I replaced my furnace last summer.
The heating system was already in place when we moved into the house and had never been properly serviced. There was no record of maintenance and no owner’s manual. When I looked up the serial number, I learned that the heating unit was nearly twenty-five years old. While it still started up and provided heat, I didn’t trust it. My family endured three winters with the old furnace before I decided a new system was worth the big investment. The outdated heater struggled to maintain ideal comfort on especially cold days and nights. Since our local winters are especially long and cold, often delivering sub-zero temperatures, a powerful furnace is a necessity. Plus, the former heater made a great deal of noise, caused issues with overly dry air and spewed contaminants from the vents. I blame that furnace for the need to vacuum every couple of days as well as my constant headaches. I was also unhappy with the high cost of our utility bills. Rather than wait for the furnace to fail in the middle of a January cold snap, I scheduled replacement in August. I had plenty of time to research furnace brands, models and features. I also read reviews before choosing an HVAC company to handle the job. Our new furnace is wonderfully quiet and energy efficient. The savings on running costs will quickly help to recover the expense. Plus, my family enjoys the benefits of healthier air quality and more consistent comfort. I added a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts temperature according to whether the house is empty or occupied.