Furnace Installation

An average furnace installation takes anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. While most installations fall within that range, some are completed in less time, and others take longer. The main reason for the variance in time is simply the nature of the individual installation. Ductwork is the usual first concern. If a home's furnace is going to be replaced, and if that furnace requires more or less ductwork than the old one (more common than you might think), then different ductwork might mean different timing in the actual installation process, as well as a different timeline leading up to the installation.

Several key factors affect the total furnace installation cost, such as the furnace's size and efficiency, its brand, and how complex the installation is. Also, the cost will depend on the home's size, the existing ductwork's condition, and whether any further modifications are required. When it comes to professional installation, Energy Star ratings like SEER and AFUE can have a huge effect both on how much you'll pay upfront and on how much you can save (or lose) over the life of the system. Installers will usually give you a detailed estimate spelling out all potential costs—that way, you know what you're getting into before you commit.

With adequate maintenance, the average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 20 years. Yet, many homeowners do not maintain their furnaces nearly as well as they should. As a result, most neglected furnaces last about as long as the average furnace warranty—between 5 and 10 years. However, if you pay attention to the furnace's needs, it will pay you back with heat and comfort for at least 15 years and possibly for as long as 20 years. Still, you must keep your eyes peeled and be ready to act when the furnace begins to show its age and when it shows the not-so-great signs of potential replacement.

The dimension of a furnace is determined by ascertaining the heat load of the particular living space to be warmed. Skillful hands performing this heating load calculation use the very involved and quite complicated Manual J. It allows the user to consider not just the mere breadth and length of the space but such other significant factors as the weight and type of the insulant, the nature and number of the windows, and the kind of local climate in which you happen to live. These factors figure decisively in the calculation.

Several kinds of furnaces exist, including gas, electric, oil, and propane models. The most common type is the gas furnace, which usually provides the most efficient heating for the average home. Electric furnaces tend to be cheaper to install but can end up costing more to operate. They are rarely used in new construction. Oil and propane models work well in some situations and pose unique advantages and drawbacks, depending on local energy prices.

To maintain efficiency in your new furnace, it is beneficial to have it serviced once a year by a professional. This is not a particularly difficult job, but there are many steps involved to ensure that all necessary components are either cleaned, checked, or tested. The two of us may spend a Saturday morning doing the maintenance that keeps us from being furnace-less for the next year and, truth be told, keeps us from some unfathomable "tune-up" kind of hell a few years down the road.Aside from some pretty standard steps (cleaning, hinging, and electrical stuff), the most prescriptive aspect of the job is checking the safety controls. I've never worked on or even seen a furnace that didn't have some kind of control to shut it off when things are going too far "wrong."

Enhancing the efficiency of your furnace is a multi-pronged effort. You need to arm it well against heat loss; hence insulation is the first line of defense. Then you have to stop it from drawing in excessive outside air that must then be heated up; hence properly sealing air leaks is next. Finally, you must control it using a "smart" means that doesn't let it be wasteful of either electricity or gas. After that, the furnace itself, if it's not a high-efficiency model, is a likely culprit.

Local building codes govern furnace installation. Most require permits, as do many homeowners' associations. Local and state level fire codes cover such installations, too. That's why professional HVAC contractors obtain permits before starting work on a furnace, particularly when the furnace is natural gas or propane fueled. It's not just for the contractor's safety and peace of mind; these inspections help protect the homeowner, too.

The typical warranty that comes with a furnace encompasses the manufacturer's coverage that extends to certain parts for a predetermined amount of time, in most cases from 5 to 10 years. Some manufacturers provide options for extended warranties, which cover more contingencies and last longer. Also, when it comes to warranties, the quality of the installation of the furnace can be just as important as the quality of the furnace itself. If the furnace is not installed properly, it may not work well, and any problems with the furnace that are caused by poor installation may not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

Choosing a trustworthy contractor requires investigating their qualifications, ensuring they have the proper licensing and insurance, and scrutinizing their customer reviews. Aim for contractors who have certification from respected industry groups, who have a significant amount of local experience, and who can offer you a price that you can live with. When you get to the plumb line, it's all about trust. Do you trust the person or the company you're hiring to take on such a large and important job? Recommendations from friends and family go a long way. A solid reputation is a beacon of trust that pulls you in.