It’s officially fall here in North Central Florida and its a little cooler (we said a little). It may be a few months before Florida has its one-week winter, but before that happens make sure your furnace is prepared to warm your home.
Get your furnace warmed up and serviced.
We live in an age where we want to be as green as possible and save money where we can. Getting a furnace maintenance check by us is a smart way to ensure your home stays warm and energy efficient during Florida’s cooler months. Our technicians can inspect your furnace to make sure sure it’s running at maximum efficiency and not costing you extra every month. If we see any potential problems, these issues can be addressed before they become a major problem for you and your family.
Contact us today and schedule your HVAC preventive maintenance check, today.
Things you can do to keep your furnace working efficiently
As well as having us check your furnace annually before the cold season, there is some regular maintenance that you can do yourself to ensure your furnace stays in good working order.
Replace air filters
This is probably the most important do-it-yourself item that will keep your furnace and air conditioning system operating efficiently and ensure the air circulating through your home is clean. Additionally, a dirty filter allows for dirt and other allergens to buildup in the furnace, which can seriously hurt how the whole system works; not to mention that you may be breathing it in as well.
Remove items from around the furnace and heating vents
Make sure you remove items from around the furnace area. Also, ensure all the vents in your home are clear of debris, such as piles of laundry, furniture, etc. This is especially important for the air intakes and returns throughout your home. Obstructions near these vents can seriously affect how efficient your system can intake air.
Check your thermostat
The thermostat is the brain behind your whole system. It tells the system to turn on and then turn off. So, a lot of perceived problems with your furnace can actually be tracked back to thermostat problems. And, since some thermostats run on battery power, make sure you change the batteries in your wall-mounted thermostat before winter starts.
Programmable thermostats may also come in handy. Instead of running your furnace and warming your home while you are at work, you can program your thermostat to keep your home a little cooler than if you were home.
The burning question!
Do I need a new furnace?
It’s not easy to know whether you should repair or replace your home’s heating system, especially if you’re facing an emergency situation. While there’s no hard-and-fast rule, there are some important considerations to keep in mind as you make your decision.
Age of your system
The average lifespan of a furnace is around 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is near that age, expect to experience more repairs in the near future, which may not be covered by the original warranty or service agreement.
Outdated technology
Technology changes all the time. This is as true for your heating system as it is for your smart phone. By replacing aging equipment, you’ll be able to take advantage of smart new features and increased efficiencies that can save you money on your utility bills.
Cost of repairs
As a good rule of thumb, Consumer Reports recommends replacing a product when repairs exceed 50% of the cost of a new one.* We are always staying up to date with promotions that can significantly reduce the cost of buying a new system. We offer financing on all new Lennox systems and offer free estimates on system replacements.
Environmental impact
If you’re concerned with your energy footprint, you may be surprised to know that your heating and cooling system accounts for about 50 percent of your home’s energy use.** Upgrading to new ENERGY STAR® certified equipment ensures your units meet or exceed federal standards for energy efficiency.
How well your system is performing
Do you feel like you have to constantly adjust your thermostat to stay comfortable? Does your furnace make noises when it starts up? Does your air feel stuffy or damp? If any of these issues are getting in the way of your home comfort, it may be time to get a new system installed.
Whether you’re looking for a new furnace, or are in the market for a whole heating system, Akins Heating and Air can help you find the right solution for your home comfort needs.
*Source: Consumer Reports, January 2014.
**U.S. Department of Energy Statistics
