Don’t be intimidated by the thought of replacing your old heating system with a new one, especially one that is more efficient. Jeff Stienstra explains here the steps that need to be taken to do things right. As owner of Stienstra Heating and Cooling in Hudsonville, Michigan, he knows how simple the process can be, with the help of a qualified technician, of course.
Many homeowners are taking advantage of current tax and utility rebates by installing new and more efficient heating systems. Many people are interested but are not sure what it involves, or are afraid that the installation could damage their homes. At Stienstra Heating and Cooling, we can clarify the four main steps to making a new system installation less intimidating. They are:
- Remove the old system. This involves detaching the duct work from the furnace and removing the gas line and electricity service from the unit, as well as exhaust venting.
- Install the new intake and exhaust piping for the higher-efficiency condensing furnaces. This involves drilling two two- to three-inch holes in an exterior wall of the home. Be sure that the installer is licensed and insured so he follows all applicable building codes.
- Install the new furnace in place of the old one, and install the gas piping and electrical wiring. Many times, custom fabrication is necessary to connect the newer, smaller furnaces to the existing larger duct work. This involves measuring and cutting sheet metal and connecting it properly to the existing duct work.
- Test the system for proper functioning, and if a water heater or other appliance is still using the existing chimney, a chimney liner must be installed as there will be less heat flowing through the chimney because the old furnance was removed. If no liner is installed, the exhaust from the existing appliance will cool too quickly and will never leave the chimney, causing condensation and potentially being unsafe.
Heating and cooling systems usually account for 60% to 70% of one’s utility costs every year. By installing a more efficient system, you can essentially save hundreds of dollars per year on your heating and cooling costs. And with government tax rebates available until the end of 2010, you cannot go wrong.
