Heating Services in Horsham, PA

So your old furnace has finally given up the ghost and it’s time to install a new heating system in your humble abode. Exciting stuff! But before you go signing up for the biggest and baddest model on the market, there are a few key factors you’ll want to mull over first.

Choosing a new furnace isn’t just about who can blast the most scorching BTUs of heat. Getting the right sized and styled unit for your home’s particular needs is crucial for maximum efficiency, comfort, and energy savings. You don’t want to go too small and be left shivering, but you also don’t want to overspend on an overkill system either.

To ensure your next furnace is the Goldilocks-approved “just right” fit, here are some important things to keep in mind during the selection process:

Size Matters

The size and power output of your new furnace needs to be a good match for your home’s square footage and insulation levels. An oversized unit will cycle on and off rapidly, wasting energy. Too small and it’ll run constantly, driving up bills.

Efficiency Ratings

Like picking out a new car, you’ll want to compare those efficiency ratings. The higher the AFUE percentage, the less fuel it’ll guzzle to keep things toasty. An efficient furnace can seriously trim those heating costs over time.

Fuel Type

Will you stick with the same fuel source as your old system, or make the switch to something new? Gas, oil, electric, dual-fuel – they all have pros and cons to weigh in terms of availability, cost, and eco-friendliness.

Air Quality Needs

If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory issues, you may want to explore furnace models with better air filtration and whole-home air purifying capabilities built-in.

Long-Term Costs

Don’t just look at the upfront price tag. You’ll also need to factor in estimated annual energy costs over the furnace’s lifetime. A pricier but more efficient model could pay for itself in the long run.

So while picking out a new heating system might seem like a simple swap at first, there’s actually quite a bit of calculation and consideration involved to make sure you end up with the perfect match. But have no fear – the heating experts at Christian are here to guide you through every step of the process!

As much as we’d all love if our home’s furnace could just keep on trucking forever, even the highest quality heating systems eventually start showing their age. From weird noises and cold spots to alarmingly high energy bills, our trusty warm air suppliers tend to drop some not-so-subtle hints when they’re in need of a little TLC.

Of course, being able to decipher those little cries for help is another matter entirely. To the untrained eye (or ear), it can be tough knowing whether your furnace’s latest quirks are just minor annoyances or signs of serious disrepair. That’s why it’s always wise to have an expert set of eyes inspect things on the regular.

But in the meantime, here are some of the biggest red flags to watch out for that could mean your furnace is due for a tune-up or repair:

Strange Sounds

Is your furnace suddenly sounding more like a semi-truck engine trying to turn over? Excessive clanking, screeching or whirring noises are usually signs that something isn’t quite right internally.

Cold Spots & Uneven Heating

If certain rooms or areas of your home just aren’t warming up properly anymore despite the thermostat being set high, it could mean airflow issues or a problem with the heat exchanger.

Frequent Cycling

Is your furnace kicking on and off constantly in quick cycles, even when it’s really cold out? It could be something amiss with the ignition system or thermostat controls.

Rising Energy Bills

An unexplained spike in your heating costs compared to previous years is one of the clearer signs of a furnace losing efficiency and working too hard.

Excessive Dust

If you’re noticing more dust than normal getting kicked out through your vents and registers, it may mean your furnace’s air filters need to be changed or the blower is on the fritz.

Older Age

At a certain point, you just have to accept that even the best furnaces have an expiration date. If yours is over 15-20 years old, it’s probably nearing the end of its lifespan.

While a bit of noise or a slight cold spot here and there might not necessarily mean panic mode, it never hurts to have a professional take a look, either. Addressing repair needs promptly can often help extend your furnace’s lifespan and prevent surprising breakdowns when you need it most. Don’t be afraid to call in the heating experts at Christian at the first signs of trouble!

We all know that sinking feeling when the furnace repairman shows up – you just know your wallet is about to take a beating. Those heating system tune-ups never come cheap, leaving you wondering if it’s really worth the investment or just a way for companies to nickel-and-dime you.

But here’s the hard truth: Keeping up with regular professional furnace maintenance is one of the smartest (and most cost-effective) things a responsible homeowner can do. Think of it like going to the dentist – a little preventative care now can help avoid incredibly expensive problems and premature replacements down the road.

Just like your car needs occasional oil changes and tune-ups, your furnace’s various components need to be cleaned, tested, and adjusted on a routine basis. Otherwise, a build-up of dust, soot, and other gunk can cause all sorts of headaches over time. We’re talking decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, safety hazards, and a dramatically shorter lifespan.

So how often should you be scheduling these all-important furnace checkups? At Christian, we generally recommend an annual tune-up, scheduled right before the heating season kicks into high gear.

For most furnaces, this yearly service allows our certified technicians to thoroughly inspect, clean, and make any necessary calibrations to ensure reliable, peak performance throughout the winter. We’ll check for any potential airflow restrictions, test the heat exchanger for cracks, clean the blower components, replace air filters, and optimize the burner for maximum efficiency.

By taking this simple preventative measure, you’ll enjoy benefits like:

• Lower heating bills from improved efficiency
• Fewer mid-season breakdowns and repair needs
• Maximized system lifespan before replacement is needed
• Improved air quality and safety for your home

Essentially, a well-maintained furnace will operate more reliably, use less energy, and last longer – making that relatively small tune-up fee more than worth it. It’s an easy way to protect one of the biggest investments in your home.

Of course, if you have an older furnace or notice any potential issues during the season, we may recommend increasing the frequency to twice per year. But in general, keeping up with that annual appointment is a smart way to get the most value out of your heating system.

So don’t skip out on these crucial tune-ups, no matter how pricey they may seem! Call up the furnace experts at Christian today and let us keep your system running in tip-top shape all winter long.