With regular preventive maintenance, a furnace can operate reliably for 15 to 20 years. However, as a furnace reaches the end of its life span, you’ll need to budget for and prepare to select a new one. Choosing the right furnace for your Baltimore, Maryland, home is important. We have some strategies and tips to help you successfully prepare your home for a new furnace installation.
Evaluate Your Heating Needs
Before purchasing a new furnace, evaluate your heating needs. Our Griffith Energy Services HVAC professionals will conduct a load calculation to determine the furnace that’s best for your home.
When selecting a new furnace, consider its efficiency, size, and type. As you compare furnaces, evaluate the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) value if you’re considering purchasing a gas-powered furnace. This value expresses a gas furnace’s efficiency in converting fuel to energy. The higher the figure, the more efficiently the furnace will operate. At minimum, a furnace must have an AFUE rating of 80% to comply with efficiency standards.
Clean and Inspect Your Home’s Ductwork
When preparing your home for a new furnace installation, take the time to have the ductwork cleaned and inspected. Air leaks in the ductwork can impair a new furnace’s heating effectiveness. We offer duct cleaning services that can ensure your home’s ductwork is in good shape before we install your new furnace.
Inquire About Programmable Thermostat Options
When you’re evaluating new furnace equipment, ask about programmable thermostats. With a programmable thermostat, you can create a heating schedule that regulates your home’s temperatures, whether you’re in the house or away. A programmable thermostat can help you save money on energy costs and keep your new furnace operating as efficiently as possible. A programmable Wi-Fi thermostat allows you to adjust the thermostat remotely using your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device.
Think About an Air Purification System
As you’re preparing your Baltimore home for a new furnace installation, think about an air purification system add-on. Dust can accumulate in even well-maintained homes, regardless of how frequently you clean your home. For those who suffer from allergies or asthma, exposure to dust can aggravate or trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. Furnaces with accompanying air purification systems can clean the air while producing heat for the home. As a result, you can enjoy better indoor air quality and improved home comfort.
Consider a Humidifier
During the winter months of the year, the air inside your home and outdoors can be cold and dry. When the air contains little moisture, you can experience chapped lips and dry skin. You can create moisture in the home to alleviate dry winter air by using a furnace with an accompanying humidifier. Adding moisture in the air can make your home feel warmer without having to increase the temperature on your thermostat. As a result, you’ll benefit from lower energy bills.
Create an Open Pathway to Your Furnace Equipment
Furnaces are large pieces of HVAC equipment. To effectively replace your old furnace, our HVAC technicians need as much space as possible to work. Creating an open pathway to your furnace can ensure a smooth and efficient installation. Remove any potential tripping hazards and objects that can impede the pathway into and out of your home. If technicians have to walk down a hallway to reach your furnace equipment, be sure to remove any pictures or other objects hanging on the walls.
Learn About What to Expect During a New Furnace Installation
A new furnace installation can take several hours or several days to complete. Removing the old furnace is the most time-consuming part of the process. While you don’t have to worry about installing the equipment yourself, you should still plan to be present in your home during installation. When setting up the installation appointment, talk to us about any scheduling concerns you may have. After your new furnace is installed, ask us about preventive HVAC maintenance plans that can help you keep your new furnace operating efficiently for many years to come.
Griffith Energy Services, Inc. is proud to serve Baltimore-area homeowners with furnace installation, repair, and maintenance services. Call us today.
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