If you are considering replacing or buying a new furnace system, the cost estimates may have surprised you. Depending on the size, model, and comfort level you are looking for, a new furnace system can cost upwards of $8,000.
There are multiple reasons as to why new furnace installation is such a costly affair:
- It’s a complicated system with multiple components
- Installation requires licensed help and knowledge
- It’s a long-term investment
It’s also important to consider that furnace installation requires professional expertise. Not everyone knows how to install these systems properly. By paying a higher cost, you are enlisting the help of knowledgeable professionals who you know will do a good, safe, and reliable job.
That said, the price can still be a lot. So, if you want affordable furnace installation in NJ, is DIY worth the effort?
Based on our extensive professional experience, here are 5 reasons to stay away from a DIY furnace installation project.
Why A DIY Furnace Installation Is Not A Good Idea?
Image Source: Unsplash/Jason Leung
• It Can Be Hazardous
A furnace is a complicated system and requires professional expertise for a perfect installation. Even a small installation or fitting error can cause issues that can be hazardous – even fatal. Spontaneous combustion, gas leaks, and carbon monoxide poisoning are a few of the many hazards you could be exposed to, and that can cause accidents or death, if the furnace has not been installed properly.
• Improper Fitting Results In High Energy Bills
In addition to causing health and safety issues, improperly measured units also make it difficult for the heat to be released and distributed properly. As a result, expect high energy bills with reduced unit performance. With a professional helping you, not only the installation will be proper but you’ll also learn if you’ve bought the right size and the most accurate calculations to fit the unit for optimum performance.
• You Require A Few Permits
In New Jersey, like in many other states, furnace system installation requires special permits. From a safety standpoint as well as state regulations, you should not be attempting to handle gas lines, and other hazardous equipment, on your own. These systems are some of the most dangerous equipment you could have around the house and unless you have proper training and knowledge, handling their various parts is a risk we do not advise you to take.
• The Poorly Fitted System May Be Prone To Frequent Breakdowns
Even if your DIY-fitted furnace does not become a life hazard, there’s always a chance that improper fitting may cause the system to collapse often. It raises repair costs, frustration levels, and eventually, you end up paying more than you had actually bargained for. Frequent repairs also affect the lifespan of the system and you may need to replace the whole thing sooner than average.
• You May Damage Your Furnace Warranty Protection
Most furnace manufacturing companies require the system to be installed by a professional for the warranty to take effect. If you DIY the thing and any repairs are needed, no affordable furnace repair services in PA may be available to you – as the repairs won’t be covered by the company. To enjoy the full coverage of the warranty, enlisting the help of a professional for proper installation is necessary.
How To Bring The Cost Down?
Image Source: Unsplash/Tekton
Now, that you know that DIY is out of the question, what other options are available to you for keeping the furnace maintenance services in PA and NJ affordable and safe?
• Buy (Or Replace) Your Furnace In The Off-Season
Following the logical rules of the economy, winters are the most in-demand season for furnace buying and maintenance. If you buy your unit in the summers, you stand to save a lot on buying costs. As the demand is low during off-season months, you can get a high-end system at highly affordable rates.
Manufacturers and retailers often have financing options available too to lure more customers during off-peak months.
• Install A Properly-Sized System
If the system is not accurately measured according to the size of your property, the heating may not be effective. Too small a system and it will need to work more to heat the space – too large and incorrect heating will stifle you. A professional furnace installation service in NJ will help you choose a system that is perfectly sized for your property and will do its job without creating repair or energy cost issues.
• Invest In An Energy-Efficient Unit
The lifespan of an average furnace system is 12-15 years. If your system has been around the block for long, it may be time for a newer model. Investing in the latest one is not only prudent in terms of saving on countless repairs but energy efficiency as well. The latest models available in the market use the latest technology to ensure maximum performance with the least amount of energy uptake. This means a drastic decrease in your energy bills and eventual savings.
• Figure Out Your Long-Term Living Situation
Since furnace buying is a costly investment, figure out your living situation before you cough up thousands of dollars. If you are going to be at your current residence for years to come, it makes sense to invest in a new and efficient furnace. If you are going to move soon, perhaps a more basic version will do. Call a reliable furnace repair company to find out whether you even need a replacement or not. Perhaps your issue can be resolved with some nice maintenance and you won’t have to buy a new system for some years yet.
• Match The Unit With The Comfort Level You Require
Not all furnace systems are created equally. Some do their job well, sure, but others come with all the tins and tinkers of high-end comfort. Depending on the comfort level you want, you can buy a system that does not cost a lot. On the other hand, a high-quality system that adjusts its performance based on the needs of the weather and the user means lower energy bills, lower repair costs, and a longer running system.
The Takeaway
Furnace installation is expensive but if you enlist the help of a professional furnace maintenance service in PA and NJ, you can bring the costs drastically down. Instead of muddling through with a DIY project that can end up becoming more costly and unnecessarily dangerous, a professional and licensed service can help you size your unit accurately, install it properly, and ensure it runs smoothly with complete protection of the manufacturer warranty.