Smile Heating & Cooling Inc. More About Plumbing and Heating, and Furnace | Page 7

How to Know When You Need
Furnace Repairs or Replacement
 One of the first things you’ll need to consider when it comes to
furnace repairs is the age of the furnace. Getting a furnace
repaired or replaced could cost anywhere between $2,500 and
$5,500, so before you get a totally new furnace, there are a few
things you’ll need to keep in mind. As a general rule of thumb, if
your furnace is 12 years or older, it may be time to seriously
consider replacing it. When a furnace reaches this age, it is often
not as efficient and could make your home unsafe.
 You also need to evaluate your furnace so you can see if you it’s
using too much energy. This can not only make your utility bills
higher, but older furnaces are often oversized, which means that
the furnace often comes on and turns off more than it should.
When you upgrade to a furnace that is more suitable for your
home in terms of size. A more modern furnace can also make the
temperature in your home more comfortable and will save you on
utility bills. Furnaces have an AFUE number, and the higher this
number is, the more efficient the unit is, so you should have your
furnace evaluated to see how it is rated on the AFUE scale; the
government requires that your furnace’s AFUE number be 80 or
higher. The correct size of furnace for your home will depend on
the square footage of your house, and you’ll also need to
consider the climate in your area.