5 Things You Need to Know About Gas Furnace Installation
It’s time to upgrade your heating system. You’ve done your research and selected the right gas furnace for your home. Now it’s time to have it installed. You might think all the heavy lifting is done, but there are still a few things you should know when it comes to gas furnace installation. Entek has been working in the HVAC service industry for more than 70 years, so we have the knowledge to help you prepare. Here are five things you need to know about gas furnace installation in your home.
Sizing Matters
One of the most important aspects of gas furnace installation is making sure you select the correct size. Choosing the right-sized furnace for your home is incredibly important because even if you select an energy-efficient model, it could operate less efficiently if it’s not sized properly.
You may think that choosing the largest model will heat your home most effectively, but the opposite could, in fact, be true. This is a case where bigger is not always better. So how can you make sure you’re buying the right furnace for your home?
The correct size is dependent on a number of factors, including your home’s square footage and the geographical climate in which you live. To ensure you’re selecting the right model, you should work with a contractor who can assess the various factors impacting furnace size. Here are some tips to help you learn more.
Air Vents and Ducts Should be Inspected
It’s great to select an energy-efficient gas furnace for your home, but it’s not enough to ensure your furnace will work at its maximum efficiency. There’s still more to be done.
Before having your gas furnace installed, you should have an HVAC technician inspect the air vents and ductwork in your home. That’s because air vents and ducts that are clogged with dirt and debris will cause your gas furnace to operate less efficiently.
Likewise, ducts that aren’t properly sealed will cause your home to lose energy. In fact, as much as 45 percent of your home energy bill can be lost due to leaks in ductwork. That’s why prior to your gas furnace installation, you should contact a technician to have your ducts cleaned and sealed. Entek offers a Clean and Seal service that has been shown to seal ducts up to 95 percent. That can amount to savings of up to $850 in annual energy costs.
Even the most efficient gas furnace won’t save you money on your energy bills if you have air vents and ducts that aren’t properly distributing the heat through your home. Clean, sealed air ducts, on the other hand, can save you even more money in the long run.
It Should Be Done by a Professional
After spending money on a new energy-efficient gas furnace, you may be tempted to perform the installation yourself to save money. But we wouldn’t recommend it. In fact, an improperly installed furnace can cost you much more money over time. According to the Department of Energy, an improperly installed HVAC system can reduce system efficiency by up to 30 percent.
That’s why it’s important to hire a professional to perform your gas furnace installation. So how can you be sure you’re choosing the right one? The Department of Energy also provides a great checklist to ensure you’re making the right decision. For instance, you want to make sure your installer shows you how to change your air filters and tests and verifies proper system airflow.
Consider a Programmable Thermostat
Another thing your installer should do for you is set up a programmable thermostat. By using a programmable thermostat, you can adjust the temperature of your house when you know you’re going to be away from the home and program the settings to your desired temperature before you return. This helps you save energy, as well as cut costs in the process.
The Department of Energy has several tips to help you get the most out of your programmable thermostat. For instance, you should install your thermostat in the interior walls of your home. Avoid installing it near heating and cooling registers, appliances, lighting, doorways, fireplaces, windows, and other places that may get direct sunlight.
There are several types of programmable thermostats available, so choose the one best suited to your schedule. A 7-day model, for example, allows you the flexibility to set programs for different days. The 5+2–day model allows you to set one schedule for weekdays and another for the weekends. And the 5+1+1–day model offers yet another option, allowing you to set one schedule for the weekdays, another for Saturdays, and another for Sundays.
Installation Is Only the First Step
Your furnace is installed, so you’re done, right? Not so fast. There’s still some work to be done. A key part of making sure your gas furnace continues to operate efficiently is scheduling regular maintenance appointments. Making sure your furnace gets regular tune-ups will help you continue to save money over time, as well as extend the life span of your unit.
Ideally, your technician should inspect your equipment during the spring and fall, right before the heating and cooling seasons, to ensure everything is running smoothly. There are a few tasks your technician should perform during these maintenance appointments.
For example, your HVAC technician should tighten all electrical connections, as well as check the condensate drain in your furnace. A clogged drain could result in water damage.
Your technician should also check system controls for proper and safe operation. The air filters should also be inspected, cleaned, and changed. Gas connections, gas pressure, burner combustion, and heat exchanger should be inspected as well.
These are some of the major points to keep in mind before, during, and after your gas furnace installation. Of course, if you have any additional questions, you can always give us a call. Winter is always coming, but luckily, your friends at Entek are always here to help you out during the winter season and all year-round.
