If you’re like most people, you typically spend time comparing your options before making a big purchase. When you want a new car, you might spend time looking into special features like reclining back seats or sunroofs or any number of safety features. When buying a new washer or dryer, you might prefer them to be stackable or to have a stainless steel finish.
So why are we content to pick just any model of heating and cooling equipment? In our area, high efficiency makes a huge difference, and we recommend putting this as a priority above the initial price. Here’s how this may benefit you.
When a problem comes up with a newer furnace, there are a few things you can probably pin the issue on. Unfortunately, new furnaces often run into problems because they were not properly installed. Incorrect sizing or sloppy installation lead to long-term and short-term issues within the system, likely causing an early breakdown. However, most problems with a newer furnace have to do with a smaller issue, like a small wiring issue or even a dirty filter.
The first place to look when a heating system is not working the way that it should is the thermostat. This is what most people do, anyway, but it may be a bit more confusing an endeavor than expected. Today’s programmable thermostats can have complex settings that may be difficult to understand. And you may be wondering how to tell whether your thermostat is actually at fault.
You may have been told before that your boiler is affected by boiler scale (or boiler deposits), but you’re not sure whether to take this issue seriously. Scaling in boilers is actually an incredibly common problem. High levels of minerals in the water, such as calcium and magnesium, get left behind in the boiler tank and tubes, which may lead to a reduction in heat along with a loud banging noise, in some instances.
When on the market for something like a furnace, air conditioner, or any other necessity, it may seem as though the options don’t really matter. Can one furnace really differ so much from another? Shouldn’t you just let the technician pick out your new furnace for you? We don’t think so.
The furnace is a durable 
Efficiency is more than just a buzzword. When your heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are efficient, you know that they use a minimal amount of fuel or electricity, and you save more money in the long run. An efficient furnace or air conditioning system often costs more than one that is closer to the minimum federal rating, but that pays off in the long run.
As we transition into cooler weather, technicians tend to catch a break, as AC systems are shut off and heating systems have barely started to run. You probably won’t be able to tell if your heating system is not working correctly quite yet (unless it’s completely broken down), so we don’t expect a lot of calls for heating repair or replacement until late fall or winter, when temperatures really begin to take a dive.
It’s that time of year again: soon enough, HVAC companies all around the country (that’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractors) will be flooded with calls about heating service. Colder temperatures will lead to inevitable heating equipment failures, some of which may have been preventable.
We encourage DIY enthusiasts to try their hands at something besides heating repair, most of the time. Repairing a heating system incorrectly can result in damage to the heater. Moreover, you might create a safety hazard for your home and family members.