New furnaces vs. Furnaces today can heat your home much more evenly and efficiently than older furnaces. One way that they have been able to achieve these improvements is by blowing more air over the heat exchanger.
Modern furnaces are designed to provide more even and efficient heating than past furnaces, which can impact both how your system operates and what you notice about your system. To better regulate temperatures and airflow, modern furnaces move more air over the heat exchanger than older furnaces.
Check the air filter first
If the filter is heavily clogged with dust and debris, it cuts down on airflow, which in turn means less heated air is getting around the house. Change the filter for a clean one if it's clogged, and continue to change it every 1 to 3 months while the furnace is running.
Older furnaces need annual check ups. Main thing is the heat exchanger getting a crack, which could lead to fire or carbon monoxide poisioning. 20 years is a good time to start considering a new one but not essential, if the tech that comes to clean the burners sees an issue they will point it out to you.
Let's start with the basics. For a 2,000 Sq. ft. home, you will need to install a 60,000 – 80,000 BTU furnace.
Even a slightly undersized furnace will accomplish the job the majority of the time. Taking things down a few sizes will more than likely solve some of your common heating problems like too high of a utility bill while half of your house is blazing and the other half is an icebox.
Installation Entails More than Just the Furnace
For a gas-powered furnace, a contractor must set up a gas connection and vent. Installing an electric furnace requires running wiring, adding a circuit breaker, or perhaps updating an electrical panel. Holes are often drilled for pipes and wires.
Yes, furnaces can last up to 30 years, particularly high-quality models with proper maintenance. Factors like regular servicing, timely repairs, and appropriate usage significantly impact their lifespan.
A heat exchanger replacement is often one of the most costly repairs in a furnace, and the expense can sometimes rival that of installing a new furnace. Typical replacement costs vary widely but can easily reach several thousand dollars, especially if labor costs are factored in.
If your furnace is blowing hot but your home is still cold, it may be a problem with your ductwork. You may have leaky or damaged ducts that are letting hot air escape and cold air in. Sometimes a damper in the system can get miss-adjusted or come loose, thereby inadvertently blocking or reducing airflow.
Clean your Air Filters, Vents, and Ducts – A clogged air filter will struggle to meet the thermostat's set temperature since the dirt and debris buildup prevents air from circulating through the vents. And as airflow into living spaces drops, so do comfort levels.
Check Your Vents & Ducts.
Make sure your vents are open and unobstructed. Sometimes belongings or furniture can inadvertently cover them, blocking airflow and preventing heat from reaching the room. Also, do not close vents in unused rooms as this can cause airflow issues as well.
For people taking a proactive approach, doing a furnace replacement during the “shoulder seasons” of spring and autumn may offer lower prices, shorter lead times, and a better selection of products and service appointment availability.
Understanding Total Costs
Gas Furnace: $3,000 – $6,000. Electric Furnace: $2,500 – $5,000. Oil Furnace: $4,000 – $8,000.
Ideally, you would have your furnace serviced at least once a year. To elaborate on that point, you should have your furnace serviced at least once a year to catch any problems early on and to keep your furnace in top condition. Professional maintenance and cleaning provide many benefits, which we'll cover next.
Unfortunately, the cost of replacing a heat exchanger isn't the most affordable choice. The cost of replacing a heat exchanger ranges from $2,000 to $3,500. Replacing your furnace's heat exchanger would be a good route to take if your furnace is fairly new.
A standard policy typically won't cover the cost to replace your furnace if there was a mechanical problem, but you may be able to add an equipment breakdown endorsement for an additional cost that may provide coverage.
The cost of a new furnace ranges between $1,600 and $10,000, including installation. This wide cost range is due to the variety of furnace types available. Electric furnaces are typically the cheapest type, while gas and oil furnaces are more expensive.
One of the main ways that energy-efficient furnaces save you money is by reducing your monthly utility bills. Older furnaces tend to be less efficient, meaning they consume more energy to produce the same amount of heat.
The cost of a new HVAC system together costs $7,500 on average, usually somewhere between $5,000 to $12,500. This can end up being cheaper than replacing your AC and Furnace separately over time. The cost to replace a furnace and air conditioning at once is $7,500 on average but could range from $2,500 to $15,000.
With a furnace blowing cold air, the first question you should ask is if the furnace has been turned ON. Two thermostat issues that could cause your furnace to blow cold air include (1) your thermostat is still set to COOL, not HEAT and (2) your thermostat fan is set to ON, not AUTO.