If your old oil furnace is functioning inefficiently or you no longer enjoy having it, you must be wondering if there are oil furnace replacement options. Luckily, there are plenty of options you can go for. Here are some of these options as given by oil burner repair service providers:
Gas furnaces
Gas furnaces make sense when looking to reduce your home’s heating costs and carbon monoxide emissions.
The cool thing with natural gas is you don’t have to coordinate home deliveries or worry about harmful odors or a leaking tank.
When you are shopping for a gas furnace, you will find it more expensive, but you shouldn’t worry about this as maintaining it is easy and less expensive, so you end up saving a lot of money in the long run.
Many gas furnaces have been shown to operate at 98% efficiency levels, which means your energy bills will be lower and, at the same time, lessen your impact on the environment.
While the furnaces are great, be cautious of the setbacks they come with. One of these setbacks is they are larger than electric furnaces, so when you are shopping for them, ensure you have enough room to store them.
Since they are gas-powered, there is always the risk of leaks, so take good care of the furnaces, so they don’t leak.
Electric furnaces
From their name, electric furnaces use electricity to heat a house. The furnaces are a great option when you live in an area without access to natural gas.
The furnaces are usually smaller than gas furnaces, so ideal for you if you live in a small house. They also operate more quietly, so if you love a quiet house, these are the units to go for.
While the units have their perks, they also have their downsides. One downside is they are usually more expensive to purchase and operate. They are also less efficient, so you end up with high monthly energy bills.
Ductless heat pumps
The cool thing with these heat pumps is they don’t require you to install new ductwork. They are also small, so they can fit almost any area, providing you with the heat you are looking for.
The systems also cost less to purchase and operate. They are also highly energy-efficient and quiet.
When should you replace your oil furnace?
If you already have an oil heating appliance, don’t rush to install another heating system as it will be too costly. Instead, wait until your furnace gives clear signs that it should be replaced. Some of these signs include:
The furnace is old
Furnaces have a lifespan of between 16-20 years, so if your furnace is older than this, don’t wait to replace them during a planned home improvement project. Instead, replace them immediately.
Your energy bills are going up.
As they age, like other machines, furnaces lose their efficiency. If you have observed your heating costs are on an upward trajectory and you haven’t installed a new appliance in your home, it’s time to replace the unit.
You have been experiencing carbon monoxide intoxication symptoms.
When an oil furnace ages, it develops cracks in the heat exchanger, which triggers carbon monoxide to leak into your home. When this happens, you experience nausea, a burning feeling in the nose or eyes, flu-like symptoms, and disorientation.
If you have had these symptoms, you should consider replacing the furnace as soon as possible as the carbon monoxide can turn lethal.
The house feels stuffy.
Old furnaces lack the ability to moisturize and clean the air in the house, so if the air in your house has been stuffy or stale, it’s time to get a new appliance.
The furnace is making weird noises.
As they are nearing their death beds, furnaces make weird noises. If your appliance has been making popping, banging, squealing, or rattling noises, it’s time to get a new unit.
Also, consider getting a new unit if your blower turns on and off more frequently or blows cold air now and then.
Work with a professional
Regardless of the furnace option you settle at, ensure you work with a professional furnace repair service Long Island provider. The professional will help with the furnace installation and maintenance to keep it in top shape for a long time.