By this point in winter, certain aspects of furnace performance may have become conspicuous. It’s a good opportunity to take note of these factors because they can serve as advance warning of impending malfunctions, red flags of safety issues, or a basis to evaluate furnace life expectancy.
Here are some elements of furnace performance to evaluate and what they might signify:
Frequent fixes
If keeping the house warm during the course of this winter included frequent visits by a qualified HVAC service technician, the heating system may be telling you something. Have you neglected annual preventive maintenance? This service, typically performed at the outset of the heating season, is specifically designed to extend component service life as well as detect and resolve minor issues before they turn into major repairs later in the winter.
Increasing costs
Have your heating bills been steeper this season? If there’s no other obvious explanation—like increased utility rates or an unusually frigid winter—furnace efficiency may be on the decline due to marginal components or simply the age of the unit. Generally, attempting to restore efficiency of an outdated furnace nearing the end of its expected service life isn’t worth the cost. Upgrading to a new standard furnace provides an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating (AFUE) of at least 80% while high-efficiency models deliver AFUE over 90%.
Declining comfort
If the house has felt more chilly than past winters, or circulating heat seems inconsistent, a system-wide evaluation may reveal one or more issues. If basic heating components check are fully functional, associated factors in the heating system including the condition of ductwork, blower function and thermostat operation need to be assessed.
Safety matters
Gas furnaces generate heat with high-temperature burners and produce hazardous byproducts including carbon monoxide. If the furnace is found to have critical internal safety problems—a cracked heat exchanger is a primary example—operation of the unit cannot continue. In most cases, replacing the furnace is the most financially feasible option.
Since 1922, qualified evaluation of furnace performance issues as well options to restore optimal heating have been provided by the professionals at Paitson Bros.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922