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Tankless Water Heater Installation Are you thinking about upgrading to a tankless water heater? It’s a smart move that can generate significant energy savings and endless hot water on demand. However, it’s essential to leave the job to the professionals when it comes to installation. Flame Tech Heating, located in Victoria, BC, is your trusted […]

Tankless Water Heater Installation and Replacement

2 months ago 0 COMMENTS

Tankless Water Heater Installation

Are you thinking about upgrading to a tankless water heater? It’s a smart move that can generate significant energy savings and endless hot water on demand. However, it’s essential to leave the job to the professionals when it comes to installation. Flame Tech Heating, located in Victoria, BC, is your trusted partner for all things related to tankless water heaters for your home, property, or commercial space.

As certified gas fitters, we offer comprehensive services, including sales, installation, and maintenance of tankless water heaters. Tankless systems require precise setup and gas fitting expertise to ensure safe and efficient operation. So, if you’re considering this upgrade, steer clear of DIY attempts and rely on the experts at Flame Tech Heating for a seamless and secure tankless water heater installation.

 

Tankless Water Heater Installation Service – Flametech Heating

A tankless water heater install is best left to a professional tankless water heater technician with BC gas fitter certification. Flametech Heating offers professional services for tankless water heater installation.

  1. Choose the right tankless water heater for your home or property. Discuss the best model (gas or electric), size, and other features of a tankless water heater system that will best suit your family’s needs. Choose a unit with a flow rate capable of meeting your hot water demands.
  2. Flametech professionals will remove the old tank (after draining) or the older tankless water heater is something we typically handle for you. You should be prepared for your water, electrical and gas lines to be shut off during the removal process for a few hours. 
  3. Following local building codes, your new unit will be mounted in a suitable location. 
  4. Hot and cold water lines to the designated inlets and outlets of the tankless water heater will then be connected.
  5. Gas line upgrades may be required – we are fully licensed BC gas fitters and will be able to let you know if this will be needed for your building’s system. 
  6. Testing – once the tankless water heater has been installed, Flametech Heating will test it to make sure everything is working properly. 

The process for a tankless water heater installation is typically relatively easy. With the proper steps and professionals, there is generally no mess or debris created. Most tankless water heater systems are installed in a few hours. 

Tankless Water Heater Replacement Service

Flametech Heating can discuss which replacement tankless water heater unit can best meet your demands. If your older tankless water heater wasn’t sized correctly for your home, has aged out and needs replacement, or has malfunctioned, we can help you with a tankless water heater replacement. 

Following similar steps to a tankless water heater installation, we will want to understand what worked and didn’t work with your old system. Our tankless water heater technician will then discuss the best options for a new system. We’ll then book an appropriate time and remove your existing tankless water heater and replace it with a new model. 

Book a Tankless Water Heater Install or Replacement in Victoria

If you’re ready to upgrade with a new tankless water heater or replacement unit, contact us! As licensed BC gas fitters, we understand the local requirements in Victoria for connecting tankless water systems. We work with several tankless water heater suppliers including Rinnai and Navien. Flametech Heating, Victoria, BC will help you select the best tankless water heater system for your home, property or commercial space. Make an appointment or give us a call at 778-977-3473.

Do I Need a Fireplace WETT Inspection?

3 months ago 0 COMMENTS

A fireplace WETT Inspection is performed by a certified technician who is WETT Certified. 

An inspection for the wood burning appliances in your home is important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the safety of you and your family. With wood burning appliances, the potential for harmful pollutants to be released into your home as well as combustible materials to ignite is increased, so it is important that these appliances are regularly inspected and properly maintained. 

First, What is a WETT Inspection?

The Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) Inc. is a non-profit training and education association. This organization promotes the safe and effective use of wood-burning systems in Canada. They provide training and certification to those who have completed their courses. WETT-certified inspectors must abide by a code of ethics requiring professionalism in all aspects of their work.

By using a chimney sweep who is WETT certified, you can have confidence in their abilities and skills. They have the education to inspect your chimney, fireplace or wood stove to look for defects or elements that have eroded over time. A WETT-certified chimney sweep has the knowledge to clean and maintain your entire wood-burning system, including cleaning the chimney. Your WETT inspector may make recommendations for repairs or replacements.

What Kind of WETT Inspections Are There? 

There are different kinds of inspections for your solid-fuel-burning system. There are visual, technical or invasive levels. A visual inspection might be performed when you are buying a house. A technical inspection is what is typically required by insurance companies or if you haven’t used your appliance for a while. The invasive inspection might be performed after a fire or if a concern is discovered in the technical inspection. 

Your WETT-Certified professional can advise you on what type or level of inspection you might require.

Who Needs a Fireplace WETT Inspection?

If you have a wood-burning appliance like a fireplace, stove or pellet stove, you may need an inspection. Here are some areas where it is common to get a WETT-certified inspector in:

For Homebuyers and Sellers: This is a common time to get a WETT inspection. It can give peace of mind to both parties during a real estate transaction.

New Fireplace Owners: If you’ve recently purchased a wood-burning fireplace, a WETT inspection is a good idea to ensure it was properly installed.

Anyone with Concerns: If you notice any problems with your fireplace, such as smoke odours, difficulty starting a fire, or damaged components, you should get a WETT inspection.

How Often Do I Need An Inspection Of My Fireplace or Wood-Burning Stove?

The recommended frequency for a WETT inspection will depend on how you use your fireplace or wood-burning stove and how often. 

An Annual Inspection: If you use your appliance regularly, an annual inspection is recommended. Fall is a great time to get an inspection before colder winter months and after it has remained dormant for a period of time. This ensures any potential problems are identified and addressed before you start using your fireplace regularly. If you use your wood burning system regularly, you may want to consider an inspection twice a year – Spring and Fall are ideal times. 

Every Few Years: If you don’t use your wood-burning fuel system often (less than a few times a year), you could get an inspection every two or three years. It is still important to get periodic inspections and perform maintenance to maintain safety and efficiency. 

Special Considerations: As mentioned, you may also want to get a WETT inspection when buying or selling your house with a wood-burning appliance, for insurance purposes or if you have a new or upgraded system. 

When There is an Issue: If you notice damage, have smoke or smoke odour entering your home, difficulty starting a fire, or reduced heat, it is a good idea to get a WETT professional in to assess your system. 

Benefits of a WETT Inspection for a Wood Stove or Wood-Burning Appliance

Safety First: A fireplace WETT inspection can identify potential fire hazards like creosote buildup, damaged flue liners, or improper clearances from combustibles. When your appliance isn’t working properly or isn’t maintained, this could lead to house fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Improved Efficiency: A clean and properly maintained fireplace will burn more efficiently, saving you money on firewood! Dirty chimneys can restrict airflow and air leaks can reduce heating efficiency. 

Peace of Mind: Knowing your fireplace is safe and functioning properly allows you to relax and enjoy the ambiance it provides.

What Are The Costs For A Chimney Sweep Who Is Wett Certified?

Costs will vary depending on the level of inspection you require and the age of your wood-burning system. Costs will start at $150 but there are a variety of considerations that go into what an inspection will cost. We perform WETT inspections in the Victoria area and would be happy to give you a quote for a WETT-certified inspection. Every WETT inspection will come with a report and any recommendations for peak safety and operating efficiency.

Book a WETT Inspection in Victoria

Want a professional team to come out and perform a WETT inspection? We are experienced and WETT-certified. We’ve operated in the Victoria area for over 20 years and understand local building codes and the environment. Contact us online or call us at 778-977-3473 to book an appointment or to get a quote. We come out to your house, business, condo, or apartment in Victoria, Sidney, Oak Bay, Saanich, Langford, Mill Bay, Brentwood Bay, Esquimalt, North Saanich, Saanichton, Central Saanich, Shirley, Metchosin, Shawnigan Lake, Port Renfrew, Juan de Fuca, Cowichan Lake, Cowichan Valley.

2019 Fortis BC Furnace Rebates

5 years ago 0 COMMENTS

Convert to Natural Gas Furnace

Converting your heating system from oil, wood stove, or propane and choosing a high-efficiency natural gas furnace or boiler can help you save money on your heating costs while providing comfort and warmth for your home.

Eligibility

  1. Program is for existing homes only and is not available for new construction.
  2. Only one Connect to Gas rebate per appliance or system installed per household.
  3. You must apply within 60 days of installation.

Review all the terms and conditions.

Rebate details

Connect your home to natural gas, get a pre-qualification code and have an eligible ENERGY STAR® heating system installed to be eligible for a $1,300 rebate. 

Upgrade Rebate Requirements
ENERGY STAR natural gas heating system $1,300

 

 

Replace Your Existing Gas Furnace 

Replace your old natural gas furnace with an eligible ENERGY STAR® model and you could qualify for a rebate of up to $700.

Eligibility

  1. You must be a residential FortisBC natural gas customer, with natural gas as your primary source of heat.
  2. Your existing furnace must be at least 10 years old and must not require repairs in excess of $1,000 (pre-tax, including parts and labour). Emergency replacements of a furnace that is not in working order or is deemed unsafe to operate by a licensed gas contractor is not eligible.
  3. You must install an eligible ENERGY STAR furnace with a two-pipe direct vent system, as verified by a photograph included with your application.
  4. Applications must be submitted within 60 days of the installation date.

Rebate details

Upgrade Rebate Requirements
95 to 96.9 per cent annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) furnace $500 Eligible furnaces
97 to 99 per cent AFUE furnace $7001

Other requirements for high-efficiency furnace rebates

Your new furnace must have two-pipe direct venting. One pipe provides directly vented outside air to the sealed combustion chamber, while the second sealed pipe directs exhaust gases outside. This system improves the efficiency and lifespan of the equipment as well as the comfort of your home. 

 

Valor Fireplaces

5 years ago 0 COMMENTS

Why We Favour and Recommend Valor Fireplaces to Victoria Residents

Valor manufactures superior gas fireplaces, and is a brand we endorse here at Flametech. They’ve been keeping families warm since 1890 and their longevity is a result of their commitment to continually setting new standards within the industry. They are constantly refining the energy efficiency and comfort control of their fireplaces, and they offer unique styles, trim and accessories that will blend with any decor.

Are Valor Good Fireplaces?

All types of heating are not created equal, and what separates Valor gas fireplaces from the rest is radiant heat. Radiant heat offers comfortable, healthy and the most natural form of heating source available. The sun is an example of radiant heat, which heats by moving in straight lines. This warms all object in it’s path which in turn act as small heat conductors and multiply the warmth.

Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a big reason to consider installing a Valor fireplace in your home. Direct vent sealed combustion gas fireplaces eliminate any unwanted drafts and/or heat loss. The remote pilot ignition system allows you to turn the pilot on and off, saving fuel and money. Zone heating saves energy costs by providing a steady and even heat in the spaces where you do most of your living. Valor’s self modulating system uses less energy to produce a beautiful and realistic flame. Engineered to circulate air through natural convection, Valor gas fireplaces are highly efficient without a fan. Installing a Valor gas fireplace is a great investment for the value it adds to your home.

Zone Heating

Your forced air heating system distributes air from a central furnace unit through ducts to each room in your home. The furnace burner will cycle on and off often 3 to 4 times an hour depending on what temperature you set your thermostat to and it’s sensitivity. Cycle on times may be very short with burners shutting down before peak efficiency is even reached. This results in reduced efficiencies through cycling losses. Homeowners often close heat vents in unused rooms as a way to save on heating bills, but a more efficient way to keep warm is with a Valor gas fireplace that heats the space or zone that you mainly spend your time in. Special, lightweight steel and ceramic components heat up quickly and reach peak efficiency within minutes. Installing a Valor gas fireplace in one or more of your main living zones supplies increased comfort while reducing furnace usage in colder months and creating ideal use in Spring and Fall.

Explore the Options

  • Zero clearance fireplaces allow zero clearance to combustible materials and are primarily installed in new home construction or as part of a home renovation project.
  • Gas inserts are designed to be installed into existing masonry fireplace cavities, to convert a wood-burning or gas-log fireplace to either natural gas or propane.
  • Freestanding resemble wood burning stoves and can replace existing wood burning stoves or be installed where there is no existing stove.

HeatShift Technology

Widely recognized as industry leaders in advanced heat management, Valor has taken the concept of no power, no problem to the next level. Always the innovator, they have introduced a heat management system that redirects fireplace warmth to a higher elevation in the room. The design premise is to reduce surface temperature, especially when adding a wall mounted TV or heat sensitive material directly above a fireplace. By raising the heat outlet it improves conventional air flow which reduces wall temperatures and improves overall performance. This also allows warm air to be circulated back into the room at a higher elevation.

Safety

New safety standards require all gas fireplaces manufactured after January 1st 2015 to include safety screens to reduce the potential for accidental contact with hot glass surfaces. Rather than wait, Valor Fireplaces began equipping their product with protective screens as of January 2013, a full two years ahead of mandated compliance. It is recommended that an after market safety gate be installed to further keep little ones a safe distance away.

Why We Choose Valor

We hope that we have given you a few reasons to select Valor for your next gas fireplace. We’ve installed many Valor products in homes and we strongly recommend them for their efficiency and their radiant heat. Contact us today for more information on any Valor product.

 

 

 

Why We Recommend Pacific Energy Wood Stove & Heating Products to Victoria Residents

6 years ago 0 COMMENTS

Review of Pacific Energy Wood Stoves

At Flametech Heating we pride ourselves in offering the best appliances for heating your home, and Pacific Energy systems rank high on our list of the best heating options. We’ve done the research and comparisons for you here, and feel confident that you’ll agree. Below are some of the outstanding features Pacific Energy offers.

Baffle System

Two features that we think make Pacific Energy products highly desirable are their lower environmental impact and their reduction of the amount of wood consumed. These benefits are due to the unique high capacity baffle system that preheats secondary combustion air for a reburning. The baffles are removable, hollow chambers precisely formed and perforated to allow a continuous, controlled flow of secondary air with no moving parts. Constructed from fully seam welded 304 grade, non ferrous stainless steel, they ensure efficient combustion of secondary air throughout the entire burn cycle.

Air Wash System

There’s something so cozy about watching a wood burning fire unobstructed by a piece of sooty fireplace glass. Over 30 years ago Pacific Energy pioneered the use of glass doors on free standing wood stoves for this reason. Their heating systems bring further innovation with the first effective air wash manifold system, a design that flows preheated air to the glass surface, keeping it clean. Through continuous refining to the air wash design, it now creates a high pressure zone in the center and focuses air to flow from above and across the glass. The result is that even at low air settings, you have the cleanest glass doors with their system.

Floating Firebox

The firebox is subject to wide variations in temperature. These extremes and the resulting expansion and contraction can lead to premature fatigue or even failure of the metal components. While this may be the case with some stoves, Pacific Energy once again stands apart with it’s floating firebox technology. Designed of 304 grade stainless steel brick support rails, it allows key parts to freely expand and contract. In turn this reduces the metal fatigue and greatly extends the life of your wood stove. The Flame Shield (which protects the stove top from intense heat) along with the stainless steel baffle system form part of the floating firebox feature. While stoves that have all of these great features cost more to manufacture, it creates a more durable and long lasting product.

Extended Burn

With their second generation Extended Burn Technology or EBT2, Pacific Energy has further refined their technology for even better results. By precisely regulating secondary airflow based on a vacuum created by the chimney, the result is a longer, cleaner more economical burn. This automatically adjusts the secondary combustion system for a cleaner, more efficient burn and extended burn time.

Warranty

Pacific Energy backs up their wood burning appliances with a warranty that is offered to the original registered purchaser of the product as follows:

Limited Lifetime Coverage (10 years) is extended to the following components: porcelain finish, glass plating (for thermal breakage, not impact), firebox and baffle.

3 Year Comprehensive
Pacific Energy will replace or repair any part found to be defective (parts and labour) for 3 years from the date of purchase. This coverage includes electrical components (blowers, speed controls, and thermal switches).

Manufactured Locally

Pacific Energy has been manufacturing heating appliances for 35 years, and by continually refining their designs they have been recognized as an industry leader. Many of the innovations that have become standard components throughout the industry originated at Pacific Energy. Their dedicated team of engineers and craftspeople continue to refine and improve on their designs for cleaner, longer burning, and environmentally responsible wood burning appliances. Their dedicated employees, many with an average of 17 years with the company, ensure the consistent quality of their product.

A final added bonus is that Pacific Energy appliances are locally manufactured right here on Vancouver Island, an area with a long and proud heritage of wood products and wood heating. Pacific Energy products are made using the highest quality North American components whenever possible. Supporting local business is something we believe in at Flametech, and it is one of the many reasons we recommend Pacific Energy, a company that supports the local economy and produces a quality product that is manufactured close to home.

Wood Stoves Are Good For The Environment

6 years ago 0 COMMENTS

The topic of global warming is in the media, even more so with Donald Trump’s victory in the US Presidential Election and no matter what he says or does, we should all be very aware of it’s impact on the earth. It may surprise you to hear that using wood to heat your home is actually a responsible choice. Unlike fossil fuels wood is a sustainable fuel source and doesn’t contribute to global warming. When you burn wood you are simply speeding up the natural decomposition process.

Renewable Resources

It’s easy to see that wind, solar and hydroelectric power are renewable energy resources and firewood has a place on that list as well. One way to meet the challenge of global warming is to use more renewables and less oil, gas and coal in the future.

Firewood As Fuel

New trees grow to replace those that have died or been harvested by reseeding themselves or reforesting projects. When oil, gas and coal are burned the carbon they contain is oxidized to CO2 ( the main greenhouse gas ) Fossil fuels release ancient carbon when used and increase the atmospheric content of CO2. Apart from the energy to harvest, process and transport it heating with wood can be considered almost carbon neutral.

Although the burning of wood releases carbon into the atmosphere a tree actually absorbs CO2 as they grow so as a result they are almost carbon neutral. A tree that decomposes naturally in the forest emits the same amount of CO2 as when you burn it.

As a source of fuel to keep us warm we are simply tapping into the natural cycle in which CO2 flows from the atmosphere to the forest and back.

Wood as a fuel source can be a part of the solution provided it is burned efficiently which is entirely possible. There’s nothing nicer than sitting in front of a cozy wood fire on these cooler Fall evenings in Victoria. Contact us today as we’d love to show you some great options for heating with wood in Victoria BC.

Chimney and Wood Stove Cleaning and Maintenance

6 years ago 0 COMMENTS

Updated April 20, 2024

Chimney and wood stove maintenance and cleaning impacts the function and longevity of your wood-burning appliance. Maintenance and cleaning should be performed by a professional who can evaluate the function, structure and safety. 

The crackling of firewood in your fireplace or wood stove creates an ambiance you can’t replicate. It keeps you warm and cozy on cool nights and doesn’t shut down when the power goes off. There are many reasons people choose this heating method but it is also good for our planet.

More than ever people are looking for a renewable energy source that has less impact on the environment. For these two reasons heating your home with firewood is a good choice. Regularly maintaining and cleaning your chimney and wood stove will keep it running as an efficient heat source in your home. It is also important for safety. Having a professional evaluate your structures brings you peace of mind that your appliance is operating safely for you and your family.

Two main areas to consider for chimney maintenance and cleaning are reducing the opportunity for chimney fires and choosing a professional technician to review anything that might be happening with the structure.

Reduce Chimney Fires With Regular Wood Stove Servicing

Regular maintenance and cleaning reduces the chances of a fire in your home. Proper maintenance also keeps your appliance running efficiently

Burning firewood creates a creosote buildup inside the chimney which means the surface could ignite and catch fire. The intense heat of a chimney fire can damage the chimney by warping the metal chimney or in the case of a masonry chimney crack the tile liner. Regular cleaning will reduce the chance of a chimney catching fire.

Hire A Professional Fireplace Technician for Chimney Cleaning Service

A professional fireplace expert not only brings you peace of mind, but is also able to perform a proper inspection for damage, has knowledge of building codes, and insurance requirements. If you have a chimney fire and don’t have records showing a professional has been maintaining and inspecting the chimney annually, it might void coverage due to maintenance negligence.

Our team are WETT Certified Technicians which means they have the proper training for chimney inspections.

A professional fireplace technician also has the proper tools for cleaning your chimney and wood stove and other chimney services. 

Tips To Operate Your Chimney or Wood Stove for Efficiency

Follow these tips to help your chimney operate a high level.

  • Only burn dry, cured wood — logs that have been split, stacked, and dried for eight to 12 months
  • Close your damper when not using the fireplace to prevent warm indoor air
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors in your house
  • If you burn more than three cords of wood annually, get your chimney serviced and cleaned twice a year and once a year if you burn less
  • To burn fire safely, build it slowly, adding more wood as it heats and keeping your damper completely open to increase draw in the early stages

Book Your Chimney or Wood Stove Cleaning in Victoria

Regular chimney and wood stove cleaning will help you to escape the chill with the natural warmth and ambiance of firewood heating. Not only does it create a cozy atmosphere for your home, but firewood is also a renewable resource you can feel good about using.

Even if you own a high-efficiency wood stove chimney, maintenance should be done on a regular basis by a professional. We recommend at least once a year and the spring is an ideal time.

For questions about your wood heating system or if you’re considering purchasing a new wood fireplace in Victoria call us today. Contact us for a free consultation or quote and read through client reviews of our chimney services!

What Are Wood Fireplace Inserts?

7 years ago 0 COMMENTS

Wood-burning fireplaces are not efficient when it comes to retaining the heat of the fire–and in fact, older fireplaces can operate at just a 5 percent efficiency. They traditionally pull the warm air from the inside of the home into the fire, and a lot of energy becomes lost when the heat goes up the chimney. This energy loss is only intensified when the temperature is at below freezing.

Fireplace inserts can be used to help increase efficiency in a few ways, depending on the type of insert. Wood fireplace inserts specifically can be used to create a traditional fire, rather than a simulated one. Read on to learn more about fireplace inserts in general and about the benefits of a wood fireplace insert for your home.

Fireplace inserts are fireproof boxes used to create a closed combustion system

Inserts are boxes that are surrounded by cast iron or steel with insulated glass at the front, a design which creates a closed system that radiates heat into the room. It is the use of steel or cast iron that is able to trap heat to make the fireplace more efficient. There are three types of fireplace inserts. They are electrical, gas, and wood, each of which have distinct benefits and efficiency levels.

Wood fireplace inserts can keep a fire going for as long as 8 hours

Depending on its size, this type of insert can put out over 65,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs, which are a measurement of heat) per hour, which is more than sufficient for heating a room of medium size. This can typically be kept up for 6 to 8 hours. The efficiency of wood fireplace inserts is about 70 – 80 percent, which is much higher than that of traditional fireplaces.

They require consistent maintenance and annual professional inspections

Ashes should be removed regularly from an insert, and each year a professional inspection and cleaning is required, such as our Victoria BC WETT Inspections.

Contact us to discuss your options for a wood fireplace insert.

Three Uses For Outdoor Gas Appliances

7 years ago 0 COMMENTS

Outdoor gas appliances can be used for your household’s benefit in a variety of ways that you may not be familiar with. It can be exciting to consider just what is possible on your property to improve the quality of time spent outdoors. With this in mind, here are 3 uses for outdoor gas appliances at your home.

BBQ Gas Outlet Box

Turning on the barbecue is a sure way to bring people together to enjoy home-cooked food. Using a BBQ outlet box with a natural gas barbecue can only help to make the process simpler and quicker. With a BBQ box outlet, there is no longer any need to worry about having to carry a heavy tank or about running out of the necessary fuel. Once the appropriate set-up has been completed, you only need to have your BBQ hooked up to the box to get started.

To get started with connecting a BBQ to your gas line, first you or your hired contractor will need to connect copper tubing from the main line to an outlet box located at the outdoor location where it will connect with the BBQ. Next, make sure the gas valve is turned off and then connect the BBQ’s rubber hose to the outlet box and then turn the valve back on.

Patio Heaters

A patio heater run by gas can keep you and your loved ones warm on a chilly evening, and they come in different styles so you can choose one that suits your home. This includes stainless steel, copper, and bronze in terms of their colour. A patio heater run by gas provides a continuous source of fuel, in comparison to propane-run heaters that do not.

Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit

Fire pits add warmth and ambiance outdoors. These are great options for those who love sitting around a campfire but hate the smell of the fire! At Flametech heating we can install outdoor gas fireplaces and outdoor fire pits.

If you require installation services for an outdoor gas stove in Victoria BC or for any of the above other uses for an outdoor gas line, please contact us at FlameTech Heating.

Should You Upgrade Your Furnace?

8 years ago 0 COMMENTS

If you are finding that your furnace requires your constant attention, it may be time to consider whether replacement is necessary . Your current furnace may use more energy for heating than is necessary, or it could even be contributing to the presence of dust and other harmful particles in the air. You can get an idea of what your best option may be by taking note of these tips for determining whether you could need to upgrade your furnace.

A frequent need for repairs may be a sign of bigger issues

You should not have to bring in a repair technician to look at your furnace more than a few times a year. A need for a new filter or for maintenance once a year is normal, but if your furnace has issues that are related to each other that keep coming up, it may be wisest to seek out a new furnace.

The cost for the repairs also plays a part. If over the course of a year you paying over half of what your furnace is worth to keep it running well, you may very likely be better off getting a fresh start.

Keep in mind the age of your furnace

20-25 years is the expected lifespan of furnaces. If yours is approaching this age and still running well, you should be aware that often old furnaces run at a lower efficiency than you may perceive–sometimes at 75 percent or lower than what they are capable of. Getting a newer, more energy efficient furnace can make a noticeable difference in heating your home and keeping your costs down.

Noise concerns could point to simple or complex problems

There are a few reasons for why irritating noise may come from your furnace. Banging or squealing sounds could point to a mechanical issue. This could mean you need a new blower fan to replace a worn one, or there may be a mechanical issue in which some component inside of your furnace has loosened or become broken. Loud noises coming from your furnace are a sign that something may be ready to fail or has already. If your furnace is dated and needs costly repairs an upgrade may be the smartest and best choice.

Contact us at Flametech Heating to learn how we can help.

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