Chicago Home Furnace Replacement Process and Cost Breakdown
Don’t wait until your Chicago home’s furnace breaks down for good - be proactive about replacement instead! Learn from real contractors and HVAC experts when you should replace your furnace, picking energy efficient models, costs, installation process, maintenance, and more in this comprehensive guide for local homeowners.
If your aging furnace is past its prime, now may be the perfect time to invest in an upgrade. New, energy efficient models will have you relaxing in steady, even warmth - without the rattling, rumbling soundtrack of an old clunker furnace echoing through your rooms.
We aim to make furnace replacement as seamless and affordable as possible for Chicago homeowners. Take advantage of our seasonal discount furnace replacement quote today! Learn exactly which new system is best for your home and budget.
This guide will walk you through:
Clear signs your current furnace should be replaced
What to expect from the furnace replacement process
Types of new systems and key features
Installation costs and money saving rebates
Give us a call to maximize savings with our spring furnace replacement discount. Stay cozy next winter with a top-of-the-line new furnace installed by our experts!
Save Money By Booking Repair Service Calls Online
Take advantage of our discounts when you schedule a repair service call through our online form. We'll inspect your faulty appliance, heating or cooling system and provide an upfront quote for getting it fixed.
A service call from our experienced team includes:
Thorough inspection of your equipment
Identifying any issues and recommended repairs
A fair quote for parts, labor and workmanship
Quality repairs performed by skilled technicians
By using our online booking form, you can save 15% off our already low service call rates. The savings are only available when you schedule through the website.
Don't pay full price! We make repairs more affordable and convenient. Get discounted pricing by scheduling a service call online today.
Determining When It's Time to Replace Your Furnace
As a furnace ages, you'll have to decide at some point whether it's worth investing in repairs or if replacement is the wiser option. There are a few key factors HVAC experts recommend considering when evaluating if and when you should replace your home's furnace.
The Age and Expected Lifespan of Your Furnace
Most residential furnaces have a normal functional lifespan of 10-20 years, depending on regular maintenance and the quality of the unit. Once your furnace reaches or exceeds that age range, the likelihood of routine breakdowns, the need for repairs, and general wear and tear increases significantly. Trying to squeeze a few extra years out of an aging furnace past its expected lifespan often leads to more frequent calls to the repairman, some major headaches when the heat goes out, and higher energy bills from declining efficiency.
Weighing the Cost of Repairs
While it's worth fixing minor issues as they arise, you don't want to sink too much money into maintaining an old, inefficient furnace. As repair bills start mounting up, the costs can approach or even exceed the price of a new, warrantied furnace that should run reliably for 15-20 years. Considering both the upfront cost of a new unit and the long-term savings on energy and reduced repairs helps determine if replacement is the more economical option.
Safety Concerns with Older Models
Many older furnaces lack standard safety features like automatic shut offs or CO monitors that are required on all new systems. Old furnaces can have a higher risk of spewing carbon monoxide, overheating, catching fire, and other hazards if not replaced. Investing in a new, safer furnace greatly reduces the risks of serious issues.
Improving Comfort and Efficiency
A properly sized, modern furnace will distribute heat more evenly throughout your home, eliminate cold spots, provide better humidity control, and improve indoor air quality. You'll also save significantly on monthly heating bills, with new ENERGY STAR rated furnaces being up to 20% more efficient than most older models.
Extending the Life of Central AC
If your central air conditioner is still in good shape, replacing just the furnace first can help extend its usable lifespan. A poorly operating furnace forces the AC to work harder to cool the home. Eliminating the furnace as the weak link improves the whole central HVAC system.
Incentives for Upgrading
Utility companies, manufacturers, and local governments often offer rebates and tax incentives for upgrading to an energy efficient furnace. Take advantage of any available deals and you can recoup some of the upfront costs faster.
Replacing a furnace is a significant investment, so you want to be sure it's the right time. But if your furnace is up there in years, requiring frequent maintenance, and lacking modern performance features, an upgrade can pay for itself in the long run.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Old Furnace
If you're on the fence about whether to repair or replace your aging furnace, looking out for these common problems can help make the decision clearer:
Frequent Unexpected Shutdowns
It's normal for furnaces to cycle on and off to maintain temperature. But if your furnace frequently shuts down unexpectedly before reaching the set temperature, it likely indicates an issue. Problems with the ignitor, flame sensor, or gas valve can cause repeated shutdowns. While repairs may get it working again temporarily, recurring shutdowns usually mean the internal components are worn out and replacing the entire furnace is the permanent solution.
Spikes in Monthly Heating Bills
If your energy bills have increased significantly without changes in energy use habits or home upgrades, it points to a problem with efficiency. Over years of use, furnaces operate less efficiently due to build up on internal components. Older models also have lower AFUE ratings to begin with. Replacing a 15+ year old furnace with a new ENERGY STAR model can reduce heating costs by over 20%.
Uneven Heat Distribution
Over time, furnaces can become improperly sized for the home as insulation is added or heating needs change. Ductwork also collects dirt and debris. These issues can lead to some rooms being noticeably colder than others. Upgrading to a properly sized furnace and cleaning ducts can restore even, comfortable heat throughout the whole home.
Unusual Noises and Vibration
Clanking, humming, and loud rumbling from your furnace often signals a problem. Issues like a cracked heat exchanger, faulty blower motor, or loose ductwork cause these noises. Making DIY repairs may temporarily resolve them, but fully replacing an aging noisy furnace provides a permanent fix.
Safety Hazards
Older furnaces often lack basic safety features like automatic shut off if CO builds up or overheating occurs. Investing in a new furnace with modern safety controls significantly reduces risks to your home and family.
Choosing an Energy Efficient Replacement Furnace
When upgrading your home's furnace, one of the biggest decisions is what efficiency level to opt for. Higher efficiency furnaces cost more upfront but can lead to significant long-term energy savings. Here's an overview of what Chicago homeowners need to know:
Understanding AFUE Ratings
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This percentage represents how much heat is produced per unit of fuel consumed over the course of a typical year. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace.
Standard models range from 80% to 89% AFUE
High-efficiency models range from 90% to 96% AFUE
Best-in-class models are over 96% AFUE
Estimating Energy Savings
Upgrading from an old 70% AFUE furnace to a new 95% AFUE model can reduce heating costs by over 30% in Chicago. Typically, you can expect savings of:
3-10% for standard efficiency upgrades
15-20% for high efficiency furnaces
25%+ for top-tier condensing furnaces
We'll perform an in-depth analysis of potential energy savings as part of your replacement quote.
Qualifying for Rebates and Tax Credits
To incentivize homeowners to upgrade, many utilities and local governments offer rebates on high-efficiency furnaces. Federal tax credits up to $500 are also available. Our team handles all incentive paperwork and ensures you maximize savings.
The higher initial investment for an energy efficient furnace pays back over time through lower energy bills and savings on repairs
What to Expect During Furnace Replacement
Replacing your home's furnace is a major project that requires professional installation. Here is an overview of the typical replacement process from start to finish:
In-Home Inspection
The first step is an inspection of your current furnace and ductwork. Our team will evaluate your heating needs, take measurements, and recommend replacement options. This allows us to provide an accurate quote for the new furnace and installation costs.
Removal of Old Unit
Our technicians will disconnect, dismantle, and remove your old furnace. This includes safely capping gas or electric connections. We handle proper disposal and recycling of all old furnace components.
Installation of New System
The new furnace is brought onsite and into position. Ductwork is connected, gas and electrical lines are hooked up, the thermostat is configured, and all components are attached. We ensure the unit is level, properly vented, and meets all building codes.
Testing and Adjustments
Once installed, we power up the new furnace and meticulously test all functions. We monitor and adjust airflow, temperature uniformity, fan speeds, and venting to ensure optimal performance.
Permits and Inspections
Our team pulls all required local permits and schedules inspections by the city building department. We handle any needed adjustments to get your new furnace fully approved.
Replacing a furnace is a major undertaking, so leave it to the experts. We'll handle the entire process smoothly from start to finish.
Furnace Replacement in Chicago Suburbs
As experienced HVAC specialists, we’ve been providing furnace installation and repair services in the Chicago suburbs for over 15 years. If your furnace is outdated, inefficient, or needing repairs, it’s likely time to consider replacement.
We handle the entire replacement process for homeowners:
Schedule an in-home consultation and inspection
Recommend the properly sized furnace for your needs and budget
Remove and dispose of your old furnace safely
Install new, energy efficient models from leading brands
Obtain any required permits and arrange inspections
Fine tune your new furnace for optimal performance
Upgrading your home’s furnace improves safety, comfort, indoor air quality, and efficiency. We would be happy to give you a quote on a new furnace with installation included. Our team strives to make the process smooth and hassle-free for Chicago area homeowners.
Furnace Replacement FAQs
How much does it cost to replace a furnace in Chicago?
Basic gas furnace replacement costs $3,000 - $5,000 on average. High efficiency furnaces range from $5,000 - $12,000 installed.
How long does a new furnace last?
With proper maintenance, a new furnace will last 15-20 years or more before needing replacement.
Should I repair or replace my old furnace?
Once your furnace is over 15 years old or repair bills exceed 50% of replacement cost, replacement is usually the better investment.
What are signs my furnace needs replacing?
Age over 15 years, frequent repairs needed, rust or cracks, uneven heating, noisy operation, lack of safety features, spikes in energy bills.
Should I upgrade my furnace when I replace it?
Upgrading to a high-efficiency model can significantly reduce your heating costs over time. Rebates and tax credits also help offset the upfront cost.
How do I choose what type of new furnace to get?
We help select the ideal furnace fuel type, efficiency level, capacity, and features based on your home, budget, and needs.
What efficiency rating should I look for?
Choose a furnace with an AFUE rating of at least 90% or higher for the most energy savings.
Do I need to upgrade my ductwork with a new furnace?
If your ducts are very outdated, additions and modifications may be recommended for optimal heat distribution.
How long does furnace replacement take?
Most installs take 1-2 days total. We work efficiently to minimize disruption.
How do I prepare my home for furnace replacement?
Clear a path to allow removal of old unit. Discuss any ductwork or venting needs ahead of time. Turn off pilot lights on other gas appliances.
What happens to my old furnace?
We safely remove and dispose of it, recycling components.
What are the steps of the installation process?
We inspect, remove old unit, install new furnace, connect ducts and gas line, test operation, and get inspected.
How loud is a new furnace?
New models are much quieter than older furnaces. Proper installation also minimizes noise.
Can a furnace help with indoor air quality?
Yes, new furnaces often include advanced filtration to capture allergens and pollutants.
What should I do if my new furnace isn't keeping me warm?
First, give it 2-3 cold nights to fully balance temperatures. If issue persists, call us to inspect and make adjustments.
Why does my new furnace turn on and off frequently?
This is normal short cycling to maintain consistent temperature. If it runs too long or short, call us to optimize settings.
What maintenance does a new furnace need?
Annual check-ups to inspect, clean, and tune up the furnace for peak efficiency and reliability.
How can I improve airflow from my new furnace?
Things like sealing ducts, adjusting vents, upgrading air filters, or modifying ductwork can help optimize airflow.
What is a flame sensor and when should it be replaced?
It is a safety device that shuts off gas if the pilot light goes out. Replace if furnace frequently shuts down.
How much does it cost to replace a furnace ignitor?
Ignitor replacement costs $300-$500 in labor and parts on average.
What does it mean if my furnace is making a humming noise?
Humming often indicates an issue with the blower motor that may need replacement.
What should I do about a loud banging or clicking sound from the furnace?
Have it inspected as it may be a sign of an issue with the ignition, fan, or heat exchanger.
Why does my furnace keep shutting off before reaching the set temperature?
This usually indicates a faulty gas valve or ignitor that needs replacement.
How can I improve the humidity in my home in winter?
New two-stage furnaces have settings to improve moisture control in cold climates.
What is a draft inducer motor and when does it need replaced?
This motor pulls combustion gases out of the furnace. Replace if furnace is backdrafting.
Should I hire a company to do the install or do it myself?
Installation is complex, for safety you should always hire a qualified professional.
How often should furnace filters be changed?
Every 1-3 months is recommended, more often for high efficiency filters.
Can a smart thermostat help save energy with a new furnace?
Yes, smart thermostats optimize heating schedules and temperature control.
Save Money By Booking Repair Service Calls Online
Take advantage of our discounts when you schedule a repair service call through our online form. We'll inspect your faulty appliance, heating or cooling system and provide an upfront quote for getting it fixed.
A service call from our experienced team includes:
Thorough inspection of your equipment
Identifying any issues and recommended repairs
A fair quote for parts, labor and workmanship
Quality repairs performed by skilled technicians
By using our online booking form, you can save 15% off our already low service call rates. The savings are only available when you schedule through the website.
Don't pay full price! We make repairs more affordable and convenient. Get discounted pricing by scheduling a service call online today.
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