When is it Time For Furnace Replacement?
If your furnace is over 15 to 20 years old and has been causing you problems, it may be time to consider replacing it with a more reliable and efficient system. Instead of considering a furnace replacement on your own, leave this type of work to Wickstrom Plumbing Heating & Cooling. Hiring a professional can help you to preserve your property and your money! Understanding the typical lifespan of different types of furnaces can also help you make an informed decision. For example, gas furnaces may last around 15-20 years, while electric ones can sometimes function for up to 30 years. However, their efficiency reduces over time, impacting both comfort levels and utility costs.
Here's why choosing a properly sized furnace is so important:
Efficiency and Lower Costs: If the system is too big, the consumer is paying to operate oversized equipment. If the system is too small, the cost is paying for the system to run constantly and face possible equipment failure. Additionally, professional assessments consider Boise's fluctuating climate, ensuring your new system can effectively handle temperature extremes while maintaining energy efficiency.
Comfort: When the wrong sized heating system is used, it will affect the number of times the heater turns on and off. This creates a warm and cold cycle in the building. The heaters will not turn on at the proper times, thereby causing hot and cold spots in the overall heating of the space. Heating systems that are oversized pump more air than is necessary into the space causing these drafts. Properly sized units ensure consistent temperatures, reducing wear and tear on the system itself, thus enhancing its longevity.
Air Quality: Having the correct size of furnace will ensure that the air in the building is being processed and cleaned at the proper rate. As well as breathing concerns, the proper sized system will also help to eliminate moisture problems from oversized systems that can often encourage the growth of mold and mildew. In Boise, where humidity can vary, having a balanced system helps maintain comfortable indoor air quality year-round.
Rust: When the furnace is too large for the area it needs to heat, it heats it too fast and shuts off too quickly. When this happens, rust can form in the exchanger and rust it out from the inside. This frequent off and on of the furnace also puts extra stress on the exchanger, causing it to experience stress fractures over time.
Carbon Monoxide: When the exchanger experiences cracks and breaks, it allows deadly carbon monoxide to enter the home. This odorless and colorless gas is deadly. All buildings should have carbon monoxide detectors to protect the inhabitants for this type of emergency. Regularly inspecting your system for leaks or damage can significantly reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, ensuring the safety of your household.
When it comes to heating systems, bigger is not better. Finding the correct sized system for the area to be heated is essential to the efficiency, function, and safety of the occupants of the building. Consult a professional Boise heating and cooling service to choose the right sized heating system for the space. With the unique seasonal demands in Boise, a tailored solution is the best approach to maximize both cost-effectiveness and comfort in your home.
Complete Furnace Maintenance
We offer professional furnace inspections for customers who are proactive in maintaining their furnace units. When our Boise furnace maintenance team inspects your system, we will be able to identify potential problems and provide you with a reliable quote for furnace repairs. The best way to avoid furnace problems is to have our certified professionals maintain and inspect your furnace at least once a year or during the fall before winter sets in. Regular inspections not only prolong the lifespan of your system but can also improve its performance, offering you peace of mind during the coldest months.
However, there are also some steps you can take to keep your furnace efficient, such as:
- Changing your furnace filter every three months will increase the efficiency of your furnace.
- Ensuring that your unit is always giving off clean air.
- Keeping the intake vent free from any obstruction.
- Signing up for our Wickstrom Family Brand Maintenance Plan to receive a yearly scheduled tune-up.
For more helpful tips or if you wish to request furnace services in Boise or Nampa, contact us right away at (208) 269-7190!
Energy Efficiency Improvements for Boise Homes
With increasing energy costs, optimizing your home's energy efficiency is more important than ever. The right furnace can not only reduce energy bills but also improve the overall comfort of your home. Boise's climate, with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers, necessitates a responsive HVAC system. Many homeowners are unaware of how much improper installation can affect utility costs. A furnace installed close to vents or ducts ensures shorter paths for heat delivery, enhancing efficiency and providing quick heating solutions.
Additionally, adopting smart thermostat technology can significantly optimize furnace performance. These systems learn your heating patterns, adjusting to provide optimal energy use without sacrificing comfort. Combined with regular maintenance, smart thermostats can drastically reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly Asked Questions
Why is it important to choose the right size furnace for my home?
Choosing the right size furnace for your home is important for several reasons. An oversized furnace can lead to higher operating costs, uncomfortable temperature fluctuations, poor air quality, and potential rust and carbon monoxide issues. It is best to consult a professional to determine the correct size furnace for your space. Our experts understand the specific heating requirements of Boise homes, factoring in local weather patterns and home layouts to ensure optimal warmth and safety.
How often should I have my furnace inspected?
It is recommended to have your furnace inspected at least once a year or before the winter season by a certified professional. Regular inspections can help identify potential problems and ensure your furnace is running efficiently. In Boise, where seasonal changes can be harsh, an annual inspection ensures your home stays comfortable and your furnace operates safely.
What can I do to maintain the efficiency of my furnace?
To maintain the efficiency of your furnace, you can change the furnace filter every three months, ensure clean air circulation, keep the intake vent free from obstructions, and consider signing up for a yearly scheduled tune-up through a maintenance plan. These steps are especially vital in an Idaho climate, where clean air and energy efficiency can make significant differences in comfort and utility costs.
Do you provide furnace installation services in Boise and Nampa, ID?
Yes, we provide professional furnace installation services in the Boise and Nampa areas. Our experienced technicians can help you choose the right furnace for your home and ensure a proper installation. Considering the specific needs of Boise residents, our installation services also account for local building codes and efficiency requirements, ensuring a compliant and effective setup.
What factors should I consider when choosing a new furnace?
When selecting a new furnace, it's vital to consider the size and efficiency rating of the unit. In Boise, with its unique climate, a furnace's BTU output should match the square footage of your home to avoid wasted energy and ensure consistent heating. You should also think about the fuel type—whether natural gas, electric, or oil—based on availability and utility costs. Consulting with a professional to evaluate your home's specific requirements can guide you to the best choice, taking into account your budget and expected lifespan of the system.
How do Boise's weather conditions affect my furnace operation?
The cold winters and hot, dry summers of Boise demand a flexible and robust HVAC system. Extreme temperature fluctuations can strain furnaces, making regular maintenance more crucial to prevent breakdowns. In winter, a well-maintained furnace prevents your home's pipes from freezing, which is a common concern for Boise residents. The cycle of extreme heat and cold necessitates a highly efficient system, which can adjust to provide optimal comfort without excessive energy use. Understanding these local conditions, Wickstrom Plumbing Heating & Cooling ensures that all systems are tailored to withstand Boise's challenging weather.
.2502171236204.jpg)
