Furnace Repair or Replace in Southern Maryland

A furnace provides warm air during cold months to keep your house comfortable. There are four types of furnaces: gas, electric, oil, and propane. However, when your furnace breaks down, it can leave you with a cold home when you least expect it. Sometimes, you need to make a critical decision about whether to repair or replace it.

Fortunately, furnaces are designed to last 15 to 30 years when maintained well. During those years, you can implement a few fixes. When you go through this critical decision-making phase, reach out to Riverside Heating & Air Conditioning to be stress-free in southern Maryland. Being a locally owned and operated company, we are there for your heating system solutions.

How Does A Furnace Work?

A furnace is essential to your home's heating system, efficiently warming your home by blowing heated air through ducts. When the thermostat detects that your home is more relaxed than your set temperature, it signals the furnace to turn on. The furnace efficiently burns fuel, like natural gas or oil, to create heat. This heat is then effectively transferred to the air inside a metal chamber called the heat exchanger. The powerful blower fan circulates this warm air through the ductwork and out into the rooms of your house. The air passes through a filter to meticulously remove dust and other particles before it reaches your living spaces. Once your home reaches the desired temperature, the thermostat tells the furnace to shut off, and the system stops heating until needed again.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Attention

Before deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace, it's essential to recognize the signs that something is wrong. Here are some common indicators that your furnace may need professional attention:

• Strange noises
• Inconsistent heating in specific rooms
• Higher energy bills
• Frequent repairs within a short time
• Age of the furnace

Factors to Consider Repairing or Replacing Furnace

When deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace, consider several key factors: age, repair costs, energy efficiency, and your home's comfort level. If your furnace is over 15 years old, frequently breaks down, or requires expensive repairs, replacement might be more cost-effective in the long run. Energy efficiency is also crucial—older furnaces are less efficient, leading to higher energy bills. Upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model can save money over time. Additionally, if your home isn't staying as warm as it should, or if you notice uneven heating, it might be time for a replacement. Weighing these factors will help you make the best decision for your home and budget.

When Should You Call for Maintenance?

Prepare for the upcoming colder weather by scheduling furnace maintenance this fall. Catching any potential issues is crucial before your furnace kicks into full gear. Riverside Heating & Air Conditioning's comprehensive inspection will detect problems such as improperly calibrated thermostats, blocked vents, and gas leaks, and we'll promptly provide effective solutions.

Remember that a gas leak can harm your family through fire or carbon monoxide exposure. During the maintenance visit, we'll thoroughly assess your furnace's heat exchanger, burner, and interior and exterior for any wear or damage. Additionally, we'll clean or replace the air filter to enhance indoor air quality and optimize your heater's efficiency.