Systems more than 10 years old will probably show some signs of slowing down and losing efficiency. That’s not to say it can’t last another 10 years if you do regular maintenance and minor repairs, but watch for slower warming, reduced airflow, higher energy bills, strange odors, and loud noises.

As a general guideline, consider replacement if the equipment is beyond three-quarters of its life expectancy and repairs will cost more than a third of replacement. Also consider the cost to operate it each month, because a newer, more efficient unit could actually save you money over time.

This is a common question but it’s difficult to answer because furnaces come in many sizes, with many features. On average, you can get a quality Carrier® unit starting around $3,000. The good news is that financing is available, with approved credit. Plus, there are often manufacturer rebates, tax credits, and energy incentives to make your new system more affordable.

Yes, upgrading your air conditioning or adding air purifying products during a furnace installation will save you an extra trip charge and labor fees. Your Gross Heating technician knows exactly how they work together and is happy to take care of several comfort needs in a single trip.

There are a number of problems that could cause leaking, from a simple clog in the drain line to a dirty condensate trap. Start by checking the tube that runs to the floor drain—if water is draining properly, you will need a more thorough inspection to find the problem before you get moisture damage or mold. Call us for service, especially if you’ve skipped annual maintenance that includes new filters and humidifier pads.

With proper maintenance, you can expect your furnace to last between 15 and 20 years. Of course, it depends on many factors, like how often it has been maintained, the type of furnace, and how harsh the winters have been. With so many variables, one thing is sure—Gross Heating can help your system run better, for longer.

Annual maintenance is recommended to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient heating through the winter. It’s always a good idea to test and adjust your system before you really need it, so call us up before the temperatures go down.

Recommended intervals are as follows: one-inch disposable filters should be replaced monthly while four-inch media cartridges or high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters only have to be replaced every six to 12 months. If you smoke indoors, burn candles, have pets, or have construction in your neighborhood, it’s likely you’ll need to replace them more often.

Converting an old steam boiler to a hot water system results in a quick payback, because newer models work much more efficiently and are easier on the pipes in your home. You may also want to consider adding in-floor radiant heat lines, which use hot water to warm the entire surface of your floors for comfortable, consistent temperatures.