The Benefits of Upgrading Your Home Heating System

It’s an Investment in Comfort and Savings

A new heating system is a big investment. But it can be worthwhile particularly if your current boiler or furnace is more than 10 or 15 years old. A new heating system can add value to your home if you’re thinking of selling. If you are planning to stay in your home for a while, updated heating equipment can make your home much more comfortable and also improve efficiency, for savings you will see in your heating bills.

Here are answers to some of the most common questions our customers ask when they are considering replacing the heating system in their homes.

Why not repair?

There’s a lot to be said for taking care of things and repairing them rather than tossing them. And it’s true that well-maintained heating equipment will last longer than equipment that doesn’t get regular tune-ups. But even well-cared for heating systems will start to fail. Old heating systems burn fuel to make up for less efficient operation, which means you’ll get higher bills.

And, no matter how conscientious you are about regular tune-ups, parts will begin to wear down. At a certain point, putting money into a new furnace or boiler makes more sense than paying for lots of little repairs.

How efficient is new equipment?

If you haven’t shopped for heating equipment in a decade or more, you’ll be surprised at the improvements in efficiency.

An old heating unit could have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of less than 70 percent – at least 10 percent lower than a replacement model (some gas furnace models come with AFUE as high as 95).

Today’s equipment operates with improved efficiency, so you burn less fuel to keep your home warm. A new high-efficiency boiler or furnace could lower your fuel costs by as much as 20 percent, without sacrificing your comfort. In fact, they may even improve the comfort in your home: When properly installed, they distribute heat more evenly and consistently.

That translates into savings two ways. First, in general, better efficiency means your equipment uses less fuel to produce the same amount of heat. Second, when heat is distributed more evenly and ore consistently, you’re less likely to crank the temperature up a few extra degrees to make up for poor performance.

How much will I really save?

Here’s a rule of thumb: If the cost of repairs to your heating system exceeds 50 percent of replacement costs you should probably replace it. Even without upgrading to a super-high-efficiency system, today’s equipment is designed to perform better.

You’ll also see savings on maintenance and repairs when you update your system. (And a service plan will help ensure it keeps working like new.)

Where do I start?

Are you ready to learn more about how a new heating system can help improve efficiency, add value and make your home more comfortable? The pros at Bolkema have earned their reputation for great service and quality workmanship. Our highly trained technicians will install your system with care and attention. They understand that no two houses are alike and there’s no such thing as a cookie-cutter installation.

We can work with you to help you choose a model that will suit your needs as well as your budget. With furnaces from brands including Carrier and Heil, and boilers from Weil-McLain, Crown, and Buderus, you can feel confident that your new equipment will perform well and give you years of warmth and comfort.

Count on Bolkema for expert installation and service of your new heating system. Contact us today to get started!