When Is the Best Time to Replace Your Furnace

Your furnace talks to you.

When it makes odd noises, it tells you something is likely broken. When it turns on and off frequently, it is struggling to keep your Bainbridge Island home warm and safe during colder weather.

Our first priority at Dana’s Heating & Cooling is to ensure you get the maximum value from your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. We also want to help when the time comes to replace your heating, cooling, or indoor air quality (IAQ) equipment.

Why Choose Dana’s

Dana’s Heating & Cooling has been helping Washington homeowners and businesses with HVAC services since 1997. Our technicians are certified with North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS).

We are an eco-friendly HVAC and electrical company that believes in protecting our natural resources while caring for our customers.

How Old Is Your Bainbridge Island Furnace?

A well-maintained gas furnace will last 15 to 30 years. Unless your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, which is cost-prohibitive to replace, we will almost always recommend repairing it if it has been in service for less than 15 years.

But a 20-year-old furnace that breaks down frequently? Replace it. Invest your money in a new system that comes with a warranty and a clean bill of health.

Here are some telltale signs it’s time for a replacement:

• Frequent breakdowns: Constant repairs are not only inconvenient, but they add up. Consider replacement if repairs become costly and frequent.
• Surging energy bills: If your winter heating bills keep climbing despite consistent usage, your furnace might be losing efficiency.
• Uneven heating: Does your home feel like a patchwork quilt of temperatures? An inefficient furnace may struggle to heat your space evenly.

How Much Will a New Furnace Cost?

Replacing a furnace is a significant investment, with costs ranging from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000 for high-efficiency models. Dana’s Heating & Cooling is here to guide you toward the right decision for your budget and needs.

While cost is important, several other factors influence your choice:

• Single-stage furnaces vs. variable speed: Smaller homes might find single-stage furnaces sufficient, while larger ones benefit from the efficiency and comfort of two-stage or variable-speed models.
• Ductwork condition: You want to ensure your ductwork is in good shape to maximize the new furnace’s efficiency.
• Bundle and save: Consider purchasing your furnace alongside an AC unit or heat pump to optimize installation costs.

2024 Available HVAC Tax Breaks for Washington Homeowners

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, or 25C, offers a capped 30 percent federal tax credit of up to $600 on the purchase of qualifying high-efficiency furnaces.

Dana’s Heating & Cooling can also inform you of any local Washington rebates available on new HVAC purchases.

Precise Heating Comfort

Many contractors solely rely on square footage to recommend furnaces, often leading to oversized and inefficient systems. At Dana’s, our furnace technicians always do a Manual J heat load calculation, which also considers the following:

• Climate: Your local climate significantly impacts heating needs.
• Home orientation: South-facing homes have different heating demands than north-facing ones.
• Insulation: Proper insulation significantly reduces heating requirements.
• Windows and doors: The number and type of windows and doors affect heat loss.
• Ceiling heights: Higher ceilings require more powerful furnaces.

Furnace Buying Tips for a Healthy Home

• Embrace efficiency: Older furnaces often have low annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings. Upgrading to a high-efficiency model (AFUE 90+) can significantly reduce your energy bills and environmental impact.
• Listen up: Ask about decibel levels to ensure your new furnace operates quietly and doesn’t disrupt your peace.

By considering these factors and seeking expert guidance from Dana’s Heating & Cooling, you can make an informed decision that benefits your home and family for years to come.

Don’t Wait to Start Saving Money!

Schedule a free consultation with Dana’s Heating & Cooling to replace the furnace in your Bainbridge Island, WA, home. A new furnace lowers energy costs and reduces your home’s carbon footprint. Call us today at 360.226.7369 or request service online to learn about furnaces and other HVAC equipment.