Central Indiana winters are not for the faint of heart, so making sure you have a fully operational heating system in your home is key. If your furnace is between 15-20 years old and it’s starting to show signs of performance decline, you’ll want to look into replacing it sooner rather than later.
As a responsible homeowner, you’re going to want to do your research, make sure you select the right furnace for your specific needs, and bring in experienced and reputable HVAC professionals to get the job done right. In this blog post, Star Heating and Cooling’s furnace experts run through the most important things to know about the furnace installation process.
Know What Type of HVAC System You Have
Make sure you have a good understanding of the HVAC system in your home. Is it a central heating and cooling system? Do you have ductless mini-split units, window units, boilers, or radiant heaters? Is your current furnace electric, gas, or oil? Here are a few ways to easily identify what you currently have, so you can be more informed about what your replacement unit should be:
Electric Furnace
Electric furnaces are not extremely common in colder climates like Indianapolis. They’re best for places that don’t experience extreme winter temperatures because they can quickly become expensive to operate.
Gas Furnace
Natural gas furnaces are probably the most common type of furnace. These have a higher upfront cost than an electric furnace, but cost less to operate. They’re incredibly useful in areas where the temperatures dip below freezing.
Oil Furnace
Oil furnaces are also effective in colder climates, but have decreased in popularity because of high oil prices. These furnaces require a full storage tank.
Heat Pump
Heat pumps are not a type of furnace, but can be used for both air conditioning and heating. These high-efficiency devices transfer heat from the air or ground into the home, and can be installed into most forced air duct HVAC systems.
Boiler
Boilers aren’t furnaces either but are also another high-efficiency heating option. These devices produce steam or hot water to heat your home.
Research HVAC Companies in Your Area
The next step in your journey to updating your heating system is to find a reputable HVAC company to offer expert recommendations, give you a fair estimate of the parts and labor, and perform the installation itself.
As we mentioned earlier, there are a bunch of great heating options out there. You’re going to want an expert to assess your home’s heating needs, calculate your home’s heating load, figure out where you can save money, and how you can get the most bang for your buck. An HVAC expert’s opinion will give you peace of mind that you chose the correct furnace for your unique home.
You also want to make sure the installation is performed correctly. Furnaces are made of many different components and are incredibly complex machines. You’re going to want someone who knows heat exchangers, furnace filters, blower motors, ignition sensors and the like. NATE-certified HVAC technicians, like the ones at Start Heating & Cooling, have years of experience and are up to date on all of the latest heating technology.
Know How Long It Takes to Install a Furnace
The average furnace installation lasts between 4 to 10 hours, as long as your existing ductwork is in good shape and doesn’t need any repairs. Bigger, more complex systems will require more time and effort to install.
Get a Warranty for Your New Furnace
Make sure that your installation comes with a warranty. Most new furnace installations have warranties that cover most repairs and defects for 5-10 years. Extended warranties are also normally available for an additional fee and can help you save money in the long-term
Set up a Maintenance Plan
A new furnace for your home is a major investment and one that you don’t want to have to pay for again for a long time. Signing up for a maintenance program can extend the life of your furnace, keep it running efficiently, and save you money in the long run.
Basic maintenance includes inspection and cleaning of filters and ducts, lubrication of any moving components, and calibration of the thermostat to make sure it’s communicating properly with your HVAC system. Star can also remind you when your system needs a tune-up when you sign up for a maintenance plan.
Contact Star for Furnace Installation in Central Indiana
The furnace installation experts at Star Heating & Cooling have been helping your Indianapolis and Hamilton Count neighbors with their heating and cooling needs, and are ready to assist you with the best customer service and quality craftsmanship. We offer 24/7 emergency repair and installation service, so you never have to worry about your family freezing in the middle of the night. Contact us today to schedule your furnace installation.