You can expect a new furnace to remain functional for up to 25 years with due maintenance, but many people overlook seemingly minor problems when trying to save money. In this article, we’ve detailed some of the lesser-known truths about Santa Rosa furnace repairs. Hopefully, you’ll soon understand why spending money on upkeep is best for your finances in the long run.
- Positioning your thermostat correctly can minimize the need for furnace repairs
Install your thermostat in the wrong place, and your furnace will work harder as a result, accelerating the wearing process. Improperly positioned thermostats may fail to gauge the correct temperature; for example, a thermostat placed in a drafty area may display a room’s temperature as colder than it really is. Similarly, thermostats facing direct sunlight might tell your furnace that a room is hotter than its actual temperature.
The best place to put your thermostat is on a wall that isn’t exposed to direct sunlight, air vents or doors to your property’s exterior. Ideally, you should place your thermostat towards your home’s center.
- Gas furnaces do not have failsafe gas leak prevention controls
Furnaces that burn natural gas produce carbon monoxide, which can be harmful to your health at best and deadly at worst. With the most sophisticated systems, you might assume your furnace will automatically shut off in the event of a gas leak. While gas furnaces have shutoff controls to minimize the risk of leaks, they’re not 100% fail-safe, making it crucial to install a reliable carbon monoxide detector and replace its batteries every six months.
Most suppliers add a foul odor to their gas to help alert you of a leak. If you suspect a leak, immediately leave your home without tampering with your furnace and call a qualified HVAC engineer for an emergency Santa Rosa furnace repair.
- High-efficiency furnaces have a shorter lifespan than low-efficiency models
It sounds counter-intuitive, but medium-efficiency furnaces usually last longer than high-efficiency systems, 18 to 25 years and 15 to 20 years respectively. Does this mean you can save money by sacrificing energy efficiency?
No.
Some studies suggest you can reduce your gas bill by up to 35% with a high-efficiency furnace, which could equate to hundreds of dollars per year. Moreover, because all furnaces gradually lose efficiency, you might want to start thinking about an upgrade when yours approaches 15 years old.
- Forgetting to replace air filters is the most common Santa Rosa furnace repair mistake
It takes as little as one month for an air filter to clog up, forcing your furnace to work harder to achieve and maintain your desired temperature. Filter blockages not only increase your energy usage and utility bills but also cause your furnace’s components to wear. If you’d rather keep the need for repairs to a minimum, change your filter every three months – or two months if you have a large pet.
- Duct cleaning can add years to your furnace’s lifespan
A dirty or cracked duct can force your furnace to use more fuel, leading to increased energy usage and faster wear and tear. Calling a qualified HVAC engineer every one or two years for professional duct cleaning can help minimize your repair requirements and heating bills.
- Installing a smaller, more affordable heating system won’t help you save money
A small gas furnace may cost less to install than a larger model, but it the long run, the cost of heating will dwarf the initial installation fee. Likewise, bigger isn’t always better – an oversized furnace will turn itself on and off in continuous cycles, leading to uncomfortable temperature changes and uneconomical power use. When determining which sized HVAC system to purchase, you should account for your home’s:
- Square footage
- Layout
- Load-generating appliances
- Insulation
Selecting the right furnace or HVAC solution for your home requires a specialist’s touch. If you want to ensure you choose the most suitable system for your property, call an HVAC engineer for advice. Your finances will thank you in the long run.
- DIY-furnace repairs can be costly, dangerous and illegal
If you attempt to repair your problematic furnace while trying to save money, you might make matters worse or even put yourself in danger. If there’s a gas leak, you don’t want to be anywhere near your furnace. Due to the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning, calling an HVAC engineer for furnace repairs is a legal requirement in most Californian jurisdictions. Besides, tampering with your system unlawfully could void your warranty.
Learn More about Furnace Repairs
You can expect a new furnace installation to survive upwards of 20 years, provided you stay on top of maintenance. If you think you need a Santa Rosa furnace repair, call a qualified gas engineer instead of taking any risks for the sake of your safety, finances and family’s comfort.