When is the right time to replace your furnace? If your heating and cooling equipment is getting old (as in 15 to 20 years old) and currently needs to go through maintenance or repair once every year or two, there is no question, you really should consider replacing your furnace. You should also consider the option to replace it if you encounter several problems such as the following: some rooms in the house are either too cold or too hot; you have humidity issues; your furnace is creating too much noise; and your electric bills are going up and up despite your energy conservation efforts.

Here are few helpful tips before buying a new furnace for your home. You should always consider what energy or fuel source to use because fuel accounts for about 30% to 40% of your home’s energy cost. Electric and propane based furnaces cost more to operate, while natural gas is the cheapest. It is a good idea to consult a professional to determine your furnace’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). AFUE will determine the thermal efficiency of your furnace. A higher AFUE means lower energy bills, thus more savings. Another factor to consider before buying a furnace is its size. A properly sized furnace will provide sufficient heat or cold and is more energy efficient. Homeowners should also buy a furnace that is ENERGY STAR certified to improve its energy efficiency.

How much does a brand new furnace cost? A typical natural gas standing furnace costs about $900 to $1600. The price of a typical self contained gas wall furnace is about $500 to $1500. This does not include installation fees. On the average, you will have to spend $2000 to $5000 when replacing an old furnace, including the cost of installation. Also, there are local municipalities and town governments that will require building inspection fees and permits, so always check with your local building codes and building departments.

If you plan to do the furnace replacement yourself, here are some very general tips.  We’re not experts at installing any HVAC systems, so you’ll have do some digging if you are looking for step by step directions.   At a high level,  be ready with the materials, tools and other hardware that will be needed. Inspect your home if it will require additional improvements so that the furnace will function properly. This means especially take a look at your circuit panel and electrical load coming into your house to see if it can accommodate a new system being isntalled.  It is also a good idea to collaborate with local suppliers or hardware stores – most of these stores offer good advice and even semi-guided installation. Always read the unit’s manual because each brand has its own steps for installing. Follow the steps carefully and if you are unsure of what you are doing, don’t be hesitant to consult professionals.   Honestly, we recommend that you hire a local Heating and Cooling company to do this type of work.  Unless you or someone you know has worked in the trades for a while, tackling a project like this is serious business and way beyond what most people want to tackle.