What You Should Know About the Furnace Installation Process

Posted on March 8, 2024

When the chill of winter begins to creep through your home, having a reliable heating system is essential to enhance the quality of your space. A critical component of this system is the furnace, which offers refuge from the cold with its warmth and comfort.

Those considering a new furnace will find the installation process to be a complex but manageable endeavor, especially with the different types available. This guide on what you should know about the furnace installation process will ensure a smooth transition to your new heating system.

Choosing the Right Furnace

The initial step in the furnace installation process is selecting an appropriate model for your home. This involves considering the size of your house, your climate, energy efficiency ratings, and your budget. Consulting with professionals to make an informed decision is vital since the right furnace will provide maximum efficiency and comfort for years to come.

Preparing for Installation

Once you select the perfect furnace, preparing your home for installation is the next step. Ensure the area around your current furnace is clear. This involves removing any flammable materials and ensuring there is enough space for technicians to work safely. You might also need to assess your home’s electrical and gas lines to make sure they can accommodate your new system’s requirements.

The Installation Process

Professional furnace installation services are essential to safely and correctly installing your new heating system. Skilled technicians will handle the removal of your old furnace, taking care to dispose of it following local regulations. They will then install your new furnace, connect it to existing ductwork, electrical supplies, and gas lines, and ensure everything functions correctly with proper sealing.

Testing and Quality Assurance

After the physical installation comes a thorough testing phase. Technicians will run the system, monitor its operation, check for leaks or irregular noises, and verify that the thermostat is communicating effectively with the new furnace. This phase is critical to confirm that your new heating system operates safely and efficiently.

Maintenance and Care

Understanding the maintenance practices required to keep your furnace in peak condition is crucial. This typically includes replacing filters regularly, scheduling annual inspections, and being attentive to unusual burning smells or sounds like bangs, knocks, or booms because these indicate problems. Proper care extends the life of your furnace and helps maintain its efficiency.

The process of installing a new furnace in your home requires attention to detail, careful planning, professional assistance, and ongoing maintenance. By gaining knowledge about each step of the process, you can ensure your home remains a warm sanctuary throughout the coldest months.

How Long Will My Heating System Last?

Posted on November 30, 2017

In order to make it through the winter every year, you’ll want to make sure that you have a heating system that you can depend on. The last thing you’ll want is for your heating system to break down on you in the midst of some of the coldest temperatures of the year. Knowing when to replace your heating system will help you to avoid such problems.

How Long do Heating Systems Last?

When it comes to something like a furnace or a boiler, you can expect them to last between ten and 15 years. However, these days, newer heating systems are much more effective and efficient, which means that newer heating systems could end up lasting upwards of 25 years. This does depend on how you take care of your heating system.

Maintaining Your Heating System

If you make sure that your heating system is properly maintained, then it’s more likely to last longer. There are a few ways that you can do this.

Improve your home’s efficiency – If your home is losing heat, it means that your heating system will have to work extra hard to replace that heat. By eliminating air leaks throughout your house and by taking other measures to improve your home’s efficiency, such as adding better insulation or upgrading old windows and doors to more energy efficient models, you can help keep heat from escaping your home, allowing your heating system to work less. The less it has to work, the longer it will last.
Change your filters – Your air filters help to keep your home’s air quality high. Their job is to trap dust and debris, thereby preventing contaminants from circulating throughout your home. However, if the filters get too dirty, they will begin obstructing the air flow throughout your house, which will force your heating system to use more energy to produce more heat, thereby causing unnecessary wear and tear. Check your filters every month and change them every one to three months as needed.
Schedule annual inspections – A thorough inspection before winter can help ensure that your heating system is working effectively and efficiently. Professional inspectors will make repairs, clean components and lubricate parts as needed to help keep your heating system working properly for as long as possible.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Heating System

The following are some of the common signs that your heating system is reaching the end of its life and needs to be replaced:

Your heating bills are too high – If your heating costs have skyrocketed, it means that your heating system can no longer produce heat efficiently.
It’s no longer working effectively – If you’re unable to heat your home effectively or evenly, it could be because your heating system is reaching the end of its lifespan.
It’s making strange sounds – Strange, loud sounds are often indicative of broken or damaged components.

To schedule an inspection or to replace your heating system, be sure to contact us at W.F. Smith in Philadelphia and serving the surrounding cities.

10 Signs You Need a New Furnace

Posted on February 16, 2017

If you have an older furnace you may be wondering if you should give in now or wait it out and see what happens. Sometimes your furnace is trying to tell you something and watching and listening for certain signs can give you a good indication that it is time to replace your old furnace. Once replaced, you and your family will be able to enjoy comfort levels like never before. Check out the infographic below for some essential benefits of getting a new furnace:

Is Your Furnace Telling You Something?

These 10 signs are a good indication that your furnace is trying to tell you that it is close to the end of its life.

Rising Energy Bills – Rising energy costs can be a definite sign that something is wrong with your furnace. If you have noticed your energy costs rise swiftly your furnace is having to work harder and replacing it may save you a lot of money in the future.
Uncomfortable Home – If your furnace is having trouble keeping up with your home’s heating needs, your furnace may be reaching the end of its life. Replacing your old unit can help keep your home comfortable all winter long.
Excess Repairs – If you are spending a lot of time scheduling repair appointments, your furnace is likely ready to give up the ghost. In the long run you will save money by not having to call for repairs all the time.
Strange Sounds – While some noises can be fixed, squealing and clanging can sometimes occur as your furnace ages. Sometimes a furnace will continue to get louder and louder as it ages.
Yellow Flames – If you have a gas furnace checking the flame can give you a good idea as to what is happening. If you have a yellow flame instead of a blue flame your furnace may be producing excess carbon monoxide.
Weak Air Flow – If you notice that the hot air coming out of your vents is not very strong your furnace may have major issues with its motor. Sometimes the motor can be repaired but depending on age it may be better to replace the unit.
Excess Dust – If you have noticed more dust in your home your furnace is no longer doing a good job at removing airborne particles.
Rust, Cracks, or Corrosion – If you take a look at your furnace and you notice rust, cracks, or corrosion then for safety reasons you need to have your furnace thoroughly checked. Once these things start occurring your furnace is showing its age and replacement is imminent.
Cycling or Not Cycling – If your furnace is cycling on and off a lot or it just staying on constantly, this is a good sign that your furnace is no longer working correctly
Completely Inoperable – If your furnace is more than 10 years old and it just stops working have someone look at it, it may be an easy fix or it may be trying to tell you something.

Choose W.F. Smith for Furnace Replacement in Philadelphia

A furnace is one of larger investments you’ll make for your home. When doing so, you should trust the professional in charge of the installation. Our team members are not only good at their job, but they excel at it. Check out the video below to see why W.F. Smith should be your go-to when it comes to your HVAC needs:

If you have a furnace that has reached the end of its life, contact the team at WF Smith today for furnace replacement services.