Furnace Replacement in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh’s climate is continental, which is often marked by cold, snowy winters and hot, muggy summers. Still, residents get to enjoy all four seasons to the full extent. However, it’s in between seasons that you are supposed to inspect and maintain your HVAC system to prevent unexpected breakdowns or invest in a furnace replacement in Pittsburgh when your unit is ready to retire.

When summer is coming to an end, it’s important to winterize your AC by cleaning it, shutting it off, and covering up the outdoor unit. But your maintenance duties don’t end here. You may realize that you haven’t scheduled air duct cleaning or furnace tune-up services this year, and your furnace is close to reaching its life expectancy. Your local Pittsburgh HVAC service professionals understand the stress you are going through, and we want to help you smoothly transition into the winter.

Pittsburgh furnace replacement services are in high demand at Aire Serv of Sewickley, whether it’s at the end of summer or early fall. Fluctuating temperatures not only irritate homeowners but also have them worried about an early first frost date. If you have already scheduled a furnace maintenance or tune-up appointment with our team, you don’t have to worry. However, if you’re falling behind and remember having had performance issues in the previous year, we highly recommend a furnace replacement. Pittsburgh, PA, homeowners risk having a furnace breakdown or other issues like increased energy bills if they don’t get furnace replacement taken care of when it’s time.

Common Issues That Call For A Furnace Replacement in Pittsburgh, PA

For your interior heating to perform well, you require sufficient insulation in your attic, walls, and floors. Whenever our HVAC service professionals are scheduled to do maintenance or repairs, they will go the extra mile and offer an energy audit. The lack of insulation can severely affect your HVAC system. If your insulation fails as a barrier to slow down heat transfer, your furnace will overwork. Not only will its performance deteriorate, but it will bring along a series of other issues.

Frequent Repairs: If you have received multiple repair services that concern the pilot light, burner, or cycling, you’ll know that these are merely warning signs that the unit isn’t operating optimally anymore. The same issues could re-occur or even invite other kinds of damages that are more dangerous, such as strange smells and gas leaks.

Uneven Heating: You might check your duct system or air filter first, but if they appear to be fine and some rooms seem to be cooler than others, your furnace isn’t distributing heat as well as it used to.

Increased Energy Costs: There are a few reasons for your increased monthly bills. If you have bad insulation in your home, your HVAC will work harder to maintain the desired temperature, as shown on the thermostat. Also, if your unit is on its last leg, it will also overwork to keep up with its former efficiency.

Bad Air Quality: If your indoor air quality has deteriorated despite duct cleaning and frequently exchanging the furnace filter, you will need a Pittsburgh HVAC service professional to determine the underlying issue. It seems that your unit isn’t picking up the dust, which would ultimately mean that it may not be sucking in air through the vents properly. Should you have this issue, you might not be getting heated air either. You should turn off your heating before it overheats itself. Your best and safest option is to get a Pittsburgh furnace replacement.

Repeated Noises: Banging noises can happen if you have a dirty or corroded burner that has trouble with ignition. Cleaning it should fix the problem unless you hear shrieking or scraping noises that could signify motor issues or a damaged blower wheel. The truth is there are also concerning noises a furnace can make, all of which are caused by internal issues that are marked by old age.

Age: It may be ambitious for us to say that well-maintained furnaces can last up to 20 years because not everyone adheres to the recommended maintenance needs of their HVAC. We admit it’s easy to take it for granted, but when it comes to age, you will notice a decrease in energy efficiency even if it’s still silently performing as it always has. When our team is hired for fine-tuning, they often deal with 10- to 12-year-old heaters that are not in their best shape anymore. So, in the interest of our local customers and their safety, we always feel obligated to inform them about the potential risks unless they opt for a Pittsburgh furnace replacement.

While maintenance and minor repairs are designed to detect early signs of wear and eliminate them, certain technical issues are not easy to fix for the long-term. Your local HVAC service professional recommends keeping your warranty documentation in a safe place, so you can get the most out of your unit or even benefit from a new Pittsburgh furnace replacement service.

Which Types of Furnaces Are Available?

At Aire Serv, we care a lot about high-efficiency furnaces. Your heating and cooling systems are known to be the biggest energy users in your home. That said, your air conditioning doesn’t even need as much energy to cool your home as your furnace needs to warm it. But choosing the best type for you often depends on where you are located and weighing out the pros and cons of natural gas versus electricity, which are the most common types. There are also more natural and environmentally friendly options that do not include burning fossil fuels. But how reliable are they?

Natural Gas

Natural gas furnace replacements in Pittsburgh, PA, are the most common and probably one of the most reliable. They typically have lower operational costs, and if you have existing gas lines, it’s even easier to carry out the furnace replacement. Pittsburgh, PA, property owners who seek better gas furnace efficiency are invited to call our team of experts to learn more about different brands.

Electric

Electric furnaces are highly popular among homeowners who prefer not to rely on natural gas. Electric units are energy efficient and can be used anywhere. They are non-combustible and a lot safer, too. That said, when acquiring an electric furnace replacement in Pittsburgh, PA, keep in mind that you will likely need to upgrade your circuit breaker, as these units need a minimum of 10,000 watts to operate. Depending on its size, it may need up to 50,000 watts to warm an entire house. This could severely increase your monthly utility bill.

Pro Tip: To make the most of your electric furnace replacement, it’s best to back it up with solar heating. It does come with a higher upfront cost but will pay off in the long run and save you money on your electricity bill.

Oil

Oil furnaces may seem outdated to some homeowners, but that is not the case. In fact, over 80% of Northeastern US rely on oil-based heaters. For an efficient Pittsburgh furnace replacement service, our HVAC service professional will run a proper diagnostic and measure the size requirement. Studies have shown that most homes are equipped with an insufficient unit that needs retrofitting. A replacement will optimize your oil heating requirements and even save you money on your heating bills. While still cheaper than the initial costs of natural gas, purchasing oil supply is expensive and has a higher carbon footprint, especially in the winter.

Alternative Types of Heating Systems

Boiler

Boilers are commonly used in Europe but also in the U.S. They are basically water heating systems, creating steam that runs through radiators to heat the interior of homes. The installation requires some pipework, whether you choose hydronic (boiled water) or steam systems. Boilers have a clean process of boiling and reusing the same water to distribute heat. They cost a lot less than other furnace installations. The only downside is that they can be prone to leaks.

Heat Pumps

There are two types of heat pumps: geothermal and air-source heat pumps. Both are becoming increasingly popular, especially among homeowners who want to move away from the traditional way of heating their homes. Air-source-based units transfer and control the heat between your home and outside air but perform better with electricity. On the other hand, geothermal heat pumps (also called ground source heat pumps) transfer and control heat between indoor air and below the ground. They have the qualities of an air conditioner and heater and are highly energy efficient.

Choose the Experts at Aire Serv of Sewickley for Furnace Replacement in Pittsburgh, PA

Aire Serv of Sewickley distinguishes itself as a premier service center within the industry, a distinction that can be attributed to our exceptional team's extensive expertise. When you're in the market for an HVAC company to restore your home's comfort and functionality, it becomes imperative to have a technician who possesses a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in working with various heating and cooling systems. Our team's combined experience exceeds an impressive 75 years, which serves as a testament to our profound understanding and technical proficiency in this field.

Our primary focus remains unwaveringly fixed on our customers, with a strong commitment to establishing enduring relationships within the Sewickley community. We take immense pride in delivering nothing short of exceptional customer service, ensuring that your needs and satisfaction are at the forefront of our priorities.

When you make the wise choice of selecting Aire Serv for furnace replacement in Pittsburgh, you can anticipate a range of benefits that sets us apart in the industry:

• Round-the-Clock Emergency Services: We understand that HVAC emergencies can happen at any time. That's why we offer 24/7 emergency services to provide you with peace of mind and rapid solutions whenever you need them.
• Transparent and Affordable Pricing: We believe in being upfront and honest with our pricing. You won't encounter any hidden service call fees, exorbitant labor costs, or unexpected overtime charges. Our commitment to transparent pricing ensures that you know exactly what you're paying for.

Furthermore, we take immense pride in being a part of the Neighborly network, which signifies our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of workmanship. With this affiliation, we guarantee that any repair, installation, or replacement we undertake will meet or exceed your expectations for proper operation. If, by any chance, there's a shortfall, we pledge to return within 60 days to rectify the issue. Our job isn't merely to complete the task; it's to complete it to perfection. That's the promise and commitment we uphold, ensuring that your satisfaction is at the core of every service we provide.

FAQs About Furnace Replacement in Pittsburgh, PA

We understand it’s a huge investment and commitment when considering a furnace replacement. Pittsburgh, PA, property owners that had to make that call had asked the following questions. Feel free to contact our team of professionals if you don’t see your question listed.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Pittsburgh Furnace Replacement?

The easiest and most cost-effective option would be to stick to the same type you previously used if you’ve been happy with its performance. For example, if you’ve used a natural gas furnace for the last 15 years, you’ll have existing ductwork and gas lines. However, if you were to switch from an old boiler to a gas furnace replacement in Pittsburgh, PA, technicians would need to install the required connections first. While that would involve additional upfront costs, it could still provide you with more benefits in the long run than your boiler.

What’s the Cost of Furnace Replacement in Pittsburgh, PA?

This will depend on your choice of furnace replacement. Your local Pittsburgh HVAC service professional highly values transparency, which means that when we create a quote for you, it does not come with any hidden or additional costs. In order to create that estimate, our team needs to gather more information.

For example, additional installation costs occur if you require ductwork or gas lines. But if your replacement involves upgrading to the same type you had before, it shouldn’t involve too much labor and includes old furnace removal. Besides that, there’s also a wide range of furnace sizes to consider.

Are There Ways To Extend My Furnace’s Lifespan?

If we could, we would extend the lifespans of all HVAC units, but unfortunately, that would be an overly ambitious task. At Aire Serv, we do aim to help our customers maintain their furnaces so they will at least meet their life expectancy. Sure, there are heating units that serve wonders and work optimally even after 12 years. But chances are, they have been fine-tuned every year and received all the necessary inspections and minor repairs. Some fine-tuning tasks include:

• Cleaning burner before it corrodes
• Checking gas pressure levels and risks of leaks
• Motor, fan, and heat exchanger maintenance
• Checking electrical outlets
• Replacing thermostat
• Energy audit to check on home’s insulation

Which Furnace Brands Do You Recommend?

Every furnace is different, and no brand is considered bad. There are different ways of manufacturing or different materials used for parts, but at the end of the day, each unit serves its purpose. What property owners in Pittsburgh should watch out for are the warranties. Some include furnace repairs within a specific time frame should you experience any issues within a year of installation. Our team at Aire Serv of Sewickley has partnered with many reputable suppliers and is happy to provide you with more information during an appointment in Pittsburgh.

What Are The Benefits of A Pittsburgh Furnace Replacement?

You will benefit from improved energy efficiency and increased safety and comfort. With new heating equipment, you’re also contributing to the environment by upgrading to a more energy-efficient unit. Finally, your peace of mind is probably the greatest benefit of all because you know you’re covered for many years to come.

Do I Need a Furnace Repair or Replacement?

The choice between furnace repair and replacement hinges on two key factors: the age of the unit and the extent of the issues it faces. For a relatively young furnace with a specific problem, opting for repair is often a wise decision, as it can extend the unit's service life. However, when a furnace is more than 15 years old and repeatedly experiencing issues, a furnace replacement is generally the more cost-effective option. As furnaces age, parts tend to fail, leading to continuous repairs that can eventually surpass the cost of a new furnace. In such cases, replacement provides improved efficiency and long-term reliability. In summary, consider the age and condition of your furnace to make a judicious choice between repair and replacement, and our Aire Serv team is here to offer expert guidance and service to aid in your decision-making.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency and Comfort With A Pittsburgh Furnace Replacement Service

Were last year’s winter bills exceedingly high, and you’re worried about experiencing the same problem again this year? Don’t be worried. Instead, act now so you won’t be facing high energy bills or risk having a furnace breakdown.

Our trusted Pittsburgh furnace replacement services and other HVAC replacement services are available to our local community and nearby neighbors, including Beaver County, Wexford, and Moon Township. Call our dedicated office team to book an in-person estimate for your furnace replacement or other HVAC services you might need.