As with any piece of machinery, there comes a time when your home will need a new furnace. Even with the best of maintenance routines, your furnace will eventually quit working all together. If you’re noticing an increase in repairs your furnace is requiring and want peace of mind this upcoming winter, it’s time for a new furnace installation in Henderson, KY. A+ Derr Heating and Cooling specializes in walking homeowners through the entire process, from finding the right size of furnace to installation and follow up. To get started with your new furnace install, call us at 812-545-7459 or contact us.
What to Consider When Determining Furnace Size
Ensuring you have the proper size of furnace is important when it comes to the efficiency of your new furnace. Too small and the furnace works too hard, too big and it wastes energy. Here are a few items to consider when finding the right furnace size:- House Square Footage: The most basic factor in determining furnace size is the square footage of your home. Larger homes require more heating capacity, while smaller homes need less. Also ensure that the furnace has the blowing capacity to force the heated air throughout the entire home.Â
- Climate and Temperature: The winters in Kentucky can get cold, with some years recording harsh weather conditions. This is important to consider when looking at the size of the furnace; you want to make sure it will be able to keep up in those cold temperatures. HVAC professionals use a measure called “heating degree days” to assess the demand for heating based on the local climate, which helps in selecting the appropriate furnace size.
- Insulation: The quality of your home’s insulation and air sealing directly affects the size of furnace needed. Homes with good insulation and properly sealed doors and windows retain heat better, reducing the load on the furnace. On the other hand, homes with poor insulation or drafty windows will lose heat more quickly, requiring a larger furnace to maintain comfortable temperatures. It may be good to also consider adding insulation to save money in your furnace installation in Henderson, KY.
- Number of Windows and Doors:  While this may go hand in hand with the home’s insulation, it should also be considered when determining the size of furnace you need. The number and type of windows and doors in your home can have a big impact on your heating needs. Large, single-pane windows and sliding glass doors can allow a lot of heat to escape, increasing the demand on your furnace. Double-pane windows and well-sealed doors are more energy-efficient and help to retain heat, reducing the need for a larger furnace.
- Ceiling Height and Home Layout: While your home may have a low square footage, its layout and height of your ceilings may require a larger furnace size. Homes with high ceilings or open floor plans require more heating capacity, as warm air rises and can accumulate in the high areas of a room, leaving lower living spaces cooler. A furnace that is properly sized for a home with high ceilings or multiple levels will ensure even heating throughout the space. Additionally, the layout of your home, including the number of floors and the placement of rooms, can affect how efficiently the furnace distributes heat.
- Ductwork Condition: The design and condition of your home’s ductwork are crucial to determining the right furnace size. Ductwork that is well-designed and in good condition allows for efficient distribution of heated air throughout your home. However, if your ductwork is leaky, poorly insulated, or inadequately sized, it can cause significant heat loss, necessitating a larger furnace to compensate. Before new furnace installation in Henderson, KY, it’s a good idea to have your ductwork inspected and, if necessary, repaired or upgraded.
Signs it’s Time to Replace your Furnace
Ideally, you want to schedule furnace installation in Henderson, KY before your current system completely breaks down. Here are a few signs to look for to know your current furnace is soon to break down:- Furnace Age: The age of your heating system is one of the most critical factors in determining whether it’s time for a replacement. Most furnaces and heating systems have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. If your system is approaching or has exceeded this age range, it’s likely time to start considering a replacement, even if it’s still functioning. Older systems are generally less efficient and more prone to breakdowns, which can lead to higher energy bills and costly repairs.
- Frequent Repairs: Most furnace systems may require repair every few years. If you find yourself having to call for repair more often, or every winter, it may be time to have a new furnace installed. Furnace installation in Henderson, KY can help save money in the long run when compared to pricey repairs.Â
- Inconsistent Heating: Uneven heating looks like you are sweating in your bedroom but freezing in your kitchen, or some version of that. A furnace that is operating correctly will heat your entire home evenly, given that no vents of registers are covered. This could be due to a variety of issues, such as an aging furnace, failing components, or an outdated system that can no longer keep up with your home’s heating demands. Inconsistent heating is often a sign that a replacement is needed to restore comfort and efficiency.
- High Energy Bills: If you notice your energy bill continues to get higher without corresponding temperature changes, this means your furnace isn’t operating efficiently. Even if your usage habits haven’t changed, an inefficient system can cause your energy costs to spike. In many cases, upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient system can result in significant savings on your monthly energy bills.
