Buying a New Furnace? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re in the market for a new furnace, doing your research can help you make the best possible purchase for your home. While choosing the right furnace provides you with adequate heating, better efficiency, and higher-quality equipment, it also saves you money. 

How Long Does a Furnace Last? 

With scheduled yearly maintenance, your furnace could last over 15 years. Although the average lifespan of a typical gas furnace is up to 30 years, some factors go into determining how long your furnace will last, such as: 

• The make and model of your furnace 
• Proper installation and calibration  
• Moisture levels and proper ventilation 
• Quality of furnace maintenance and tune-ups 

At Walker ClimateCare, we offer seasonal maintenance packages with qualified technicians. Complete system inspections accompany our maintenance routines so that your furnace can last longer.  

What Size of Furnace Do I Need for My Home? 

The size of a furnace is based on how much heat it can produce in one hour. Measured by British Thermal Units (BTUs), the higher the BTU rating that a furnace has, the more warmth it can provide. 

While most homes use square footage as a factor in calculating how many BTUs your home needs, it’s not the only thing that matters. Other factors include: 

• The climate and geographic zone of where you live 
• Insulation thickness and quality 
• Ceiling height and number of floors 
• Number of windows and exposure to sunlight 
• Ductwork, ceiling fans, and appliances 

A furnace that is appropriate for your house will heat your home gradually and be energy-efficient. To maximize the size and efficiency of your furnace, contact Walker ClimateCare today. Our technicians can evaluate your house and recommend a furnace size that is right for your home. 

How Do I Measure Furnace Performance and Efficiency? 

An easy way to determine the performance of your furnace is to look at its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. For example, if your gas furnace has an AFUE of 94, it means that 94% of the fuel your furnace uses converts to heat, while 6% is lost to combustion. 

To find your AFUE rating, just look at the faceplate on your furnace. If the AFUE rating isn’t listed directly on the faceplate, you can look for the model or serial number on your furnace and check with the manufacturer.  

How Do I Maintain My Furnace? 

Regular furnace cleaning and maintenance keep it operating efficiently, prevents problems, and lowers your utility bills. Our Walker ClimateCare technicians are the best option for seasonal maintenance, with services including: 

• Cleaning or replacing air filters 
• Performing a complete system inspection 
• Checking electrical connections and wires 
• Reviewing pipe fittings and gas supply lines 
• Inspecting heat exchangers for cracks or corrosion 
• Cleaning blower assemblies, fans, pulleys, and belts 
• Performing a 26-point furnace maintenance checklist 

By using a professional from Walker ClimateCare to properly maintain your furnace, you can save time and money.  

Walker ClimateCare Furnaces 

At Walker ClimateCare, we’ll help you accurately cost out a new high-efficiency gas or propane furnace. Stop wondering, “How long does a furnace last,” and get help from the experts. We maximize the value of your investment through careful, precise, and high-quality installation. 

Contact Us Today!

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