Maybe your old natural gas furnace has finally breathed its last, and you’re wondering whether you should replace it with a similar model or spring for one of those heat pumps you’ve heard so much about. Gas furnace vs. heat pump: Which is better for home heating?

Both systems have perks and drawbacks, and we’ll cover all of these below to help you choose between a heat pump vs. a gas furnace.

How Do Gas Furnaces and Heat Pumps Work?

Gas furnaces work by burning gas to generate heat. Like an electric furnace, gas furnaces use heat exchangers and blower systems to push warm air through your home’s ducts. Gas furnaces only provide heat, so you’ll need to buy an air conditioner to keep your home cool during the summer months.

Heat pump systems, on the other hand, provide both heating and cooling, so you won’t need to purchase a separate air conditioning system. Air-source heat pumps draw warmth from the outside air, while a ground-source heat pump extracts heat from the earth. Some models can take warmth from other heat sources, such as water.

Which Is Best for Our Local Climate?

First, the bad news: Electric heat pumps don’t perform as well as gas furnaces in certain climates. They’re more suitable for moderate climates because they don’t operate efficiently in below-freezing temperatures. In areas that get extreme cold, like New York, gas furnaces tend to be the better pick.

However, you can get the best of both worlds with a dual-fuel heating system, which includes both a heat pump and a gas furnace. This is a great pick for a cold climate like New York’s. A dual-fuel system will use the furnace to provide more heat during extremely cold weather, and the heat pump will provide supplemental heating when you need less heat due to milder temperatures.

Gas Furnace vs. Heat Pump: What’s the Most Budget-Friendly Pick for Keeping Your Home Warm?

There’s no sugarcoating that heat pumps are more expensive than gas furnaces. For the upfront cost, you’ll pay anywhere from $7,500* to $20,000*. Furnace installation costs are generally lower than they are for heat pumps, too, unless you need gas lines installed in your home.

Thanks to tax credits and rebates, though, you can shave thousands off the installation cost of a heat pump. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides a credit for 30% of the cost of an energy-efficient air-source heat pump, up to $2,000. You can pair that credit with the $1,200 credit for other home improvements, such as an energy-efficient air conditioner or boiler. After incentives, you could pay as little as $10,000 to $12,000*.

Monthly energy costs are another factor to consider. Although natural gas is cheaper than electricity when it comes to local energy prices, a gas furnace can’t compare to a heat pump or dual-fuel system. An electric heat pump, on average, boasts 300% more energy efficiency than a gas heating system. That’s because it takes heat energy from the ground and air instead of burning fuel.

*based on a national average and not necessarily the exact cost you may pay for this service. Please schedule a free estimate to get a more accurate quote.

What Do Maintenance Requirements Look Like?

Whether you choose a furnace or heat pump, you’ll need to pay for annual maintenance. An HVAC technician will ensure that your heat pump system or furnace is running smoothly so it’s ready to produce hot air when the outdoor temperature plummets. They’ll verify system efficiency and be able to spot small issues with your HVAC system before they require costly repairs.

Maintenance is especially important for gas heating systems because they burn fuel to generate heat. Burning natural gas produces carbon monoxide, and if there’s a leak in your system, this poisonous gas can seep into your home.

If you don’t want the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning hanging over your head, settling the heat pump vs. furnace debate is easy. A heat pump system relies on electricity, not gas, so there’s no risk of a deadly carbon monoxide leak.

Are Heat Pumps More Environmentally Friendly Than Gas Furnaces?

When winter arrives in colder climates, homeowners run their gas furnaces almost nonstop. Gas furnaces generate carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses, which do a real number on the health of the environment.

If you’d like to reduce your carbon footprint, there’s no question that a heat pump is the way to go. Newer heat pumps excel at moving heat for a fraction of the energy cost, and they don’t rely on combustion to meet your heating needs. If you pair your heat pump with a clean energy source, such as wind, hydro, or solar, you could completely eliminate emissions from the system. You’ll enjoy impressive energy efficiency while doing your part to protect the planet.

Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace: Which Is Right for You?

If you’re still having trouble deciding between a heat pump vs. a gas furnace, here’s a quick recap to help you settle the debate.

• Gas furnaces burn fuel to heat your home, while heat pumps rely on electricity.
• Heat pumps don’t work as well as furnaces in chilly climates, but you can pair a heat pump with a furnace to get around that limitation.
• Heat pumps are more expensive than furnaces, but thanks to tax incentives, you could shave a few grand off the cost of a unit.
• A heat pump costs much less money to run than a gas furnace does. By installing a heat pump, you could slash your annual energy bills by hundreds.
• Unlike gas furnaces, heat pumps don’t burn fuel, so there’s no risk of a carbon monoxide leak.
• Heat pumps are far more environmentally friendly than gas furnaces.

Still Can’t Decide Between a Gas Furnace vs. Heat Pump? Let Us Help You Make the Call

If you still aren’t sure whether to go with a heat pump or a gas furnace, Grasshopper Heating & Cooling is here to help. We’re your one-stop shop for the installation and maintenance of furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners in Clifton Park.

Call (518) 545-3271 to schedule furnace or heat pump installation today.

Your old furnace has broken down yet again, and you’re not willing to pay for repairs. You’d rather buy a new, more reliable furnace that won’t fail you during cold winters. But which should you choose: a gas furnace or an electric model?

This guide compares the pros and cons of a gas furnace vs. electric furnace to help you make the call.

How Do Gas and Furnaces Heat Your Home?

The biggest difference between gas and electric furnaces is how they create heat to keep your house warm. Electric furnaces feature an ignition that triggers the heating system to kick on. The unit sucks cold air into the heat exchanger and heats it over a set of coils. Once the air is sufficiently warm, the furnace’s blower fan pushes it through your home’s ductwork.

A gas furnace, as the name suggests, uses natural gas to keep your home cozy. Gas furnaces feature a pilot light which ignites the burner and warms up the heat exchanger. The exchanger then heats air and pushes the warmed air through your ducts, just like an electric furnace. The pilot light turns off once the thermostat detects that the air has reached your desired temperature.

Electric Furnace vs. Gas: Which Will Save You the Most Money?

This is one of the most common questions we get here at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling. Which type of furnace is easiest on your wallet?

To answer this question, you’ll have to weigh the initial cost of the unit against utility costs. How much does an electric furnace cost vs. a gas unit? Initial costs tend to be lowest for electric furnaces. Electric models cost an average of $800*, and you’ll pay an HVAC company anywhere from $2,000* to $7,000* to install one.

Gas furnaces are more expensive upfront. The unit itself costs around $2,000*, and furnace installation will run you anywhere from $3,800* to $10,000*. If you don’t already have a natural gas line serving your home, you’ll have to pay extra for one.

Although gas furnaces cost more to buy and install, they take the prize for being cheaper to run. A gas furnace has lower operating costs at an average of just $16 per BTU. Compare that to electric furnaces, which cost an average of $41 per BTU. Electricity almost always costs more than gas, so you’ll pay higher operating costs if you go electric.

Where you live makes a big difference in your heating bills, too. If you live in a warm place and don’t use your furnace often, it makes sense to stick with electric heat. In colder climates, like New York’s, natural gas furnaces are more affordable to run.

There are also maintenance costs to consider. Both types of furnaces need regular maintenance to keep the warm air flowing and your energy bill as low as can be. Annual maintenance ensures your furnace keeps on kicking for years to come. With good maintenance, the expected lifetime of a gas furnace is 15-20 years, and electric units last about 20-30 years.

*costs are based on a national average report by Angi and are not necessarily reflective of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling’s pricing. For an accurate furnace replacement/installation estimate, please call our office at 518-545-3271.

Electric or Gas Furnace: Which Is Safest?

Despite the many gas furnace pros, there’s no getting around the fact that they produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide production occurs when a natural gas furnace combusts fuel. If there are clogs in your venting systems or cracks in the gas lines or heating equipment, you’ll end up with dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. Annual maintenance for high-efficiency gas furnaces is a must to detect leaks and keep air quality high.

If you’d rather not worry about such safety concerns and don’t want to risk carbon monoxide poisoning, you may want to stick with an electric forced-air furnace.

Which Is the Most Environmentally Friendly?

If you care about minimizing carbon emissions from your energy usage, you’re probably comparing a gas furnace vs. electric furnace to figure out which is more eco-friendly.

Gas heat may not be the best choice if you’re worried about your carbon footprint. Gas furnaces burn natural gas, which produces emissions and greenhouse gases. Electric furnaces don’t burn gas or heating oil, so they’re usually more environmentally friendly.

However, exactly how environmentally friendly an electric furnace is depends on the source of electricity. If the electricity comes from a clean source such as wind or hydro, the environmental impact is low. But if the electricity relies on burning fossil fuels, an electric furnace can be just as damaging to the environment as a gas model.

For the ultimate in heating efficiency and environmental friendliness, consider a heat pump. These systems rely on warmth from the air or ground to heat your home. In addition to serving as a heat source, a heat pump can also cool your home, so you may not need to use a separate air conditioning system. Heat pumps perform best in moderate climates, but you can find some heat pump models (such as dual-fuel systems) that work well in cold climates like New York’s.

Choosing Between Electric and Gas Furnaces

Still having trouble deciding between an electric furnace vs. gas? Here’s a recap to help you decide whether an electric or gas furnace is right for you.

• Gas and oil furnaces are usually more expensive than electric ones upfront, but typically cost less than an electric furnace to run. A gas furnace is a good pick for homeowners in colder climates.
• Gas furnaces produce carbon monoxide, while electric furnaces don’t.
• An electric furnace is more environmentally friendly than a gas heating system.
• Electric furnaces generally last a few years longer than gas furnaces.

Ready To Install Your Furnace? Call Grasshopper Heating & Cooling

Gas furnace vs. electric furnace: Which should you choose? If you can’t decide between the many models of gas, electric, and oil furnaces, give Grasshopper Heating & Cooling a call. We’ll help you pick the right furnace for your Clifton Park home. We offer furnace maintenance and air conditioning maintenance, too!

To schedule furnace installation, call Grasshopper Heating & Cooling at (518) 545-3271.

In the heart of winter in Clifton Park, NY, when snow blankets the ground and ice forms on windows, the warmth of your home becomes one of your top priorities. This season, as you enjoy the beauty of winter from the cozy indoors, you need to remember the role your heating system plays in making these moments possible. 

However, the performance and reliability of your heating system hinge on regular maintenance. Grasshopper Heating & Cooling is here to share how overlooking this essential task can lead to unexpected heating issues. When you have the right knowledge, you are prepared to keep your home warm and safe throughout the coldest months. 

Understanding the Essence of Heating Maintenance 

Heating maintenance is like giving your home’s heating system a health check. This simple step makes sure it’s ready to work hard when you need it most. Think of it as a tune-up that keeps everything running smoothly, from the filters that clean the air to the furnace that warms your house. It’s best to schedule this early so that any fixes are done before the cold really bites. 

This is all about making smart choices that keep your energy bills down and extend your system’s life. Local pros, familiar with Clifton Park’s climate, can spot and solve small heating issues before they turn big, ensuring you stay cozy all winter. By keeping up with maintenance, you’re protecting your home’s safety and your peace of mind. 

Navigating Through Heating Issues 

In the depths of winter, the difference between a cozy evening and a cold night can hinge on the health of your heating system. Many homeowners might not realize that regular maintenance is the key to consistent warmth and system reliability. By understanding the common heating issues that can arise from neglect, you’re taking a proactive step toward ensuring your home remains the warm, welcoming space you cherish, even as the temperatures outside drop. 

• Decreased Efficiency and Increased Energy Bills 
• Frequent Breakdowns and Repairs 
• Shortened Equipment Lifespan 
• Safety Hazards 
• Inconsistent Heating and Comfort Issues 

Decreased Efficiency and Increased Energy Bills 

Neglecting heating maintenance leads to a less efficient system. That, in turn, means your home uses more energy to heat every space. This inefficiency pushes your heating system to work harder, and it struggles to reach the comfort levels you’ve set. The result is an inflated energy bill. Dirty filters, along with wear and tear on burners and ductwork, obstruct the smooth operation of your heating system. The effort to push air through clogged filters or to compensate for failing parts results in substantial energy waste. Regular maintenance addresses these heating issues head-on, ensuring your system operates efficiently. That keeps your home warm and your energy bills in check without unnecessary spikes. 

Frequent Breakdowns and Repairs 

Without the preventative care of regular maintenance, heating systems are at a higher risk of experiencing breakdowns. The culprits often include worn-out components like belts and bearings or clogged filters and vents that strain the system. This not only leads to an uncomfortable chill in your home when you least expect it but also results in emergency repairs that can be costly. During the cold weather, when the demand on your heating system peaks, these problems become more pronounced. 

Keeping up with maintenance ensures that these potential heating issues are identified and addressed early, preventing inconvenient breakdowns and preserving the warmth of your home. 

Shortened Equipment Lifespan 

Neglecting regular maintenance on your heating system not only puts a strain on its efficiency but also accelerates the wear and tear of its components. This increased strain can lead to a shortened lifespan, forcing components to work harder and fail sooner than they should. For example, a furnace that might have lasted 20 years with proper care could need replacement after just 15. 

Regular maintenance serves as a form of preventative care, catching small heating issues before they become big problems, ultimately protecting your investment. By ensuring that all parts of your heating system are in good working order, you’re saving on potential future costs and ensuring that your system serves you longer and more reliably. 

Safety Hazards 

The importance of maintaining your heating system extends far beyond efficiency and lifespan; it directly impacts the safety of your home and family. A neglected heating system can become a source of dangerous pollutants, like carbon monoxide, which is odorless and colorless, making it a silent threat that can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Furthermore, systems burdened with dirt and malfunction can be prone to electrical failures or even fire hazards, posing a significant risk to your home’s safety. 

Regular maintenance isn’t just a check-up; it’s a comprehensive safety inspection that can identify and rectify potential hazards, ensuring that your home remains a haven. Ensuring your system is clean and functioning correctly reduces the risk of these dangers, providing peace of mind and a safer living environment. 

Inconsistent Heating and Comfort Issues 

One often overlooked consequence of skipping regular heating maintenance is the struggle to maintain consistent warmth throughout your home. When your heating system isn’t regularly serviced, you might find some rooms are too hot while others remain uncomfortably cold. This inconsistency is usually a sign that your system is losing its ability to distribute air evenly, often due to blocked vents, dirty filters, or failing mechanical components. 

Not only does this affect your comfort, but it also forces your heating system to work harder to compensate for these imbalances, which can further degrade its efficiency and reliability. Regular maintenance checks can identify and rectify these heating issues, ensuring your home enjoys even, comfortable heating. This improves your overall comfort and optimizes your system’s operation, making your living spaces more inviting during the cold months. 

Ready to Embrace a Warmer Winter? 

The best way to ensure a cozy and reliable heating experience this winter is by scheduling furnace maintenance with Grasshopper Heating & Cooling. Serving the area of Clifton Park, NY and the surrounding areas, we’re here to help make sure your heating system is prepared to provide uninterrupted warmth and comfort. 

Contact us today to secure your peace of mind when it comes to heating issues and take the first step toward a winter defined by warmth and no worry.

Before you decide on a new furnace install, there are a few things you should consider. Installing a furnace costs nearly $5,000 on average, but depending on the type of unit, you may spend nearly twice that.1 Carefully considering your purchase can help you get the most out of it regarding reliability, comfort, efficiency, and longevity (not to mention long-term savings). Here are 10 things to consider when working with a furnace installer near you. 

1. Age/Condition of Your Existing Furnace

A furnace can last 15 to 20 years. But that’s if you’ve changed the filter as recommended by the manufacturer and kept up with annual maintenance. Nevertheless, more frequent use and the need for warmer temperatures in your home can wear the unit out more quickly. 

Furthermore, the condition of your furnace can help determine whether to invest in a new one. If it needs frequent service and a repair will cost over half the price of a new unit, install a new furnace.

2. Type of Furnace

Choose the type of furnace based on your heating needs and available fuel sources. Your options generally include: 

• Gas Furnaces: A gas unit is often more expensive but can save on utility costs. It’s also extremely effective in cold winters. 
• Oil Furnaces: An oil-fueled heater is also suited for harsh winters, but the cost of oil can be a concern. It requires more maintenance but has no risks of a carbon monoxide leak.
• Electric Furnaces: Instead of combustion, an electric unit has heating coils that warm the air. Given the cost of electricity and the amount of power needed, electric furnaces are preferred in mild regions. 

3. Furnace Size/Capacity

The size of a furnace is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which reveal how much energy it uses to heat your home. The number of BTUs needed depends on your home’s square footage and climate. The colder your region is, the more BTUs you’ll need (for standard-efficiency furnaces, consider 30 to 60 BTUs per square foot). 

Consult with your heating contractor to perform a load calculation and select the right-sized furnace. An oversized or undersized unit will be less efficient and wear out sooner. You also won’t get the right level of comfort.

4. Efficiency

Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) measures the annual gas consumption of a furnace. The higher a furnace’s AFUE number, the less fuel it wastes. The minimum efficiency rating is 80 AFUE; a furnace that’s 15 years old or older is probably well below that. To be Energy Star rated, a furnace in the Southern U.S. must be at least 90 AFUE; in the Northern U.S. and Canada, it must be 95 AFUE. The highest efficiency rating available is 98 AFUE.

5. Location

Before a furnace is installed, you must know where the unit will go. Location is important because a furnace needs access to an electrical outlet and a vent. Here are some other considerations when it comes to selecting the proper location for a furnace:

• Airflow: If the unit is in too constricted of an area, poor airflow can affect performance and efficiency.
• Insulation: The furnace should be in an insulated space free of drafts and where heat won’t easily escape.
• Away from Flammable Materials: There must be no flammable materials near a furnace, including paper, wood scraps, sawdust, paint, cleaning products, or laundry.

6. Do You Need Ductwork?

Have a contractor check your ductwork and air vents before installing a furnace. No matter how high its efficiency rating is, the system won’t work at peak efficiency if your ducts are poorly sealed or dirty, or air vents are obstructed. Addressing any issues or replacing your ductwork before a furnace install ensures the unit will operate at peak efficiency.

7. Cost

The cost of a furnace depends on its size and efficiency. Single-stage units are typically less expensive than a two-stage or modulating furnace. Aside from the cost of equipment, consider extra costs, especially labor, which can add thousands of dollars to an installation project. The cost of installing, repairing, or updating gas lines and electrical systems is also a factor. Consider the cost of permits and high-efficiency programmable/smart thermostats as well.

8. Should I Convert to a Different Furnace?

Converting to a different furnace costs more than installing the same type. Updating from a propane to a natural gas furnace typically requires just a new gas line, so the additional cost isn’t that high ($150 to $300), but converting from an electric to a gas furnace can cost $1,200 to $9,850.2 Converting to an electric furnace (or any other if your service panel is outdated), requires replacing the breaker box, which can be expensive.

9. Technology

New technologies should always be considered when you hire furnace installers near you. The following can have benefits in terms of efficiency, comfort, and value:

• Blower Motor Technology: Designed to circulate heated air throughout your home, the blower motor consumes a lot of electricity. You can choose a standard blower motor, a constant torque motor that boosts efficiency over traditional motors, or a variable-speed motor that runs at low or medium speeds for precise control of comfort, humidity, and energy costs.
• Sound Reduction Technology: Features such as variable-speed blowers, sealed and insulated furnace cabinets, and low-noise gas burners reduce the amount of sound a furnace produces. Some units are so quiet you can’t tell they’re running.
• Smart Thermostat: This is a step up from a programmable model and can learn your temperature preferences and create a schedule for you. A smart thermostat can also sense when you’re home or away and adjust your heating system accordingly. You can also monitor and adjust temperature settings on your phone from anywhere.

10. Warranty

One reason to choose a leading brand is a long-term warranty. Look for warranties on the heat exchanger (which is typically covered for 20 years) and for components, including the blower motor, ignitors, and electronic controls. Limited warranties on parts typically range from one to 10 years. Check the terms of a limited warranty; it may exclude the cost of labor or any service if the product isn’t registered immediately after purchase.

Contact Grasshopper’s Furnace Installers Near Clifton Park, NY

At Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, our NATE-certified contractors can always be counted on for a high-quality furnace install. They’ll evaluate your home and choose the right type and sized unit to improve efficiency, comfort, and equipment longevity and lower your energy bills. Our team also helps you understand how to use your new furnace’s various features. They’re available to provide maintenance, repairs, and other support as well.

To schedule an in-home furnace installation or replacement consultation, call us online or (518) 252-7937.

Source:

https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/hvac/new-furnace-cost/ 

https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/hvac/how-much-does-a-gas-furnace-cost/

A successful heating installation can be achieved with some diligence. We recommend following the tips below and not waiting until winter (or for your furnace to fail) to replace the unit. As you’re considering furnace replacement, having the right knowledge and making sound decisions can make your investment worthwhile for many years to come.

Here are 7 tips to help make that a reality:

1. Know What System You Currently Have

Gather as much information as possible about your HVAC system. Heating installation will go more smoothly if all the components match. Otherwise, the project will be more complex. You may also deal with equipment issues and costly repairs and replacements later. 

If you’re replacing your existing furnace with a similar one, the project will be simpler than, for example, replacing a gas furnace with an electric one or a heat pump. Once the contractor has all the information they need, they can make suggestions and explain the most practical and affordable options.

2. Pick a Reputable Heating Installation Contractor

An experienced professional should always handle the project. Whether you plan to have a gas, oil, or electric furnace installed, ask the contractor about their familiarity with it. Each type of heating system has specific installation requirements. For example, a gas furnace requires secure natural gas connections and a functional ventilation system.

The right contractor will provide you with affordable options that are best suited for your home. As you compare estimates, don’t assume the cheapest is the best. Saving money upfront can cost you more later, especially if your furnace is not installed properly. Also, consider any recommended add-on options. A reputable furnace installer can provide humidifiers and whole-home air purifiers to meet your individual needs.

3. Establish a Rapport with the Company

If you’re looking for a new heating contractor, don’t consider the installation a one-time exchange. You may need someone to fix issues in the future. Or, a professional’s advice and answers can prove highly valuable in keeping your furnace in top shape. 

A long-term relationship will mean the company knows your system and the repairs and maintenance services it has had. You won’t have to depend on a stranger when a problem arises. Instead, someone you can trust will show up and help save you money.

4. Purchase a Brand-New System

Don’t try to save on heating installation by having a used furnace installed. While installing a new unit is more expensive, a used model may develop problems sooner and require costly repairs. It will also be less powerful and less efficient. Aside from a higher cost of ownership, you’ll have to buy another furnace before you know it.

5. Make Sure the Unit Is the Right Size

Sizing a furnace is one of the most important parts of the installation process. The required heating power of the unit depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, climate, and other factors. Too small a furnace won’t heat your home effectively. It will also work harder and wear out sooner. Installing too large a unit can lead to problems as well.

6. Get a Warranty (If the Unit Doesn’t Come with One)

Most furnace manufacturers include a warranty with your purchase. Be leary if a unit is not warrantied. Heating system warranties range from 5 to 10 years and cover most repairs and defects. Purchasing an extended warranty can lead to longer-term savings, especially if an unexpected event or equipment issue results in needing major system repairs or a replacement.

7. Sign Up for a Maintenance Plan

Reputable heating installation companies offer maintenance plans that include annual inspections, cleanings, and tune-ups. Routine care helps your furnace run more efficiently and can extend its life by years, saving you thousands of dollars. Annual membership plans can also qualify you for discounts on repairs, priority scheduling, and lower fees for emergency services.

Schedule Heating Installation in Clifton Park, NY

The experienced technicians at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling are NATE-certified and familiar with all makes and models of heating equipment. We ensure each unit is properly sized and installed to save you money over the life of the system. For a free estimate on furnace installation and replacement, contact us online or call (518) 241-1762.

A DIY heating repair can put you in a lot of danger. Most homeowners don’t have the knowledge, tools, or equipment to pull off a furnace repair. Here are six hazards and risks you’ll face unless you hire a licensed and experienced HVAC professional.

1. Exposure to Carbon Monoxide

A byproduct of burning fuels, carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and toxic. It is normally contained and ventilated out of your home. But if your furnace is damaged, carbon monoxide can leak and cause a range of symptoms. In high concentrations, it can lead to unconsciousness and death. Check your carbon monoxide detector’s batteries regularly to ensure it’s working, and always call a heating repair technician just to be safe. 

2. Fire or Explosion

A damaged burner, heating element, pilot light, ignitor, or gas connection can trigger a fire. Faulty wiring is another risk. Don’t work on these parts and components if you don’t have experience. If there’s a gas leak, an explosion can have devastating and deadly consequences. Hiring a professional can save your life and your home.

3. Shock or Electrocution

Heating systems have various electrical connections. Touching a damaged wire or the wrong electrical component, or mishandling a loose connector, can result in a strong shock. You can also be electrocuted. 

Furnace repair work often requires turning off the power to the circuit first. That’s the only way to avoid exposure to electric current in the first place. But even if you turn off the breaker, a faulty component can carry an electric charge that can injure or kill you. Heating techs use protective equipment to avoid this.

4. Furnace Damage

If you haven’t received training or passed a certification test, you likely can’t correctly troubleshoot and diagnose a furnace problem. You may look in the wrong place to try to fix a minor issue. A DIY repair can result in damage to other components or worsen the problem you’re attempting to fix. 

Botching a DIY heating repair is often costly. The repairs you’ll need afterward can be much more expensive than having hired a professional in the first place.

5. Voiding the Warranty

An HVAC warranty typically requires repairs to be done by a certified professional. If you perform a DIY repair and damage the unit, the warranty will be voided and the manufacturer will not cover the repair cost. The cost of furnace repair, which includes parts, fees, and labor, can be quite expensive. Voiding the warranty is a risk best not taken.

6. Time-Consuming Repairs

A licensed professional usually completes a heating repair quickly. They have the experience and tools to do so. Plus, they’re on a tight schedule. But that doesn’t stop them from being thorough and effective.

It would take you much longer to troubleshoot the issue, gather the right tools, and disassemble and repair the unit. But a professional knows the proper solution and steps to complete the job in a short time.

Are There Any DIY Solutions to Heating Issues?

A heating repair must be left to a professional unless you can address an issue with any of these simple solutions:

• Adjust the thermostat
• Replace the thermostat battery
• Clean or replace the filter
• Reset the circuit breaker
• Secure the cabinet panel
• Clean out the drain line
• Remove leaves and debris from intake/exhaust vents
• Open or unblock HVAC vents

Contact Grasshopper Heating & Cooling

Our skilled technicians provide any heating repair. A furnace problem can originate from a faulty internal part or component or the unit’s gas or power supply. When you call, we’ll send a professional to quickly get your heating system back up and running. We’re available 24/7 for emergency repairs. Call if your system blows cold air, delivers uneven temperatures, makes strange noises, or smells like it’s burning. For immediate furnace repair, call (518) 216-0051 now.

Boilers and furnaces are the most common home heating systems. These terms are often used interchangeably but do not mean the same thing. A furnace heats the air and distributes it to rooms via ductwork and vents, while a boiler produces hot water or steam that’s distributed to radiator units, baseboard radiators, or radiant flooring systems. Since a boiler is an HVAC component, a heating contractor can service it, but make sure the technician is experienced with your type of equipment.

What Does a Boiler Technician Do?

A boiler does not use forced air to provide heat and does not have an air filter that must be changed regularly. It has different maintenance and service requirements than a furnace. Therefore, a local boiler technician should handle the following tasks:

• Emergency Repairs: Boilers are reliable but can develop problems and break down during the winter. Low water pressure can mean a boiler is overheating. A unit can have issues such as a burnt-out heating element or broken circulator pump. Leaks, corrosion, tank sediment, and noise can also be problematic. A technician knows how to replace corroded, worn-out, or faulty parts unique to a boiler. They can also address issues with the pilot system.
• Replace or Upgrade Your Boiler: A well-maintained boiler can last around 15 years. Like many large appliances, it can become less reliable and efficient over time. Running an old boiler can increase energy costs, but replacing the unit or performing an upgrade can save you in the long run. Your local boiler service contractor can discuss the latest high-efficiency options if it’s time to replace your boiler.
• Keep Your Warranty Valid: Most manufacturer warranties require service by a certified boiler contractor. If you neglect to service the unit, try to fix it yourself, or have an unlicensed person repair it, you might void the warranty. Working with a qualified boiler service provider ensures you’ll maintain warranty coverage. Therefore, knowing who to call can help you avoid paying out-of-pocket for repairs.

When Should I Schedule Boiler Service?

Your heater should be serviced once a year to make sure it’s functioning properly. When you schedule maintenance is important. We recommend having your boiler serviced after the end of the heating season when wear and tear can be addressed promptly. The spring or early summer is a good time for service because heating contractors are less busy and your boiler will be in optimal condition the following winter.

Annual service prevents major repairs and expensive breakdowns and improves energy efficiency. Boiler service is not a DIY task. An experienced heating contractor is needed to open the unit, clean the heat exchanger, and test the boiler’s safety devices. They will inspect the pipes, venting system, and other components as well.

Condensing boilers require a check of the condensate disposal system. Since the condensate is slightly acidic, a technician will clean and refill the condensate neutralizer and check the condensate trap. These extra service steps help protect your plumbing system and avoid emergency service calls.

Request an Appointment with a Heating Contractor

Whether you have a boiler, furnace, or heat pump, Grasshopper Heating & Cooling can provide the service you need. Our technicians are trained to provide high-quality installation, repair, and maintenance in Clifton Park, NY, and surrounding communities. We’re also available 24/7 for emergency service. To request help from a licensed heating contractor, call 518-240-9889 today.