Furnace Replacement in South Jersey

Colder weather is heading to the northeast, and if your heating system is faulty or old, it could leave you stranded and freezing. Fixing your furnace or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC system) might be your go-to answer for keeping your house warm, but sometimes furnace replacement is best to properly keep your home heated through the cold winter months. Whether the solution to your South Jersey heating problems is furnace repair or new furnace installation, Vaughan Comfort Services is here to help you this winter.

Do You Have a Heating Issue in Your South Jersey Home?

The major signs of a failing HVAC system in your home are age, loss of efficiency, and when your furnace simply looks or smells unusual. If you notice any of these issues, contact a heating services provider to check out your system and provide repair and maintenance services.

Age

If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it is definitely time to look at a replacement. Most experts estimate that a typical furnace lasts between 10 and 15 years. There is no way, unfortunately, to know in advance when it is going to go. Just because it is old does not mean you should immediately replace it, but you might increase your HVAC services to keep it going and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Efficiency

When your furnace starts operating with reduced efficiency, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Like any machinery, when home heating systems get old or are nearing the end of their lives, homeowners might notice that the costs associated with them increase. Heating bills, for example, might skyrocket if the system is not heating your house as efficiently as it once did.

Smells or Looks Off

Sometimes just taking a good look at your furnace can reveal a great deal. It’s astonishing how many homeowners never go near their furnace, which is a bad thing. At the change of seasons, you should take a look at your furnace, check for cracks or corrosion in the housing, and listen for strange noises like squealing, screeching, clunking, grinding, or others. If you hear odd noises, it’s time to call for professional furnace services.

In addition, odd smells can be an indicator that it’s time for the HVAC company to come in for repair services. The first time the furnace kicks on for the season, a brief musty odor is not uncommon. If that odor lingers for days on end, however, call for heating and air conditioning services to check it out right away. This can be an indication of compromised indoor air quality, which can be a health risk to you and your family.

When Should You Replace Your Furnace?

If your furnace is over 15 years old, it is continuously breaking down, or something just seems very off about it, do not wait. Contact the qualified heating experts at Vaughan Comfort Services at 856-627-0303 or through our online contact form to schedule an appointment with our HVAC contractors today. While one or two issues may not be a sign that you need a completely new furnace installation, dedicated heating repair technicians can ensure your comfort in the winter.

What Can You Do to Extend the Lifespan of a Furnace?

A regular maintenance plan is the key to extending the lifespan of your furnace. Do not wait for your furnace to break down and require emergency services. Schedule regular furnace services and have a programmable thermostat installed. Regular tune-ups can greatly increase both the heating and energy efficiency of your system. Your furnace repair service technician will also clean your ductwork and seal it to improve heating efficiency.

In gas furnace systems, change your filters every three months, usually at the changing of each season (the equinoxes and solstices). This can help you to stay on a routine, and with most systems it is very easy to do. Your heater repair technician can show you how to do it.

What Are Common Heating Systems in South New Jersey?

South Jersey homes may have many different types of heating and cooling systems. These include the following.

Natural Gas Furnace

Gas furnaces are a common heating source in South Jersey. They are efficient for homes with existing gas service.

Electric Heating

Electric furnaces are ideal for houses without natural gas hookups. They use more energy but are cost-effective.

Propane or Oil Furnaces

Propane or oil furnaces are popular in rural homes as they are more efficient than electric heat. The trick is ensuring you do not run out of fuel.

Ductless Mini-Splits

Ductless systems use small heat pumps without the need for ductwork. They can heat a single room or an entire home.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps work for heating and air conditioning and can save money over time. They are a high-efficiency way to heat your house.

Boilers

Boilers use hot water heaters to pump the water through pipes and radiators, which project heat into your home. They last a long time, which makes them quite popular.

What Is the Average Cost of a New Furnace in New Jersey?

The cost of a new furnace installation depends on several factors. These include the following.

Size of the New System

The size of the system required will obviously affect the cost. Many people think that bigger is better when it comes to a new system, but that is not entirely true. If you install a furnace that is too big for your home, it will cost you more money. Such a furnace will work harder than it needs to work for the space, just because it is designed to do so. It can put unnecessary strain on the system and reduce its lifespan. Further, because of this increased demand, it will raise your heating bills.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency also matters. If you are looking to go green, you’ll want an Energy Star-certified system. In addition, your HVAC technicians will perform a detailed load calculation to determine how to get the best efficiency for your house.

Ductwork

Whether or not you have (or need) ductwork makes a difference. Installing ductwork into a home that does not have it is a time-consuming and expensive process. Replacing old ductwork can be costly but not as expensive. A ductless system may save money if you do not have existing ducts.

Central Air

Installing a cooling system with your furnace increases the costs but may be worth it in the long run. When done right, your system will keep you as cool in the hot months as it will keep you warm in the cold months, and will be efficient at doing so. You will need to speak with your HVAC contractors to determine if this is the right way to go for you.

Winter Will Be Here Soon. Is Your Home Ready?

Vaughan Comfort Services has provided experienced, knowledgeable HVAC and plumbing services to South Jersey since 1937. Our name is associated with integrity, honesty, quality, and accountability, from Cherry Hill to Cape May and beyond. Whether you need a plumber, an HVAC maintenance plan, or a whole new heating and cooling system, we will be there to get it done right the first time. Rain or shine, we are ready to keep you warm this winter. Call us today at 856-627-0303 or use our online contact form for more information about warranty services or repair services, or to schedule an appointment today.