You can’t escape the cost and inconvenience of a furnace replacement. Depending on the size of your furnace and the complexity of your system, properly replacing it can be a time-consuming process. There’s no doubt that you’ll need to invest additional time and money into it. By preparing for a furnace replacement beforehand, you can cut down on the time and money you spend during the replacement process. In this blog, we’ve compiled ways to prepare yourself for a furnace replacement in your Littleton, CO, home.
1. Understand the Furnace’s Condition
A properly working furnace is sensitive to dust, pine needles, and other particles no matter how well you keep your home. When your furnace can’t get rid of these particles, it creates a lot of heat and must work harder. Therefore, you should clean the furnace regularly and check for any damage.
If your furnace is working hard to heat your home, it’s probably time for a replacement. Some furnaces are just too old to get the job done. Another common reason you may need to get a new furnace is that your home is too large for the current unit. By getting a new furnace, you can control the heat in your house more precisely.
2. Know Your Options for Replacement
There are two different types of replacement options for your furnace. The direct replacement option involves replacing the entire furnace with a newer model or the indirect replacement option, which returns only parts of your heater. If you’re not an experienced DIYer, you should get a professional-grade replacement. A professional furnace replacement can be expensive, but it’s worth the investment. In the long run, you’ll save money on utility bills and avoid potential dangers from improper installation.
3. Consider a Whole-House Replacement
Replacing an old furnace can be a big hassle, but it’s more economical in the end to replace your heating system entirely with a new one instead of doing multiple minor repairs that add up in cost. If your furnace is more than 20 years old, there’s a good chance that you can benefit from a whole-house furnace replacement. In this case, you’ll need to update the ductwork and other parts of your home’s heating system.
4. See If You Qualify for Installation Grants
In some cases, you might qualify for federal grants or low-interest loans to help pay for your furnace replacement. The Department of Energy offers grants and loans for replacing old, inefficient furnaces with new, more efficient models. Suppose you’re interested in getting a furnace replacement with the help of federal funding. In that case, you need to contact your local government or utility company to see if you qualify for assistance.
5. Get Professional Help
The smartest thing you can do is hire professional contractors who specialize in furnace replacements. These contractors will bring all necessary tools and equipment to do the installation properly. While you can save money by doing some work on your own, you might also risk messing up the installation. This could cause irreparable damage to your home’s heating system and necessitate a more costly repair. If you’re not sure about how to prepare for a furnace replacement, it’s best to hire Summit Heating & A/C to do the job for you.
6. Consider the Costs
Before jumping into a furnace replacement, consider how much you can spend on a new heating system. Your current budget might not be enough to cover the costs of this project. You can save money by shopping around for furnace replacement deals or buying second-hand furnaces. Let contractors know how much you can afford before they start shopping for equipment.
7. Prepare Your Furnace Replacement Schedule
This is an essential step in preparing for a furnace replacement. It’s best to plan your project a few months before you start the installation process. It might be challenging to plan the project if you’re working around a family schedule or a busy work routine. However, it’s most efficient if you start with this step as soon as possible.
8. Clean the Heating System
Once you’re ready to install a new furnace, you should clean the heating system before the installation. You can clean your furnace using household products like vinegar and water.
9. Create an Action Plan
Before you officially start your furnace replacement project, you should create an action plan to avoid problems. For example, make sure that you have ample space to work on your heating system. You might want to schedule some time off from work or school for the replacement. Finally, make sure that you have enough people to help with the installation. Your furnace is integral for your home’s heating system, so it’s worth spending time preparing for a furnace replacement.
10. Plan Your Finances
Furnace replacement is an investment, and you need to plan for additional costs. Make sure that you have enough money to cover any expenses that might arise during the replacement process. Also, investigate financing options or grants and see if they can help you with the cost of your furnace replacement. The last thing you want is to run out of funds before your heating system is ready for use.
11. Consider Energy Effectiveness
If you want to save as much money as possible on your energy bills, you must choose a new furnace with good energy-efficiency features. A new furnace will heat your home more quickly and switch to a lower setting when it’s no longer needed. In some cases, you might even be able to use a smaller heating system for your home just by getting a new, more efficient model. If you’re planning on replacing an old model with an energy-efficient one, talk to contractors about possible rebates or tax incentives.
12. Select the Furnace
Before you go out and buy a new furnace, talk to contractors about different models. You should look at their energy efficiency ratings and see which one would work best in your home. In some cases, you might even qualify for a tax credit if you buy a high-efficiency heating system. However, make sure that it’s going to be powerful enough for your home’s needs.
13. Consider Repair Options
Some older furnaces can be repaired and can stay in good condition for a long time. If you think this might be a possibility for your furnace, try to repair it instead of getting a replacement. When you’re replacing an old furnace, it’s usually more cost-effective to install a new one that will last longer and work more efficiently. However, if you’re low on funds and plan on taking advantage of government grants or loans, you can try salvaging your old heating system.
14. Consider Warranties and Rebates
When you’re planning to get a new heating system, don’t forget to check out warranties and rebates for the devices. Before you purchase, consult with contractors about the different warranties and rebates offered by heating manufacturers. In some cases, these companies will provide money-saving deals when you buy a new furnace. However, make sure that these deals will be good for your home’s needs and budget before signing up.
15. Choose the Best Location
One of the most important things you need to do when preparing for a furnace replacement is to choose the best location for your new heating system. It’s essential that your furnace can be easily accessed when it needs repairs or servicing. If you decide to install a replacement indoors, ensure that it’s far away from any moisture source. Also, avoid placing it in an area where it can emit fumes into your home’s air supply.
Furnaces can be a costly purchase, and it’s best to do all your preparation before starting the installation process. Luckily, our technicians can help you with all your preparation and installation needs. Contact Summit Heating & A/C today, and we’ll be happy to provide you with the guidance and support that you need for a furnace replacement. We also offer AC repair and installation, water heater installation and repair, and better indoor air quality in Parker, CO. Contact us today!
