FAQ

Modern gas furnaces work by burning natural gas or propane for fuel to create heat, which is then pushed and circulated throughout your home’s ductwork, warming rooms with warm air coming through floor or wall registers. Your thermostat controls the furnace, telling it to start the warming cycle, from ignition to heat exchange to forced airflow, controlled by your thermostat.

Modern electric furnaces work in much the same way, but use electricity instead of burning fuel. Once your thermostat sends a ‘heat-now’ signal to your electric furnace, heating elements (also called coils) inside electric furnaces convert electricity into heat, which is then circulated the same way, through your home’s ductwork, blowing warm air out each register. New technology makes modern electric furnaces much more efficient and cost-effective than past versions.

Modern gas and electric furnaces have greatly increased efficiency ratings that help keep home heating utility costs lower than older furnace models.

The modern technology used in furnaces manufactured today makes them an energy-efficient and cost-effective heating option for Whatcom and Skagit County homes. Many furnace manufacturers offer models that have an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of 80% or above, up to a 98% efficiency rating. The latest high-efficiency condensing gas furnace models use a secondary heat exchanger to capture even more heat from combustion processes for greater overall heating efficiency.

Efficiency and energy saving improvements over older furnace technology comes from improvements to heat exchangers, combustion systems that are better sealed, and advanced blower motors that optimize movement of heated air throughout your home, which all leads to lower furnace operation costs.

Generally, a furnace has an average lifespan of 15 to 30 years. As you approach the 15-year mark, you should start paying attention to signs and symptoms that indicate it’s time to start getting estimates on a replacement system. Once you start noticing signs of decreased efficiency or have had to make frequent repairs, it’s time to consider replacing or upgrading your furnace.

Things to look for as your furnace ages:

• Increased Repairs: If you’re having to call your local HVAC company to make repairs throughout the year, it can become more cost-effective to replace the unit. Trane, a leading manufacturer of HVAC equipment, recommends the $5K rule. If you’ve spent $5K or more on repairs throughout the life of your furnace, it’s time to replace it. The good news about getting a new furnace is that the latest improvements in furnace technology will automatically result in greater home heating efficiency and cost savings for you!

• Decreased Energy Efficiency: If you have noticed your energy bill rising, even though your heating use and patterns haven’t changed (and excluding any utility rate increases) your furnace may be showing its age and not performing at peak levels.

• Temperature Issues: If your home isn't heating evenly, or if you're experiencing temperature fluctuations, your furnace may be having trouble properly distributing the heat it does produce.

• Noises: If you're hearing louder operation or unusual noises from the furnace while it's running, it could indicate concerns with older failing parts.

Recurring leaks, discolored water, low water pressure, or a noticeable decline in water quality can indicate the need for repiping. An increase in water bills or visible corrosion on pipes may also be warning signs.

The cost of repiping depends on several factors, such as the size of your home, the materials chosen, and the overall scope of work. Detailed estimates are provided to help you understand all associated costs.

The duration of a repiping project varies with the complexity and scale of the work. After evaluating your property, we provide a timeline aimed at completing the project with minimal disruption to your daily routine.

Projects are planned carefully to minimize disruption. By scheduling work at convenient times and maintaining a tidy work area, the impact on your home is kept to a minimum.

Upgrading your piping system can lead to improved water flow and pressure while addressing issues such as corrosion that may affect water quality. This contributes to better overall plumbing performance.

A range of modern, durable materials is available, and recommendations are made based on the condition of your current system and local standards. This helps match the best solution to your home’s requirements.