When to Upgrade Your Furnace
Whether you’ve recently bought a house or have lived in your current home for many years, it’s important to take time to assess the condition of your furnace. There are numerous benefits to replacing an old heating system, and you’ll find that making such an investment will benefit your family in the long run. Some of these benefits include:
- A high efficiency heating system will lower your yearly fuel costs.
- You’ll get peace of mind replacing a system that has previously failed.
- Higher efficiency means increased home comfort.
- You’ll be increasing the resale value of your home.
- A higher efficiency furnace will reduce green house emissions and is environmentally friendly.
But how exactly do you know when to upgrade your furnace? One of the most reliable signs is that your furnace has something known as a “high idle loss.” Simply put, a high idle loss means that your system is wasting a considerable amount of heat when the furnace is off. This high idle loss has an enormous impact on the amount of heating fuel you consume each year.
Signs of High Idle Loss
Although hiring a professional to assess the state of your furnace is recommended, you don’t need to be a heating and cooling expert to recognize the signs of high idle loss in your home. You can start by answering the following questions:
- Is your furnace room hot? If so, chances are good you’re experiencing high idle loss.
- Is the furnace hot when it’s not making heat or hot water? This is another sign of high idle loss, especially if it’s occurring during the fall or summer months.
- Is your furnace sized correctly? If your propane heating system frequently cycles on and of during the coldest days, it likely has too much capacity making the furnace highly inefficient.
- Does your furnace have a pilot light? Pilot lights are continuously using energy, creating a less efficient idle loss.
- How well is your heating duct system insulated? A substantial amount of heat loss occurs if your ductwork is not insulated properly, particularly in unheated areas of your home.
Once you have determined whether or not you’re experiencing high idle loss in your home, consider talking to a professional for information on the cost of replacing your current heating system. Upgrading your furnace can truly be a wise investment in your home, the environment, and your well-being.
