What You Should Know About Furnace Installations
So you’ve decided to buy a new furnace. Good move!
A properly installed furnace gives your home that lovely warm and fuzzy feeling. A poorly installed furnace can be a ticking time bomb. Here are some things you should know:
1. Sizing Matters
An undersized furnace won’t provide enough heat, while an oversized unit will waste energy and money. The ideal furnace size depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, and the local climate. A professional HVAC technician can judge what’s right for your home, while a DIY diagnosis can be costly. Don’t buy that mega-unit just because it’s on sale!
2. Energy Efficiency Varies Widely
With fuel costs soaring, there has never been a better time to invest in energy efficiency. Look for a furnace with high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. The higher the rating, the more efficiently the furnace converts fuel into heat. In addition, look for ENERGY STAR-certified furnaces that meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
3. Safety Is the First Concern
An incorrectly installed gas furnace can leak carbon monoxide. An incorrectly installed electrical furnace can be a fire hazard. Don’t cut corners when it comes to safety. Hire a licensed professional for the installation.
4. Location Matters
The best spots for installation offer plenty of ventilation, easy access for maintenance and repairs, and distance from flammable materials.
This isn’t just about safety; it’s about giving your furnace the breathing room it needs. Plus, you don’t want the tech guy playing hide-and-seek when it’s time for service.
An ideal location can extend the lifespan of your furnace and ensure efficient operation. Choose wisely, grasshopper!
5. Regular Maintenance is Essential
You wouldn’t drive a million miles without changing the oil in your car (or maybe you would — yikes!). Your furnace is a machine — less complex than a car, but with its own set of maintenance requirements.
Professional tune-ups, seasonal inspections, and timely filter replacements are all part of keeping your furnace in top condition. Plus, regular maintenance can help you spot potential issues while they’re still relatively cheap to repair.
The Difference Between Good & Poor Installations
Good Installation
Strict adherence to local laws and building codes
A installation strictly should adhere to all safety standards and local codes. This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape — it ensures all electrical connections are correct, there’s adequate ventilation, and the furnace is safely positioned. Professional installers keep abreast of the latest rules and regulations.
Proper furnace sizing
The size of your furnace isn’t about how much space it occupies in your basement or garage, but rather its heating capacity.
Too small, and it will huff and puff to keep you warm on chilly nights. Too big, and it will cycle on and off, causing wear and tear and shooting up your energy bills.
So, how do you find that Goldilocks zone of “just right”? It involves a bit of math, considering your home’s total square footage, insulation, the type and size of windows, and even the climate in your area.
It’s a “heat loss and heat gain calculation.” No worries, though! Your HVAC pro will handle it for you.
Furnace selection
A furnace’s efficiency rating, sometimes called the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), tells you what proportion of fuel is converted into usable heat. A higher AFUE means a more efficient furnace and lower energy bills.
Look for a furnace with an AFUE of 90% or above, and you’ll stay toasty warm without burning through your budget. Your furnace is a long-term investment, so it’s worth paying for energy efficiency upfront.
Accurate ductwork installation
Your furnace is only as good as the ductwork that distributes the heat throughout your home. Old or shoddy ductwork can be a significant source of heat loss.
As part of the installation process, the technician should ensure proper insulation, seal any leaks, and use the correct size and design of ductwork for your home’s layout.
Poor Installation
A poorly installed furnace can be a safety hazard, from gas leaks to electrical fires.
Incorrect sizing
A too-small furnace will run constantly to keep up with your heating needs. You might find yourself wrapped in a blanket all winter long. A too-big furnace will frequently start and stop, a “short cycling” process that increases furnace wear and tear, consumes more energy, and jacks up your utility bills.
Decreased efficiency
A furnace that struggles is a furnace that guzzles — energy, that is. You might face shockingly high energy bills, all thanks to sloppy installation.
Increased repairs and maintenance
A poorly installed furnace will need more repairs and maintenance. These unexpected expenses can add up quickly, turning your el cheapo installation into a financial nightmare.
Shortened lifespan
A furnace is a long-term investment, and you expect it to last. But installation done in a rush could mean you’ll have to replace the unit much sooner than you’d like.
Safety hazards
Last but not least, improper installation can lead to gas leaks, fire hazards, and poor indoor air quality. Cutting corners may benefit your wallet in the short term, but it’s a risk to your home and your loved ones.
Why Only a Certified Professional Should Install Your Furnace
- Installing a furnace isn’t a DIY job, or even a handyman job. It involves working with gas and electricity, a potentially dangerous duo! Leave installation to the pros trained to handle them.
- Furnace installation involves airflow dynamics, venting, and knowledge of combustion heat load. The job demands specialized tools and equipment. So, unless you’ve got a certification in your back pocket, leave the job to the pros.
- Most manufacturers back their warranties only when a certified technician has installed the furnace. Your quest to save a few bucks on the installation could cost you thousands down the line.
West Coast Chief: Certified Furnace Installation in Metro Los Angeles
West Coast Chief has been installing, repairing, and maintaining heating systems in metro Los Angeles and Orange County since 1995.
We can sell you a furnace or install a furnace you’ve purchased from another retailer.
Count on us for all your heating and cooling needs, fair pricing, and prompt service.
- We offer same-day service in most cases.
- We provide complete HVAC services, including ductwork.
- All Chief technicians are licensed, certified, bonded, insured, and experienced.
- We’re open six days a week and can provide service after hours for emergencies.
- We guarantee our work and honor all manufacturer warranties.
Call us today at 888-832-3599.
Frequently Asked Questions about Furnace Installation
Q: What are the signs of a poorly installed furnace?
A: A poorly installed furnace can decrease efficiency, increase repairs and maintenance, shorten lifespan, and create safety hazards like gas leaks or fire risks.
Q: How long does a furnace installation take?
A: That depends on the size of your home, any modifications needed for ductwork, and other factors. On average, a professional can take 4 to 8 hours to complete the installation process.
Q: Do I need a permit for furnace installation?
A: Most cities require a permit to ensure work complies with safety and building codes. It also helps protect you from potential legal issues and ensures your insurance coverage in case of any accidents or damage during installation.
Q: What factors affect the cost of installation?
A: Several factors affect installation costs, including the size and type of furnace, any necessary modifications to ductwork or ventilation systems, the complexity of the job, and labor rates. Most certified professionals will offer a quote before installation begins.
Q: How do I choose the right furnace for my home?
A: The right furnace for your home involves factors like the size of your home, climate, budget, and energy efficiency preferences. A certified professional can assess your needs and recommend the most suitable furnace for your home.
Q: What warranties come with a professional installation?
A: A professional installation typically comes with a warranty for the workmanship and labor and any warranties offered by the furnace manufacturer. If any issues arise due to faulty installation, you can have them fixed without additional cost.
Q: How often should a furnace be replaced?
A: A furnace can typically last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. However, maintenance, usage, and the furnace brand can affect lifespan.
Q: What does a furnace installation entail?
A: Furnace installation involves removing the old furnace, prepping the area, checking and adjusting the ductwork if necessary, and installing the new furnace. It also includes testing the furnace for correct and safe operation.
Q: Can furnace installation affect my home’s air quality?
A: Absolutely! A properly installed furnace assures good ventilation and air filtration, significantly improving your home’s air quality.
Q: What should I do to maintain my furnace after installation?
A: Regular maintenance includes changing the filter, cleaning the fan, burner, and sensor, and having it inspected annually by a certified professional to keep it in good working condition.
Q: What are the benefits of hiring a professional for furnace installation?
A: A professional installation secures safe and efficient operation, preserves your furnace warranty, and saves you from many potential repair costs. Plus, professionals have the expertise to recommend the right furnace for your home.
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