How to Know When It’s Furnace Replacement College Station Time and What to Expect

Sometimes Americans are known for giving inanimate objects human names and talking to them like a sentient being, like calling a car “ol Betsy.” Have you had your HVAC system around long enough to give it a name? It is not surprising, then, that people use terms like “lifespan” and useful life concerning an HVAC system.

Speaking of HVAC lifespans, how long can someone expect air conditioners/furnaces to last? Research and experience set life expectancy at about 20 years for most furnaces, so pay attention to the age. When an HVAC system approaches this age, pay attention to the following key indicators concerning an old system.

• Whether component failure is discovered during preventative maintenance or a temporary shutdown, older systems are prone to needing more repairs. Pay close attention to when these repairs become more frequent, become more expensive, or when the accumulation of repairs skyrockets.
• Poor performance, resulting in cold (or hot) spots, or higher energy bills (inefficient systems require more energy), when a system is not heating or cooling properly, is an indication of a need for replacement.

Eventually, it will become clear that the system is more expensive to repair than to replace.

A Furnace Replacement College Station will achieve several great benefits.

• A new system provides homeowners with tremendous peace of mind; the new system should keep the family comfortable and safe for the next 20 years or more.
• A new system will use cutting-edge technology to warm, cool, and clean the air efficiently. While the efficiency of the new system will not completely offset the cost of the equipment and installation, it will save significantly more than the old system did.

If you are preparing a Furnace Replacement College Station, here are some key steps to take in preparation.

Gather Information.

Have a Manual J Load Calculation done on your home. Each home is unique in design and use. A load calculation gathers such information as the square footage, numbers and sizes of windows/doors, type of insulation, and family size to determine the size of air conditioning and furnace equipment needed for the home. Air conditioners are sized by “tonnage” and furnaces by British Thermal Unit (BTU) production.

Explore Options.

Efficiency ratings are prepared for both air conditioning and heating components to assist consumers with purchases.

• Air conditioners are rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the equipment, ranging from 15 to 22 SEER.
• Heating components are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. Electric furnaces have a 100% AFUE, meaning all the available heat in electricity is collected and distributed throughout the house. Normal gas-powered furnaces have an 80% AFUE rating, while high-efficiency furnaces collect 90 to 98.5% of the available energy in natural gas.
• Heat pump systems use the same equipment designed for air conditioning and reverse the process to collect heat from the outside to the inside. This process works well until insufficient heat is available outside (about 32⁰-35⁰), and another heating source is used (usually electric heat). These systems are very efficient but depend on homeowners to toggle between heat pump and electric heat.
• Variable speed components, including air conditioner compressors and blower motors, allow the system to respond differently to a subtle temperature change and a sudden spike or drop in temperature. This efficient strategy saves energy and money.
• Consider air quality accessories such as enhanced air filters and ultraviolet light installed inside the ductwork. Family members with severe allergies, asthma, or other breathing illnesses can benefit from these options.

All these options affect the price of the new HVAC system, so whenever possible take your time to shop and customize the system for your home and family.

When a decision is made and the budget set, schedule a day to uninstall/reinstall the new system. Whenever possible, choose a time when temperatures are not extremely hot or cold.

How to Know When It’s Time for Furnace Replacement College Station and What to Expect

We have outlined how to recognize when it’s time to replace your HVAC system, typically after about 20 years, due to frequent repairs or inefficiency. Mullinix AC advises homeowners to monitor key indicators such as rising energy bills, poor performance, and increasing repair costs. We also emphasize the importance of gathering information, exploring options for energy-efficient systems, and scheduling the installation at an optimal time to ensure long-term comfort and savings.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and our furnace maintenance services, schedule an appointment or visit our AC maintenance information page.