While fall is quickly approaching, we must start planning for the colder days ahead. Before you know it, winter will be upon us. Most of us have problems with keeping our garages a comfortable temperature during the winter months, but there are several things that you can do to make your garage a bit cozier.

With the proper planning, you can make sure your garage stays warm during the winter, so you don’t have to worry about damage from the colder temperatures. While you need to make sure you have insulation and weather-stripping, you should remember that will help keep the cold out of the garage, but not warm it up.

You want to use a safe approach to warm the area, so you aren’t causing a fire hazard. Sometimes your homeowners’ insurance has restrictions on your options, so if you use a kerosene heater, which isn’t a good choice for the space and is dangerous on many levels, you could risk losing insurance coverage.

Options for Warming Your Garage

While there are dozens of options for heating up your garage, here are some of the best choices out there. You will want to talk to an expert about which option would work best for your specific situation. You want to make sure you make the best investment for your specific situation and get your garage to a comfortable temperature.

• Unit Heaters – Unit heaters are excellent choices for warming up the garage, and they take up very little space. You can choose between a gas heater or an electric heater. These are also economic choices and can be purchased from a variety of retailers.
• Forced-air heaters – A forced-air heating unit will warm up a cold garage. These heaters are available in different sizes and different prices, and they are much more affordable than an infrared heat source. These heaters will work by sending hot air into the room, and with professional installation they can be connected into your home’s propane or natural gas lines. If you do woodworking in the garage, this might not be the best choice because it will blow around the sawdust and debris.
• Convection heater – A convection heater is a versatile option that is either powered by electricity, propane, or gas. Air convection currents circulate through the unit then cross its heating element, heating up the air around you.
• Ductless heating and cooling – There are many benefits to ductless heating and cooling. These systems are sometimes called multi-split systems, and because of their efficiency can save you some expense on your utility bills. Because they meet the strictest energy efficiency guidelines, they are eco-friendly. They are also the easiest systems to install.
• In-floor heat – While many people want warm floors in their bathrooms, they also work well in other places, including the garage. If you use your garage for working on vehicles, in-floor heat will help keep your back, arms, and legs warm as well while you handle that vehicle restoration. An in-floor heating system is worth checking out.
• Propane heater – Propane is an affordable heat source that provides great warmth. These are available in different sizes, so they suit different needs. They usually have an automatic setting, or you can opt for a manual ignition. They are mobile and affordable.
• Electric ceiling panels – Electric ceiling panels are a great way to heat up your garage. These are panels that are one-inch thick and you mount them onto the ceiling of your garage. These are energy efficient, heating up fast and cooling down quickly. These function well, and they also look good.
• Mounted electric heater – You may want to look at your options for a mounted electric heater. Larger than a portable space heater, a wall-mounted electric heater is among the best ways to heat a garage during the winter. These are usually 240-volt hard-wired units, and they are usually easier to install than a forced-air heating system.
• Portable space heater – Heaters that are used to heat a cold room in your home, traditional portable space heaters, are also great for the garage as well. It is a great way to supplement any existing heat source and can help you warm up an area quickly.

When you choose the right heat source for your garage, it can serve you well for years to come. Talk with a professional who handles heater installations, so you can make sure your heating system is installed properly and will work safely.

You depend on your furnace. It keeps your family and pets warm and it helps protect your plumbing from damage. Your furnace plays an important role in your home. Since your furnace is good to you, you should be good to it. Your furnace needs to be properly taken care of and needs to undergo routine maintenance so you can ensure it is functioning its best and that it lasts for as long as possible.

Your furnace is one of the most important pieces of equipment to your home. While it is most likely an unattractive metal box either in your basement, attic, crawl space, or closet, it is the most important feature in your home during cold weather. You want to make sure it is ready for colder days that lie ahead, so here a few things that you can do to make sure it is ready to serve you well.

There are several things that you can do on your own to make sure your furnace is taken care of, and if it needs help that you cannot handle, then make a call to an expert that you can trust to handle the task. Take the time to understand what you can do to take care of your furnace and understand the maintenance process.

How To Take Care of Your Furnace

Here are a few things that you can do to help keep your furnace in tip-top shape.

• Inspect the air filters – You should do a monthly inspection of your furnace’s air filters. If it looks dirty, you should change it. Frequently changing the filter will help prevent dirt and debris accumulating in your system, which would lead to lower efficiency and cause equipment to fail.
• Keep a functioning carbon monoxide detector – You should make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in operating order in your home. If your furnace malfunctions or fails, it can cause a carbon monoxide leak. You will want a carbon monoxide detector that is either battery operated or that has battery back-up. Make sure you have one on every level of your home – including the basement.
• Be sure to keep the vents clear and clean – Before the cold weather arrives and you use your furnace for the first time this season, you will need to remove the covers from heating vents on the ceilings and floors throughout your home. Be sure to vacuum out all the ducts where pet dander, dust, dirt, and small toys and other small items can end up. These cause your furnace to work harder, which will increase utility bills and shorten your furnace’s life.

There are some routine maintenance steps that should be left to the professionals. Here are a few things that you should call an expert to do:

An annual tune-up – Your furnace needs an annual pre-season check-up. It can help you avoid expensive problems later. An expert will make sure that the thermostat is working like it should, that the system cycles off and on as it should, and will go through a list of checks, which include:

• Oiling the moving parts
• Tightening any loose electrical connections
• Inspecting any gas connections

After you have had all the routine maintenance done, you should listen and notice for any problems. If you notice any unusual noise coming from the furnace, you should immediately call a heating expert to come check out your furnace and fix any problems. It could be that a part has failed, a part has come loose, another cleaning could be needed, or a sign that your furnace has served its purpose and its lifespan is up. All furnaces must be replaced at some point in time. When you are proactive and work to make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape, you will get better service and make sure you maximize the lifespan of the unit. You are also making sure it is operating safely, and there are no fire hazards, that the unit is clean, and that there are no carbon monoxide concerns.

Talk With A Heating Expert

You should establish a relationship with a heating expert in your area. That way, when you need repairs or service, you can call them, and they will be familiar with your unit and your situation. These professionals will be able to make sure your unit is up to par and that all the appropriate maintenance has been done. With the help of a heating professional, you can save yourself time and money over the long run.

If you live in a climate like Denver, Colorado, a heat pump can be an excellent way to efficiently heat and cool your home. A heat pump essentially shifts warm air from one area to another. It usually consists of an indoor air handler and an outdoor component that utilizes a compressor to absorb and release heat travelling between the indoor and outdoor components. These pumps move heat versus generate it, costing much less to operate than a standard HVAC closed-loop system. We’ll get into the nitty gritty of how a heat pump works so that you can make the most educated decision when choosing how to invest into cooling and heating your home.

Before getting started, here’s a common question we hear from homeowners. “How is a heat pump different from a furnace?” Furnaces burn fuel to generate heat. A heat pump extracts heat energy from the air passing through it.

How does a heat pump work?

Heat pumps work by moving heat energy. Even in cooler air, there is heat that can be shifted into the home to raise the indoor temperatures.

• When the home needs to be cooled, the heat pump can shift the heat energy from the home to the outdoors.
• The refrigeration system for a heat pump is made up of two coils of tubing, one on the outside, and one indoors, a compressor, and aluminum fins to facilitate the transfer of heat.
• When the heat pump is warming, the refrigerant in the outside coils extracts airborne heat energy and evaporates into a gas as it warms.
• As it passes into the indoor coils, the heat is then released from the refrigerant as it cools and liquifies again.
• For cooling, the process can be reversed.

Different types of heat pumps

There are several different kinds of heat pumps and the most commonly used is an air-source style heat pump. Commonly paired with a home with ducting, this transfers heat between your home and the outside environment. These systems can reduce the amount of electricity used by as much as 50%. Pretty good cost savings! They are effective at reducing humidity, even more so than some typical air conditioning systems. New technology advances for these systems make them more versatile than in the past. In temperatures where winters are cold, heat pump systems are installed to augment an existing heating source or to work in conjunction with other systems. Most heat pumps will utilize an electric resistance heater as a back-up source in cold weather but they can also be equipped with burners, such as a combustion system using propane, natural gas or wood.

Components of these systems that make them more efficient than previous technology include improvements on the design of coils and compressors. Expansion valves allow more control of refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor coils, and variable speed blowers heighten the efficiency of the components. Variable speed blowers or dual-speed motors keep the air within the home moving more slowly than a forced-air system. The variable speed prevents drafts and makes the unit far more efficient.

Some units even have the means to heat water using waste heat from the heat pump’s cooling mode. This technology is called a desuperheater, and can heat water more efficiently than a standard water heater.

Older homes or homes that don’t have ducts can utilize what’s called a mini-split heat pump to augment heating systems. A mini-split pump is also ideal for tiny houses or other highly efficient builds. These also use the outdoor compressor and interior air-handler setup. Many mini-split heat pump systems allow for multiple interior air handlers, allowing the homeowner to create zones with individual thermostats. This kind of set-up can be extremely efficient as it makes it easy to heat or cool only the areas that are occupied. The mini-split heat pumps are very efficient as they don’t experience the energy loss that occurs when air is passed through ducts. They are easy to install and highly versatile. It’s critical to hire a qualified installer or technician when putting in a mini-split heat pump as they have very specific requirements to be met during both planning and installation.

Positives and negatives of a heat pump

Like any system, a heat pump system does have its strengths and weaknesses. Fans and compressors can make noise and should be located accordingly. Noise-absorbing bases and surrounds can be used for a heat pump system. These units should be installed away from high levels of wind or airflow. Heat pump systems have to have specific levels of refrigerant charge and airflow for them to work well. Mini-split heat pump systems are more likely to require regular preventative maintenance checks by a qualified technician who works with refrigerant. It may take a little time to get the system tweaked just right for each home.

The efficiency for these pumps is measured by the HSPF, or Heating Season Performance Factor and the SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. HSPF is calculated by the space heating needs required during the season (measured in Btu) divided by how much electrical energy was consumed (measured in watt-hours) during the season the unit was heating the home. SEER is calculated by the total heat that the heat pump removed from the home during the warmer season (measured in Btu), divided by how much electrical energy it took to power the pump, which is also measured in watt-hours. When choosing a heat pump, consider your climate. For warmer climates, the SEER rate will be more important than the HSPF rate for obvious reasons.

Heat pump systems are an outstanding option to consider even for areas of the United States that have colder winters. A lot of our clients here in Denver, Colorado use heat pumps. While the initial investment is higher and need for professional installation may be a concern for the homeowner, the potential for long-term energy savings and increased efficiency could pay for itself in a short period of time.

A boiler plays an integral role in your house. It is a major investment, so it’s good to know how long you should expect it to last.  Of course that answer can vary significantly and is dependent on a few things. These include the kind of boiler that you have, if it has been properly maintained, what the weather conditions are, and some other factors.

For example, a cast iron water boiler last longer than a cast iron steam boiler. Boilers can be affected by things such as the water quality, radiators, and leaking water pipes. If there are corrosive water conditions, you need to make sure the water is properly conditioned.

Another good example would be a high efficiency, condensing gas boiler. These should last for about 15 years or longer, but it must be properly installed and maintained. Golden West’s HVAC team can help you make an informed decision about which kind of boiler works best for your specific needs.

Boiler Installation 

You should hire a licensed HVAC company to ensure that your boiler is properly installed. You want to make sure that you’re getting the maximum results and many years of quality service. A boiler is designed to create heat, but if there are mistakes made throughout the attached piping, then you may not get desirable results.

A professional heating contractor will be able to ensure there is correct placement of circulators, expansion tanks, zone valves, and venting so you will get the desired results and your boiler will live up to its expectations.

If the boiler and its components are not properly installed, then the boiler will not operate as intended. It will not live up to the manufacturer’s expectations. It has been reported that most repairs made to boilers are because of the improper installation of the boiler and/or its components.

Maintaining Your Boiler 

Many people think that if the boiler is properly installed there is nothing left to do. That is far from the truth. Annual maintenance should be done by a professional heating technician. When it comes to boiler maintenance, they must regularly clean the heat exchangers and that will require less energy to be needed for proper heating of the home.

The cleaner the unit’s heat exchanger, the more efficient the boiler will operate.  When the technician is servicing the home’s boiler, they also will check the system for leaks. Even the smallest of leaks can cause problems.

The boiler control should be checked annually for any errors. The technician will check to see that the boiler is running as it is intended.

Boiler Size And Quality 

Choosing the correct boiler size also plays a major role in the lifespan. Your professional heating technician will be able to help you assess your needs and determine what size boiler you need to keep your house comfortable.

Unfortunately, many people have boilers larger than they need installed. An oversized boiler is often caused by the installer not completing a comprehensive calculation of heat loss. If your boiler is too large, it will short cycle, which means that it will kick on and then shut off very frequently.

The frequent off and on processes are more damaging to the unit than running for a long time period. The frequent off and on will cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as permanent damage. Also, remember that you get what you pay for, so if you want to get the best results and the longest lifespan, you should choose a well-built, high-quality boiler.

It is also important to buy a boiler that is made from better parts with a higher level of attention to its manufacturing process. You  want to make sure you choose a well-trained boiler installer who understands how the process works and who will make sure that everything is done as it should be.

Affected By The Season 

The length of the colder months and the temperatures play a role in your boiler’s lifespan as well. For example, a boiler will be used more in Alaska than in Tennessee. The longer, colder winters are going to lead to more runtime.

If it is time for a new boiler, call Golden West Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning. We have worked on thousands of boilers over the years!

Winter in Denver is mild compared to other areas in Colorado. But the Mile-High City still gets bitterly cold. No one wants to wake up in a cold house or confine themselves to one room when the heating stops working. Homeowners who find themselves in this predicament face a tough decision: “Should I repair or replace my furnace?”

Furnace repair could require anything from quick fixes to major repairs. Certain issues are beyond repair and require a replacement instead. Here are a few ways to tell if you should repair or replace your furnace. Remember, when in doubt, call the Denver furnace repair pros!

Signs that you need to repair your furnace

Your heating bill is higher than usual.

If you’re not using more heat but your energy costs have increased, it’s a good idea to book a furnace repair appointment. General wear and tear could decrease the unit’s efficiency. Find a furnace repair service near you to identify and fix the problem.

Your furnace isn’t producing enough heat.

A clogged air filter could be the culprit behind this issue. But if you’ve checked the filter and the furnace still isn’t producing adequate heat, it could be time for a furnace repair. If the furnace is on but heat isn’t blowing through the vents, the blower motor might need replacing.

Be sure to book your furnace repair as soon as possible after noticing issues with heating and ruling out simple fixes. A malfunctioning part increases the risk of other components breaking, which could lead to higher repair costs.

Your furnace makes a lot of noise.

Strange noises like rattling, whistling, and clicking are alarming and obnoxious. The issue could be as simple as a loose screw or as complex as a broken furnace blower motor. No matter what kind of noise you’re hearing, a noisy furnace needs professional attention.

Signs that you need to replace your furnace

Your unit is over 15 years old.

Annual tune-ups are essential for maximizing the lifespan of your unit. Some furnaces can last up to 30 years, but that’s the exception, not the rule. The average lifespan of a furnace is between 12 and 18 years. If your furnace is around the 15-year mark, it’s time to start shopping for a new one.

The cost to repair your current furnace is more than half the cost of replacing it.

A new furnace costs anywhere from $2,500 to over $6,500, according to HomeAdvisor. And that’s not including installation costs.

Most Denver furnace repair professionals will recommend replacing the furnace outright if repair costs exceed half the price of a new furnace. High repair costs often indicate that the unit will need future repairs.

You notice soot around the heating vents.

During an annual inspection, a furnace repair technician will remove any soot built up in the furnace itself. But if there’s soot coming up through your vents, call the pros immediately.

Soot in the vents could mean there’s too much carbon dioxide in your furnace. This can damage furniture and impact indoor air quality. Inhaling the soot could also cause breathing problems and other symptoms.

Soot could also be a sign of a dangerous explosion within the furnace called a puff back. A puff back occurs when excess fuel builds up in the combustion chamber. As soon as you notice soot in your vents or smell burning, call an emergency furnace repair service near you.

Should you repair or replace your furnace? Wrapping up

Sometimes it’s hard for a homeowner to know whether a furnace repair or replacement is needed.

Before you break out the user manual, remember that your furnace is a complex machine. Attempting a DIY furnace repair could lead to all sorts of dangers, like fire hazards and carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you’ve noticed any of the above warning signs, call a furnace repair professional near you.

Book your Denver furnace repair or replacement today

Even if your furnace is in tip-top shape, annual maintenance is essential to keep your heating system running smoothly. Call Golden West, the Denver furnace repair pros, today to schedule your annual furnace tune-up before the cold weather hits!

Autumn is a cozy season filled with hearty family meals, hot apple cider, and fun fall festivals. It’s also the perfect time to prepare your home for bitter winter weather.

Did you know heating is the biggest energy expense for Colorado homeowners? The average homeowner spends $500 on heating every year. Poor insulation and inefficient heating units are the main causes of high heating expenses. Proper insulation and more energy-efficient heating systems can slash these costs by up to 20% annually.

Even if you don’t need to replace your current unit, there are a few things you can do to save energy this winter. (And stay toasty warm while you’re at it.) Let’s dive in to some of the most effective tips for saving energy, not just in winter, but in all seasons. Our advice goes beyond installing LED lightbulbs and turning down the thermostat.

Insulate your old water heater

If your water heater is an older model and you’re not in a position to replace it, consider wrapping it in an insulating blanket. This simple tip can save you over 15% on your annual heating costs. It also reduces lost heat by up to 45%.

Insulating blankets are inexpensive, starting at just $20. But not all water heaters will require insulation. Here are a few things you should know before insulating your water heater:

• If your water heater is warm to the touch, it could benefit from an insulating blanket.
• Newer models likely don’t need an insulation blanket.
• Avoid insulating blankets if your water heater has an R-value of 24 or higher.
• Do not insulate a leaking water heater. This will need to be replaced.
• If your water heater is electric, you might also want to insulate the underside of the tank for an additional 10% savings on lost heat. However, this is best done if you’re installing a new unit.

Got questions about insulating your water heater? Give us a call today to schedule your appointment. You’ll receive personalized advice on saving electricity in the winter for your home and needs.

Lower the temperature of your water heater if you’re planning to travel

Traveling out of town to visit relatives over Christmas? Before you leave, be sure to turn down your water heater.

Running a water heater costs $440 a year on average. You could reduce that amount by up to 10% a year by lowering the temperature even a few degrees.

If you’re planning to travel over the holiday period, consider lowering the temperature since your water won’t be in use.

Winterize your windows and doors

The first step for winterizing your home is to identify leaks in windows and doors. One of the easiest ways to do this is with the smoke test. Turn off any fans or heaters. Light a stick of incense and hold it near the window or door frame. If the smoke blows sideways, you might have a leak.

Plugging drafty doors and windows is easy and relatively inexpensive. You have a few options to choose from:

• Caulking
• Window films
• Door seals
• Weatherstripping tape

Once you’ve found and fixed drafty windows and doors, be sure to put your blinds and curtains to good use. On sunny days, let natural warmth in by opening the blinds. On cold nights, draw your blinds or curtains to prevent heat from escaping and cold from entering your home.

Swap out your old appliances for newer, more energy-efficient alternatives

According to a fact sheet published by Colorado State University, older furnaces and hot water heaters are roughly half as efficient as newer units.

Upgrading to a new energy-efficient unit is a considerable investment in the short-term. But it’s one that will quickly pay for itself in energy savings. Not to mention that homeowners using Energy-Star certified appliances often qualify for a tax credit.

Got questions about energy-efficient appliances? Our technicians have answers. Get in touch today to discuss your needs.

Have your heating system inspected annually

If you’re not already having your heating system inspected each year, now’s a good time to start. Scheduling a heating inspection now could save you a lot of time and money later.

During your inspection, our HVAC technicians will identify necessary repairs and potential problems. We pride ourselves on prompt, efficient service. Education is a big part of what we do. If you have any questions during your assessment, please don’t hesitate to ask.

These energy saving tips will serve you well this winter. But they’re also general tips that everyone can put into practice.

Want personalized guidance on saving energy? Call Golden West today to schedule your maintenance appointment. Your technician will review the efficiency of your heating system and make recommendations based on your needs and budget.

It’s safe to say many homeowners don’t stop to think about their heating and cooling systems until they malfunction. Booking your first HVAC service appointment can be a daunting task for inexperienced homeowners.

Need a replacement or repair? Here are a few things you can do to prepare for your appointment, plus a few questions you should ask your technician.

Preparing for your HVAC service appointment

Here are a few things you should do to ensure your HVAC service appointment goes smoothly.

• When booking your appointment, describe your needs using as much detail as you can. The more your tech knows about the problem, the better they can assist you. Taking photos and knowing roughly when the issue started is helpful. Compile documentation of previous maintenance on the unit if applicable.
• Clear the work area of any clutter or obstructions. Repairing and replacing HVAC systems requires a safe work environment. Make the workspace easy to access and remove any clutter or obstructions. Outdoor units require at least one foot of clearance on all sides.
• Secure pets and children. This is for their own safety as well as the technician’s.

7 questions to ask your HVAC technician

There’s no such thing as a silly question regarding HVAC systems. These units can be a large investment to purchase and replace, so if you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Here are a few questions we encourage customers to ask before, during, and after their appointment.

What experience and qualifications do you have servicing homes like mine?
Although many HVAC company websites often provide this information, it’s best to double-check. At the bare minimum, your preferred HVAC company should be able to provide you with proof of insurance, show pictures of previous work, and customer testimonials. Our techs will be glad to discuss similar jobs to yours.

How do you handle quotes and payment?
Find out upfront if any overtime or hidden fees apply. If your technician offers a quote over the phone, take that as a red flag. While technicians might offer a rough estimate for common repairs, an in-home examination is needed to determine the cost and scope of the job, particularly for installations.

To avoid delays, confirm accepted payment methods with your HVAC servicer before the appointment. Our technicians will always offer upfront pricing, options, and no hidden fees.

Can you talk me through the job so I know how to maintain my HVAC systems?
Any experienced technician should be willing to educate you on how to maintain your HVAC systems. All homeowners should have a basic knowledge of how their heating, ventilation, and cooling systems work. Not only does this ensure their comfort, but it could also prevent major problems down the line.

Our technicians take pride in educating our customers. If you have any questions about maintaining your systems before, during, or after the job, just let your tech know.

What products do you recommend for my needs and budget?
If you’re replacing a unit, discuss your options with your technician beforehand. Address any budget concerns then and there to prevent any unpleasant surprises.

Our technicians will recommend replacement units based on their observations and your situation. We will never recommend products that don’t suit your needs or are out of your budget.

What are some ways I can save energy?
This is a common question our technicians receive, and we’re always happy to answer it. Your tech can evaluate your current systems and recommend ways to optimize it.

These might include replacing a window unit with an energy-efficient cooling system or installing inexpensive window films. Instead of simply Googling how to cut energy costs, you’ll receive personalized advice at no extra cost to you.

Do you offer 24-hour emergency services?
It’s always better to find out whether your local HVAC company offers 24/7 services
before you need them. Golden West offers 24-hour emergency service 7 days a week. Give us a call and we’ll be sure to help with any needs.

Do you offer financing?
HVAC repairs, maintenance, and replacements can be an unexpected investment for homeowners. If you’re concerned about price, ask if the company offers financing.

We offer financing for most jobs — your systems are repaired now and you pay later.

Book your Denver HVAC appointment today

Whether you need a repair, replacement, or just an annual check-up, Golden West has got your Denver HVAC needs covered. Contact us today to request an HVAC service in Denver and the surrounding area.

When you choose Golden West, you’re choosing to support a family-owned and operated local business. Our technicians are professional, highly experienced, and fully qualified. Read one of thousands of reviews from our satisfied customers to discover why we’re A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau.

How long does a furnace last? Different sources will give you different answers. Some say 15 years, some say 20. Others say newer furnaces can last as long as 30 years.

Those answers are all technically correct. But it’s important to remember that several factors influence how long a furnace lasts, including:

• the type of furnace
• when the furnace was made
• how well and how often it’s maintained

Generally, the average lifespan of a furnace is between 12 and 18 years. On average, a furnace needs replacing after 15 years. Some newer models can last between 20 and 30 years.

Let’s explore which factors affect your furnace’s lifespan. (Plus a few things you can do to keep your furnace in good condition.)

Types of furnaces

When you think of furnaces, you probably picture a gas furnace. That’s just one type of furnace. Let’s take a look at a few others.

Gas furnaces

Gas furnaces are one of the most common types of residential furnaces. Natural gas heats nearly 50% of American homes. In Colorado and surrounding states, that number is slightly higher at over 65%.

Older gas furnaces aren’t as efficient as their newer counterparts. New models are up to 98% efficient, compared to older models with a maximum efficiency of 65%. Additionally, older furnaces aren’t as durable, lasting between 12 and 18 years on average.

How many years should a gas furnace last? That largely depends on when it was made and how well it’s maintained. New models could last as long as 30 years. On average, gas furnaces last between 16 and 20 years.

Oil furnaces

You won’t find many oil furnaces in Colorado. These are most common in the Northeast. While they’re less expensive than a gas furnace, they’re also less efficient at 85% on average. They do tend to last a little longer, with an average lifespan of 25 years.

Electric furnaces

Many modern homes come equipped with an electric furnace. This type of furnace is just as efficient as a new gas furnace and can last up to 10 years longer. The unit itself is less expensive than a gas furnace. But the higher cost of electricity will quickly surpass those initial savings.

Maintain your furnace to maximize its lifespan

The average lifespans we’ve mentioned above assume that the furnace is serviced each year. Without annual maintenance, a furnace likely won’t last as long as they could.

Annual maintenance can prevent minor issues from escalating into major repairs. It also protects your warranty’s eligibility. Some manufacturers void the warranties of units that aren’t inspected regularly.

Finally, proper maintenance ensures your furnace works at peak efficiency all winter long. A local furnace repair technician can replace clogged filters and worn-out parts before they cause bigger problems.

How to maintain your furnace

If you’re like many homeowners, you might search for DIY fixes before calling in the professionals. But your furnace is a complex machine. Not to mention a dangerous one, especially if something goes wrong during a DIY repair.

Attempting to fix something yourself can cause anything from fire hazards to carbon monoxide poisoning. To keep your home and family safe, avoid attempting to service your furnace yourself. Instead, call your local furnace repair technician. Watch them while they work and ask them to walk you through the process. They’ll guide you through maintaining your furnace safely step-by-step.

Any furnace repair company that doesn’t allow you to be part of the process isn’t worth your time or hard-earned money. As the premier Denver furnace repair business, we take great pride in educating our customers. We believe all homeowners should know how their systems work. This not only prevents problems, but it also teaches you how to recognize and respond to furnace-related hazards.

How long will a furnace last? Wrapping up

Ultimately, how long your furnace lasts depends on how well you take care of it. Keep your furnace in tip-top shape and it could serve you for 20 years or even longer. If your furnace is 15 years or older and requires constant repairs, it’s time to start shopping for a new one.

Rather than trying to maintain your furnace yourself, book a service appointment with a professional. It’s as easy as searching “furnace repair near me”.

Book your Denver furnace repair or tune-up today

Winter has arrived early this year in the Mile High City. Book your Denver furnace repair or maintenance appointment today to stay toasty all winter long. Our expert technicians are trained to service all types of furnaces. We pride ourselves on delivering prompt, polite, and professional service — rain, shine, sleet, or snow.

Booking a Denver furnace repair in 2020 is vastly different compared to previous years. Rest assured that we take every precaution to protect your family, your home, and your health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about our health and safety procedures, and let us know if you have special requirements for your appointment.

What can cause a furnace to stop working? You might be surprised to learn it’s not always the furnace’s fault. A powered-off switch, faulty thermostat, or air duct issues could be to blame.

Let’s look at some of the most common culprits behind a malfunctioning furnace.

What can cause a furnace to stop working? 8 potential causes

Furnace switch powered off

Furnace power switches often look like light switches. It’s easy to turn them off, thinking you’re turning out the light. Before checking for other issues, make sure the power switch is turned on.

Furnace door safety switch

This is one of the first problems you should rule out before checking everything else. The safety switch stops the furnace from working when the door is removed.

If you’re recently removed the furnace door for whatever reason, make sure the safety switch has been reactivated.

Dead batteries in the thermostat

This is obviously a problem with the thermostat, not the furnace itself. Check to see if your thermostat is working. If there’s no power, change the batteries. Lithium batteries last much longer than alkaline batteries.

Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse

If the thermostat is on but there’s no warm air coming through the vents at all, check your circuit breaker or fuse box. If the breaker has tripped, you’ll need to reset it. Or, change the fuse.

Broken thermostat

If you’ve changed the thermostat batteries and your furnace still isn’t working, your thermostat could be broken. Several issues could cause a thermostat to malfunction, including:

• Faulty wiring
• Dust and debris
• Malfunctioning transformer
• Broken heat anticipator

If your thermostat isn’t functioning properly, consult your local HVAC experts for recommendations on new equipment and installation services.

Clogged filters

This is one of the most common culprits behind a malfunctioning furnace. If your furnace isn’t producing enough heat, chances are the filters are clogged.

Furnace filters trap dirt, fine particles, and other debris. Warm air can’t flow through clogged filters. The furnace might not stop working outright, but it will be much less efficient.

Filters should be changed once every season, about every 3 months. Annual maintenance can prevent filters from getting clogged and save you money on repairs and lost energy.

Air duct issues

Inconsistent heat is a tell-tale sign that your air ducts are the issue, not the furnace. If you notice one room is significantly warmer or colder than the others, your air ducts are likely leaking.

Inspect your ductwork for any obvious signs of damage. If your furnace is working properly, you should be able to feel heat escaping through the leaking ducts.

Sealing the leaks with duct tape could be a temporary fix. But there’s always a chance that a small leak will be left behind. Your local furnace repair experts have the tools and equipment needed to permanently seal leaks.

If you can’t find any leaks, the problem could be as simple as opening the dampers that control airflow into each room. But if they’re open and the heating is still uneven, it’s a good idea to call your local HVAC service. Some leaks are small and hard for homeowners to detect.

Age

Even the best-maintained furnaces will need replacing eventually. If your furnace is more than 15 years old and suddenly stops working, it’s time to replace it. You’ll end up paying more to repair an old furnace than to replace it.

Related: How long does a furnace last?