Furnace Installation in Charlottesville, VA

Looking for a trusted furnace installation or furnace repair professional? The Otter Guys provides hassle-free furnace solutions for customers throughout the Charlottesville, VA area. We are committed to helping you achieve greater indoor comfort and energy efficiency through quality workmanship and stress-free service. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your heating needs and receive the quality solutions you deserve.

Work With Our Charlottesville Furnace Installers for the Best Results

Do you have an older furnace that is on its last legs? Need help from a reliable HVAC professional who can provide the quality heating system installation or replacement you need? Our experts have you covered. We will take the time to understand your heating needs and go over any concerns you may have before installing your new furnace. That is why we offer an “otter” solution to meet your exact needs. Our Charlottesville, VA furnace installation experts will make sure you receive the long-term peace of mind you need.

Furnace Repair Done Right in Charlottesville, Virginia

The last thing anyone needs is a broken furnace in the middle of winter. But if you find yourself struggling with heating problems and a furnace that is short-cycling, delivering inconsistent heating, or making unusual or excessive noise, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts for the fast help you need. We will get to the source of your heating problem and present you with options for repair, helping you make the best decision for your home.

Signs You May Need A Furnace Installation

There is never a right time for a furnace to stop working, especially in the middle of winter in Virginia. However, when your furnace stops working, it doesn’t always mean you need a new one. Here are some helpful signs to watch for that let you know when you may need a furnace installation. 

High Energy Bills

No one enjoys seeing a spike in their energy bills. Higher bills are another reminder to inspect your major appliances and make sure they’re working correctly. Keep your bills each month so you can compare the energy you’re using. If you notice higher bills from last winter, your furnace may have an issue. This is a good time to investigate what is causing the spike in your bills. 

The Furnace Is Old

The average lifespan is about 15 to 20 years. A well maintained furnace should run efficiently each year. If it’s not, consider investing in a new installation. Sometimes, older appliances cost more to repair than to purchase a new system, especially if you’ve already paid for several repairs. 

Weird Sounds Or Smells

Sounds and smells can tell you a lot about your furnace function. Take a look around the unit and the unit itself. If you notice grinding or banging noises, you may need a repair or complete replacement. Weird smells can mean the unit isn’t properly filtering out carbon monoxide, which can leak into your home. If you smell a musty smell for several days, call a technician to evaluate your unit. 

The House Isn’t Heating Properly

When the weather turns cooler, it’s natural to turn up the heat inside your home. If you notice the house isn’t heating up correctly, your furnace may have stopped working. If it’s still not working after troubleshooting the issue with the thermostat and the unit, contact a professional technician. They can help you determine if you need a new installation. 

Too Much Dust

Let’s be honest. No matter how much you dust your home each week, the dust will always return. However, there is such a thing as too much dust around your home, even after dusting. If you notice an increase in dust despite constant cleaning, it’s another sign of furnace failure. 

Dirty filters can clog the airflow and cause permanent damage to the furnace if you don’t change them. Before you call a technician, check the filter and replace it if it’s dirty. If a filter replacement doesn’t work, call for service. 

Extending the Life Of Your Furnace

Whether your furnace is brand new or several years old, there are important things you can do to extend the life of your unit and save more money. Here are a few things to keep in mind. 

Keeping Up With Furnace Maintenance

You don’t want to wait until your furnace stops working to clean it. Keeping up with the cleaning will save you money on costly repairs or a complete installation. Cleaning your unit also ensures the unit will properly filter out carbon monoxide and keep it from leaking into your home. 

Scheduling annual maintenance for your furnace with a professional company is another way to include preventative maintenance for your unit. They will clean every part of your unit for optimal function. A clean furnace will boost your air quality and keep your unit working properly. 

Invest In Quality Ductwork

If you purchased an older home, you may notice weak ductwork with thin insulation. These homes can lose a large amount of energy because of poor ductwork. Over time, dirt and debris can clog your ductwork and prevent airflow. Sealing and cleaning can keep additional dirt out of your ductwork and keep your unit working longer. 

Insulate Your Attic

Does your home have thin insulation? Weak insulation can contribute air leakage and drive up your energy bills. Proper insulation will ease the work of your furnace and keep your bills lower. You will also keep more heat inside your home rather than outside. 

Maintain Regular Thermostat Settings

As temperatures change outside, it’s tempting to keep changing your thermostat. However, this is not a good idea because it makes your system work harder to keep up with the fluctuating temperatures. Instead, keep your thermostat set to the same temperature for most of the day. This reduces the work your unit does and can keep it around a little longer for you. 

Cleaning Your Furnace

Cleaning and maintaining your furnace is essential to prolonging the life of your unit. Before the cold weather comes, consider these recommended steps for furnace maintenance.

• Turn off your power to the electrical system and gas supply. 
• Clean the combustion chamber with a brush to loosen the dirt and other debris.This is a good time to check for rust or other corrosion. 
• Check for holes in the flue pipe. Holes can cause carbon monoxide leakage, which is deadly. If you see small holes, you can cover them with flue tape. If the pipes have corrosion, they need a replacement. 
• Replacing the oil and air filters is an important next step in maintenance. Remove the old filters and insert new ones to help filter impurities. 
• Test the blowers and belts. If they are worn out, it can lead to a broken furnace.
• Inspect the burners and adjust them if necessary. You can adjust them to make sure there is a balance of fuel and air. 

These are some important steps in furnace maintenance that will help your unit run smoothly and last longer. If you have floor vents, it’s a good idea to vacuum them and clean out any other vents in your home. Clean vents will promote better air flow and less energy on your system. 

Commonly Asked Questions About Furnace Installation

The Otter Guys proudly offer services that help your furnace run smoothly all year long. Sometimes, we receive questions about furnace installation. Here are some answers to a few common questions regarding installation. 

How Much Does A New Furnace Cost?

Every furnace cost is different because it depends on the model and size of every home. Since every home needs a unique unit, the cost will always vary. The average homeowner spends anywhere from $4,900 to $9,600+ on a new installation, depending on the home needs.  We have written a detailed guide to help you better understand how much a new furnace could cost.

Our team does our best to fit your home with the right installation. We will evaluate your space and recommend the best option for you and your home. 

What Should I Look For Before Installing A New Furnace?

There are several factors to consider before installing a new furnace. Since every home requires a unique model and size, you will need to take that into consideration. A few common factors to keep in mind are square footage, window design, insulation, and ductwork, to name a few. A professional technician can answer your questions and evaluate your space. They can provide a compatible solution for your installation needs. 

How Long Does It Take to Remove and Install A New Furnace?

We understand that every house and every unit will require a different amount of time. Most furnace installations take about 4 to 10 hours. Larger models will take longer to install, and the time depends on anything else that needs attention.  If ductwork is required, or you’d like to install indoor air quality devices such as an air scrubber or an enhanced filter, installation may take a bit longer. You can trust The Otter Guys to complete your installation the right way, not the easy way!

How Efficient is a 20 Year Old Furnace?

The efficiency of a furnace that’s 20 years old largely depends on its initial rating and maintenance history. However, we’ll share some general observations based on our experience:

• Older AFUE Ratings: AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is a standard measure of a furnace’s efficiency. Twenty years ago, many furnaces might have had an AFUE rating of around 80%, meaning 80% of the fuel’s energy was converted into heat while the other 20% was lost, often through the flue in the case of natural gas or oil furnaces. Today’s high-efficiency furnaces can achieve AFUE ratings of 90% or higher.
• Wear and Tear: Over time, components degrade, and without regular maintenance, a furnace’s efficiency can decrease. A furnace that started at 80% AFUE 20 years ago might be operating at a lower efficiency today due to factors like dirt and debris buildup, worn out parts, and other aging-related inefficiencies.
• Advancements in Technology: Today’s furnaces not only have better AFUE ratings but also benefit from advances in technology. Features like variable-speed blowers, modulating burners, and smart thermostats can optimize energy usage and further improve overall heating efficiency.
• Cost Considerations: Even if a 20-year-old furnace is still operational, it might be more cost-effective in the long run to replace it with a newer, more efficient model. The energy savings from a modern high-efficiency furnace can offset the cost of replacement over a few years.

If you’re considering whether to replace an older furnace, give us a call. We can help evaluate your furnace and provide you with potential energy savings if you choose to upgrade.

Schedule Quality Furnace Repair and Replacement Services in Charlottesville Today

If you have been searching for a trusted furnace technician in your area, look no further. The Otter Guys has all of your heating needs covered. Whether you are looking to replace an older system or you need immediate help with an urgent furnace issue, our experts have the skills, experience, and technology to get your furnace running at peak efficiency in no time.