Whether you own an older, five-bedroom ranch-style house or live in a new, two-story home, the size and age of your dwelling doesn’t matter if you don’t take care of it. That’s particularly true when it comes to furnace repair Palatine. After all, furnace problems tend to occur when you least expect them. That’s why general maintenance, repairs and upgrades are vitally important for the health and longevity of your furnace.
How Old Is It?
Generally speaking, most experts recommend replacing or cleaning your furnace filters once a month. The same is true of air conditioning filters. But you also have to take into consideration the age of your furnace. If it was installed more than 20 years ago, then it’s probably nearing the end of its life cycle. This will obviously necessitate a new furnace, but if your system is a bit younger, furnace repairs may still be possible.
Something to keep in mind, though, is that the type of home you live in can determine whether a new installation is possible. That’s because city building codes vary from city to city. In some locations, for example, city officials will actually stop a company from performing an installation. You should always inquire about the city codes in your area before installing a new furnace.
And if you have to install a new unit? Then Energy.gov says you should look for high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings. The minimum national level is 78 percent, but newer models can exceed a 90 percent AFUE.
Where the Money Goes
Almost half of your utility bill comes from cooling and heating your home. However, as Energy.gov points out, it’s not enough to simply have an energy-efficient furnace – even if you get regular repairs and maintenance. Instead, homeowners are urged to take a “whole-house approach,” meaning you also have to stay on top of the insulation, air sealing and thermostat settings in your home in addition to regular maintenance and repairs. This can save you around 30 percent on your energy bill, Engergy.gov says.Get the best services with Five Star Heating & Air INC.
