Gas Furnaces
Once the season turns cold and we dip into frosty temperatures here in the Snoqualmie, WA, area, we need the reliability of a warm home.
At All Weather, our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) team is here to help with exactly that. Our licensed professionals provide high-quality, climate-control solutions for you and will repair your current gas furnace or install a new system restoring your home’s comfort to where you want it.
What You Need to Know About Gas Furnaces
Gas furnaces are a popular choice for heating homes in Washington due to the widespread availability and cost-effectiveness of natural gas. However, there are several important considerations for owning, maintaining and optimizing the efficiency of these systems.
First and foremost, regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of a gas furnace, enabling a long reliable life expectancy. This includes cleaning, inspecting, and addressing any potential issues that could affect its performance. It is recommended to have a professional HVAC technician perform annual maintenance to ensure the furnace operates efficiently and safely.
Heat transfer is a critical aspect of HVAC systems, as it is the process by which heat is moved from the heat exchanger and transferred into the conditioned space. Proper heat transfer ensures that the furnace effectively heats the home without wasting energy. This can be achieved by ensuring the furnace is properly sized for the home and that the ductwork is well insulated and free of leaks. And the registers are properly sized and open. Not all systems are sized to allow registers to be closed.
Energy efficiency is also an important consideration. A more energy-efficient furnace can help reduce heating costs and minimize its environmental impact. When shopping for a gas furnace, look for models with a high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, which indicates how efficiently the furnace converts fuel into heat. The return on investment for the direct cost of the upgrade can be realized within three to four heating seasons. The 10-plus years of savings would continue to offset the cost of the original investment over the lifespan of the system.
Additionally, maintaining drain lines, monitoring heat levels, and ensuring the size and Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of the furnace filter are all essential for the proper functioning and longevity of a gas furnace. It is also important to ensure that all registers are open and unobstructed to allow for proper airflow throughout the home.
In conclusion, gas furnaces require regular maintenance and attention to factors such as heat transfer, energy efficiency, drain line maintenance, heat levels, filter size, MERV rating, and open registers to maximize their performance and lifespan. By addressing these considerations, homeowners can ensure their gas furnaces operate efficiently and effectively.
How Do You Know If It Is Time to Replace Your Heating System?
How will you know when it is time to replace your heating system? You should start by knowing a heating system has a reliable life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. No matter how well you maintain it, your gas-fired heating system will need to be replaced at some point. Your philosophy will have to come into play to determine when you will need to do so. Answer the questions below and consider what your priority is. Only you can determine if it is time to replace your heating system. Here are some things to consider when making this decision:
- Where in the life expectancy is the system age?
- Are you risk-averse when it comes to no heat?
- How long will you continue to own the home?
- Is your current heating system satisfying your comfort needs when it is in regular performance?
- Are you satisfied with the current energy bills?
- Are you looking to add air conditioning or a heat pump?
- Is your current repair bill going to cost 40 percent of the replacement value?
- Are you considering upgrading to an improved air filtration system?
Our professional comfort advisors will assist you in determining if the time is right to update your comfort system.
How Much Money Can a New Furnace Save You?
Our AFUE energy savings calculator can help determine how much you could save on your utility bills. Simply enter your current unit’s AFUE value and compare it to a newer, more efficient system. You can even customize it to better match your home’s heating and cooling system for a more accurate calculation.
AFUE Energy Savings Calculator
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** Data from U.S. Energy Information Administration
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*** Data from weatherdatadepot.com
Gas Furnace Installation and Replacement
We go to great lengths to ensure the furnace you purchased is a perfect fit for you and your home.
We work with the highest-quality systems and products in the Snoqualmie, WA, area, so you can rely on us to find the appropriate match for you and your lifestyle. When you install a higher efficiency system, you can help improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) as well as save on energy costs.
When we install your system, our professional installers will treat your home with the utmost respect it deserves. We leave your home as clean as we found it when the job is complete.
Before we finish, your new furnace will also undergo intense scrutiny from our All Weather professionals to guarantee everything is installed correctly and you have the precise temperature and air control you expect from your purchase. We will perform a quality assurance inspection approximately one year after it is installed to ensure the installation was done to the highest level of quality at no additional cost.
Here are six signs it may be time for a new gas furnace:
- Frequent furnace breakdowns and repairs
- Increasing energy bills
- Inconsistent heating and cooling
- Odd noises
- Not providing comfort the way it used too
- Low risk-averse to being without heat
Let us help you with your HVAC investment. We offer several financing options (subject to approved credit) and are happy to discuss what would best fit your needs.
Furnace Repair in Snoqualmie, WA
Yes, a furnace can be repaired. Common furnace repairs include fixing a malfunctioning thermostat, replacing a faulty ignitor, repairing a broken blower motor, or addressing issues with the gas valve. It is important to have a professional HVAC technician inspect and repair your furnace to ensure it is done safely and correctly.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prolong the lifespan of a furnace and ensure it operates efficiently. For multiple repair options for a furnace system that typically has a reliability of 12 to 14 years, here are some potential repair options:
- OEM Parts Replacement: Since OEM parts are required for several primary components, one option is to replace any faulty parts with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. These parts are specifically designed for the furnace model and are likely to provide a precise fit and optimal performance.
- Aftermarket Parts Replacement: Aftermarket parts can also be used. Aftermarket parts are often more cost-effective and widely available for most makes and models. They can be a viable alternative to OEM parts, especially for older systems.
Our technicians are highly trained and capable of performing complete diagnostics to identify failures and determine the root cause of any issues. This enables them to provide targeted and effective repair solutions for the comfort system. Our service team will additionally offer multiple repair options when the situation allows.
Why Is Fuel Balance Important?
Fuel balance and temperature rise are both important factors in the operation of a furnace.
Fuel balance refers to the proper mixture of air and fuel in the combustion process. If the fuel balance is off, it can lead to inefficient combustion, increased fuel consumption, and potentially dangerous conditions, such as the production of carbon monoxide. It is important to have a professional technician check and adjust the fuel balance to ensure the furnace operates safely and efficiently.
Temperature rise refers to the increase in temperature of the air passing through the furnace. It is a measure of the heating capacity of the furnace and is an important indicator of its performance. Proper temperature rise is essential for achieving the desired comfort levels in a building. If the temperature rise is too low, it may indicate a problem with the furnace's heating capacity, airflow, or other issues that need to be addressed by a professional technician.
Repair Versus Replacement of Your Comfort System
When deciding whether to repair or replace a furnace with a reliable life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, there are several factors to consider. If the repair cost is relatively low and the furnace has not reached the end of its expected lifespan, it may be more cost-effective to repair the furnace.
However, if the repair cost is significant and the furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be wiser to invest in a replacement. Furnace replacement can cost from the $3,000 to $12,000 range, depending on the capacity, energy efficiency, modulation capabilities, equipment location in the home, and many more factors.
For example, with a replacement furnace cost of $6,000, it's important to weigh the repair cost against this figure. It's important to keep in mind the overall cost of ownership when considering this investment. If the repair cost is significantly lower than the replacement cost and the furnace has several years of reliable service left, repairing may be the better option.
However, if the repair cost is close to 50 percent of the replacement cost, or if the furnace is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, replacing the furnace may be the more prudent choice.
Ultimately, the decision should be based on a cost-benefit analysis that takes into account the current condition of the furnace, its remaining lifespan, and the cost of repairs versus the cost of replacement.
Additionally, consider your own philosophy and how long you plan to live in your home when evaluating the overall cost of ownership. You must consider how important reliable consistent operating comfort equipment is to you.
Gas Furnace Maintenance
Ensuring the optimal performance of your heating system is a top priority. Regular inspections, cleanings, and tune-ups are crucial to prevent unexpected and expensive repairs and breakdowns.
Like the regular maintenance required for your automobile, your home's heating comfort system also demands proper care to guarantee a long and reliable life span. Our trained and experienced All Weather team provides routine maintenance for your heating comfort system in Snoqualmie, WA, ensuring efficient and reliable operation. Professional annual care offers various benefits, including improved energy efficiency, extended system lifespan, reduced emergencies, and enhanced comfort.
Just like your car, your heating system requires regular cleaning. However, a dirty heating system can lead to increased energy consumption, wear and tear, overheating, and frequent breakdowns, and this can jeopardize safety.
Maintenance involves more than just changing an air filter—it encompasses essential tasks to ensure the efficient and effective operation of your comfort system. This includes cleaning the drain line (if applicable) and balancing the system to ensure proper heat transfer on the heat exchanger. Proper heat transfer and system balancing are critical for the optimal functioning of HVAC systems, involving adjustments to airflow, floor or ceiling registers, and other components to ensure the system operates as intended.
Preparing your heating system before the fall season ensures consistent heating throughout the season. Our maintenance program includes air conditioner tune-ups and inspections, offering comprehensive care for your HVAC system.
Professional maintenance is essential for maintaining your HVAC system's full capacity and minimizing the risk of unexpected, costly repairs. Following a maintenance schedule can also keep you compliant with your furnace’s manufacturer warranty, should you ever need to make a claim.
Our tailored Preventative Maintenance Program offers priority scheduling, cost savings on repairs, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your HVAC system is being cared for by a trusted partner. Contact us today to learn more about our program and ensure your HVAC system's longevity and reliability.
What Happens If Your Furnace Is Oversized for Ductwork or Homes?
If a gas-fired heating system is oversized for your Snoqualmie, WA, home and ductwork, it can have several adverse effects and impacts:
- Short cycling: An oversized heating system will heat the home too quickly, causing the equipment to turn on and off frequently. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the system and reduced efficiency.
- Uneven heating: An oversized system may not distribute heat evenly throughout the home, leading to hot and cold spots. This can result in discomfort for occupants and higher energy bills because home occupants will try to compensate for the uneven temperatures.
- Increased energy consumption: An oversized system will consume more energy than necessary to heat the home, leading to higher energy bills and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reduced comfort: An oversized system may not be able to properly control humidity levels in the home, leading to discomfort for occupants. It may also create drafts or noise due to the system turning on and off frequently. Comfort comes and goes with humidity.
- Reduced lifespan: The increased wear and tear on an oversized heating system can lead to a shortened lifespan and the need for more frequent repairs or replacements.
Overall, having an oversized gas-fired heating system can result in inefficiency, discomfort, increased energy consumption, and potential damage to the system. It is important to properly size and install a heating system to ensure optimal performance and comfort.
How Safe Is Your Washington Furnace?
The safety issues of having an oversized gas-fired heating system for a home and ductwork can be significant. Some potential safety concerns include:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) buildup: An oversized heating system may not burn fuel efficiently, producing higher levels of carbon monoxide. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high concentrations. Proper sizing when installing a heating system is crucial to ensure combustion gases are safely vented outside the home.
- Fire hazard: An oversized heating system may produce excess heat that can pose a fire hazard if not properly managed. This could lead to overheating of components, electrical malfunctions, or other safety risks.
- Gas leaks: An oversized gas-fired heating system may have higher gas pressure requirements, increasing the risk of gas leaks if the system is not properly installed or maintained. Gas leaks can be hazardous and pose a risk of fire or explosion.
- Poor ventilation: An oversized heating system may not be able to effectively distribute heat throughout the home or space, leading to inadequate ventilation and potential indoor air quality issues. This can result in a buildup of pollutants, allergens, and other contaminants in the air, posing health risks to occupants.
- System malfunctions: An oversized heating system may experience more frequent malfunctions or breakdowns due to the increased strain on components due to excessive heat. This can create safety hazards, especially if the system fails during extreme weather conditions.
Schedule Your Furnace Inspection Today
Ensuring your gas-fired heating system is appropriately sized and installed for your Snoqualmie, WA, home and ductwork is essential for maintaining a safe and comfortable indoor environment.
Regular maintenance and inspections by our qualified All Weather professionals can help identify and address any safety concerns associated with an oversized heating system. Call us at 425-463-9814 or request service online to schedule your HVAC inspection.
Learn more about All Weather.
“Friendly, knowledgeable, no nonsense and professional! Will be using for future maintenance appointments or repairs!”
– Gudrun O.
“Scott saved the day on a Saturday 2 days before Christmas! We woke up to 57 degrees in the house. Scott was here within a half hour, diagnosed the problem quickly and even had the needed new part in his truck!! He saved the day, the weekend, and Christmas! And earned another new customer for life. This is an outstanding company, highly skilled, professional, responsive and great customer service!!”
– Jennifer T.
“Excellent maintenance job but the really helpful part for me was the education I got about my own furnace! First time homeowner here and my service technician Joseph was so kind and knowledgeable and explained all about what to expect for the rest of our furnace's life, how to maintain it between checkups, things that make them last longer (or die sooner!), and what their company does for regular checkups and potential replacement planning. And he was able to answer my million questions so patiently and now I feel like I understand my house a lot better. Grateful to have had y'all out, thank you!”
– Elizabeth H.
“Great service!, Service man was so polite and very efficient! Got us up and running quickly and explained what had happened and that it was covered under warranty! Many thanks!”
– Janice C.
“Great response time and friendly service. Only reason for four stars and not five is the technician was not able to precisely pin down the problem, mainly because the problem is intermittent and didn't occur during the visit. The technician however gave us some good advice regarding potential causes and what to watch for. We will reschedule service if the problem does not resolve. Thanks, Mike”
– Michael B.
“Thank you for the prompt service to get our furnace back up and running ! A special thanks to the service man who explained what the problem was and quickly had it installed! Then told us that it was covered under warranty so we were not charged any additional fees! Thank you again!,”
– Janice C.
“We had All Weather come in and replace our furnace. They here right on time and did an excellent job from start to finish. We will be using these folks for our heating and cooling from now on.”
– Alan A.
“Great value, reliable, delivery and follow-up. Provides a remarkable customer experience. Highly recommend!”
– Kenneth R.
“Furnace would not restart after power outage. All Weather was the only company that responded to our request for service during the snow and ice storm. Great communication, great service. They are the only company I will use moving forward.”
– Dane O.