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As an HVAC contractor, we have the privilege of talking to homeowners every single day. It is our job to keep homeowners informed and make sure they are able to make decisions best for them, their needs, and their budget. As we get to the end of summer and transition from air conditioning to heating season, we thought it might be helpful to answer some of the most common questions homeowners have about their home's heat.
Remember, you're never expected to have all the answers.
However, as a homeowner, here are the top 5 things you should know about your furnace or heating equipment:
1. Heating Energy Source
Knowing whether your equipment runs on natural gas, propane, or electricity is important. Depending on the type of system, there are different safety precautions. For example, carbon monoxide alarms are useful for gas systems, but not for electric-based units. Make sure you know the appropriate safety measures for your heating equipment.
It's also good information when looking at your utility bills every month. Knowing which utility bills are affected by your heating usage can help you recognize potential problem areas in your home. If you have a gas furnace and notice an abnormally high gas bill, you may want to have your furnace checked for gas leaks or inefficient parts.
It's important to note here that, on occasion, we have found that certain electrical components of a gas furnace can also cause abnormally high electric bills.
2. Heating Equipment Age
The age of your equipment is also a great piece of information to have. This allows you to take advantage of warranties while they are still active and prepare for age-related repairs or replacements. In addition to your heating equipment's age, knowing how long it is expected to last is also helpful. This will help you prepare for the unit becoming less reliable and possibly needing repairs. Discussing replacement options toward the end of a furnace's expected lifespan will also help you prepare for its replacement when the time comes.
3. Equipment's Efficiency Rating
The efficiency of your furnace, geothermal, heat pump, boiler, or air handler impacts your energy use. When it does come time for replacement, knowing your current efficiency will help you decide which unit fits your budget best. If you decide to go with a lower efficiency, be prepared for higher utility bills. If you decide to go with a similar or higher efficiency, you can expect your utility bills to decrease. These higher-efficiency units will cost more upfront, but if you're planning to stay in your home long-term, they're a great investment.
4. Thermostat Usage and Features
Understanding your thermostat is certainly the most difficult of the five. The issue, we have discovered, is due to the variety of features they offer. It's certainly worth looking up a basic tutorial on your thermostat's features and how to use them. Wi-Fi compatible thermostats, Smart thermostats, programable thermostats - they're all different, and each offers its own variety of convenience features. Even if technology is not your thing, it's good to know about low battery indicators, temperature controls, switching from heat to cool to fan to auxiliary, and how to turn the system off if needed.
5. Previous Repairs Made
If a repair has been made to your furnace, you should pay attention to what the repair was and ask questions about what may have caused the issue. Regular maintenance is the best way to keep tabs on the health of your equipment, but some people choose to forego preventative maintenance. If that's you, then this step is even more important. Pay attention to patterns or common causes, and it could save you time and money later.
In Conclusion...
We have found that homeowners who know these five things tend to feel more prepared and informed when making decisions about their HVAC and heating systems. Our hope is that everyone is able to make the best decisions for their home and household.
Have a question? Leave it in the comments!
Our technicians are here to help!
- Greene's Plumbing, Heating, and Electrical
Tiffin, Ohio Furnace Repair and Installation
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