Picture the following: It’s the last week of December, and temperatures are starting to drop. A homeowner in Yorkville suddenly realizes the furnace isn’t working.
She checks the thermostat, the air filter and even the circuit breakers – all are as they should be. She also scans the house for blocked vents – there aren’t any.
Obviously there’s an issue, and it needs to be resolved in a hurry. She calls an HVAC professional for a furnace inspection. The technician arrives at her Yorkville home and examines the heating system. The results are revealing.
The furnace’s surface igniter is rusted and damaged. Further inspection reveals that the roof has cracks in it, and over time rain and snow have been able to seep down into the furnace, corroding the system (note that the homeowner hasn’t had the furnace inspected in a few years).
The cost of repairing the furnace is high. The homeowner determines that a furnace replacement will make the most sense.
A new furnace in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield is an investment – usually between $3,000 and $6,000 depending on the brand and size. Time is of the essence, but because of the expense, the customer wants a few hours to research her options. This is important because her family is on a budget.
After turning on space heaters to keep warm, the homeowner turns on her laptop and starts searching for “furnace replacement near me.” What should she look for?
Just as important, what should she have been aware before her emergency?
Spotting Trouble Before Typing “Furnace Replacement Near Me”
Not all furnace replacements in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield will involve circumstances like the Yorkville homeowner’s. Many are caused simply by old age. They are also often preceded by signs of wear or malfunction. However, such a scenario illustrates the range of factors that can lead to the same result.
As a conscientious homeowner, you can help avoid a stressful situation by being alert to your heating system if it tries to tell you something is wrong. Ideally, you will notice any trouble signs in late summer or fall, when there are days that need neither heating nor cooling for comfort during a service visit.
Some common early indicators of a furnace in need of inspection, repair or replacement include:
loss of heat. If you’re setting the thermostat higher but the furnace isn’t providing extra warmth, the issue could be a dirty air filter, a faulty thermostat or something more serious.
inconsistent operation. A heating system that won’t stay on or start up consistently could have a bad pilot light, thermostat or fan motor. Sometimes faulty wiring can be the culprit as well.
funny noises. A furnace will make normal sounds as it operates, such as the blower turning on and off. It should not make noises such as banging, hissing or knocking. These can suggest a possible loose belt or issue with the ignition.
rising energy bills. You probably have an idea of what your gas or electric bills should look like during a month depending on the weather. If a bill doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. It can indicate the heating system is working too hard or too often.
Yet another factor that can affect proper heating is the ductwork, which delivers heated air to your rooms. If the ducts are dirty or sized incorrectly, correct and balanced heating will be compromised. Leaks or cracks in the ducts can likewise create problems. If an issue with the ducts is spotted soon enough, you may be able to solve it before a furnace replacement becomes necessary.
Finding Help After Typing “Furnace Replacement Near Me”
When you enter “furnace replacement near me” for your home in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield, a number of choices will appear on page one. Which one will be best for you? Consider the following as you begin making your calls.
License. This is important. If the HVAC provider doesn’t indicate that they are licensed, bonded and insured, they should automatically drop to the bottom of your list. A licensed provider is properly trained, equipped and recognized as professionally capable.
Location. Is the heating professional’s physical address located sufficiently near you? You want support from technicians who can respond and travel to you in a timely way. Better still if they are connected to your community. Some larger HVAC companies might have search-engine results in your market, but they are located farther away.
Reputation. What do others say about the business? Check the company’s star rating as well as online reviews. Is the satisfaction score primarily positive? Note that sometimes someone will have or think they had a bad experience with an otherwise good company. Weigh any negative feedback with the positive and trust your intuition.
If you’re particularly thorough, you can also check the company’s profile at the Better Business Bureau website.
Brand Representation. A reputable and proficient HVAC business will install heating equipment that is recognized for its quality. Even homeowners with limited knowledge about heating systems will often be familiar with brands such as Amana, Carrier and Lennox.
Labor Warranty. Does the HVAC provider reinforce the integrity of its work? A good one will.
Contact Us Today
Air Dynamics specializes in furnace replacement for Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield. We can also help you determine if all you need is a furnace repair. If you have questions or concerns about your furnace, we would be glad to discuss them with them in arriving at the best solution. Simply give us a call at (630) 731-1550.
