace and get it to start running well again. If your furnace repair professional can’t fix the problem, it’s probably time to buy a new furnace.
3. Rising Energy Usage
The cost of energy can fluctuate a lot, and your rising energy bills may just be caused by inflation. Sometimes, though, high energy bills can be a sign of a furnace problem.
You may want to check your past energy bills to see if you’re using more energy now than you were during the same months in previous years. Think about whether your energy-related habits have changed since then – are you working from home now, for example?
If your energy usage is going up and you haven’t changed any habits that would explain it, it’s time to call an HVAC professional. They can tell you whether you can fix the problem with a repair or need to get a new furnace.
4. Visible Cracks or Rust
Cracks can make your furnace much less efficient. If there are visible cracks on your furnace unit, there is probably a lot of air escaping.
Rust can also cause problems for your furnace components and lower your energy efficiency. If your furnace looks cracked, rusty or ready to fall apart, you should probably buy a new furnace soon.
5. Other Problems That Repairs Don’t Fix
Is your kitchen freezing while your living room is boiling? Is your home developing new humidity problems? Is there a lot of dust around your furnace even though the ducts are fine and the air filters are clear? If an HVAC repair professional can’t fix the problem, it may be time to replace the unit.
If you’ve had a heating professional check your furnace and thermostat for problems and the heating is still uneven, it’s probably time to get a new furnace.
So You Need a New Furnace. Now What?
When you’re looking to buy and install a furnace, it’s important to choose a trustworthy contractor. You don’t want to deal with unexpected fees, get the wrong furnace model for your home, or pay for extra repair and maintenance work just because the furnace wasn’t installed right the first time.
Your furnace contractor will help you choose the right furnace for your home, energy source, and other priorities. Here are some things to look for when choosing a company to sell and install your new furnace:
A Solid Reputation
A good contractor will usually have a good reputation. If you’ve heard bad things about a contractor from neighbors, can’t find their information online, or see a lot of genuine-sounding online reviews that mention the same problem, that may be a red flag.
One of the best ways to find a good contractor is to ask neighbors, friends, or family members for a referral. If someone near you recently hired an HVAC contractor who did a good job, they may be able to recommend that contractor to you.
Furnace Installation Experience and Training
When you’re messing with sensitive electrical components or gas lines, you don’t want to hire an amateur. You need someone who is trained to identify and fix a wide range of furnace problems and keep everyone in the household safe.
A more experienced heating contractor is more likely to be able to install your furnace properly. They will have a better understanding of how to avoid both safety problems and legal problems. They can also give you a heads up about common issues with different brands or models.
In Washington State, heating contractors are required have an electrical license, contractor license, and meet certain training requirements. If a contractor is fully trained and legitimate, you will likely see language like “licensed” or “certified” somewhere on their website home page or about page. If you don’t see this language, you may want to hire someone else.
During the Furnace Installation
Before you get your new furnace installed, you should clear the surrounding area. You don’t want there to be any obstacles blocking the contractors or the airflow around your furnace. It’s especially important to keep combustible materials away.
Installing a furnace can take anywhere from a couple hours to a couple days. While you don’t need to perform any part of the process yourself, you should plan to be home at the time. You may need to take time off from work, work from home, or otherwise change your schedule so you can be home during the installation.
You may want to consider getting a warranty with your furnace. With some furnaces, you may need to purchase the warranty separately or purchase an extension to ensure that most repairs and defects are covered. A warranty can save you money in the long run if there are unexpected issues.
Need a Furnace Installation in the Greater Seattle Area?
Paragon Heating and Home Comfort Solutions has been serving customer in the Snohomish and East Kingd County areas for many years. We pride ourselves on high quality workmanship, exceptional service, and trustworthiness.
Contact us today if you have furnace questions or want a quote on your furnace installation.
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