Furnace Repair or Replacement in Southern Maryland

A furnace provides warm air during cold months to keep your home or office comfortable. There are four types of furnaces: gas, electric, oil, and propane. However, when your furnace breaks down, any of the four can leave you with a cold home when you least expect it. After a few repairs, you will eventually need to make a critical decision about whether to repair or replace your furnace at your property in Annapolis, Dunkirk, Lusby, Prince Frederick, Waldorf, and other cities we serve in Southern Maryland.

Fortunately, furnaces are designed to last 15 to 30 years when maintained well. During those years, you can implement a few fixes. When you go through this critical decision-making phase, reach out to Riverside Heating & Air Conditioning. As a locally owned and operated company, we are there for your heating system solutions. When you need our help, give us a call or click here.

How Does A Furnace Work?

A furnace is essential to your home's heating system, efficiently warming your home by blowing heated air through ducts. When the thermostat detects that your home or office is getting too cold, it signals the furnace to turn on.

The furnace efficiently burns fuel, like natural gas or oil, to create heat. This heat is then effectively transferred to the air inside a metal chamber called the heat exchanger. The powerful blower fan circulates this warm air through the ductwork and out into the rooms of your property. The air passes through a filter to meticulously remove dust and other particles before it reaches your living spaces. Once your home reaches the desired temperature, the thermostat tells the furnace to shut off, and the system stops heating until needed again.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Attention

Before deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace, it's essential to recognize the signs that something is wrong. Here are some common indicators that your furnace may need professional attention:

• Strange noises from the unit
• Inconsistent heating
• Higher energy bills
• Frequent repairs
• Age of the furnace

Key Factors to Consider When Repairing or Replacing Your Furnace in Dunkirk & Lusby

When deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace, consider these key factors: furnace age, repair costs, energy efficiency, and your home's comfort level.

If your furnace is over 15 years old or consistently requires expensive repairs, replacement might be the more cost-effective option in the long run. The level of energy efficiency is crucial and older furnaces tend to be less efficient than newer units with more advanced technology. Less efficient units lead to higher energy bills. Upgrading to a more energy-efficient model with a better SEER rating will save money in the long run. If your home suffers from uneven heating, with some rooms colder than other rooms, that also suggests the need for a replacement instead of a repair.

A more temporary repair, like a broken part or a clogged filter, should be as good as new with a simple repair. Weighing these factors will help you make the best decision for your home and your budget.

When Should You Call for Maintenance?

Preparing for the upcoming colder weather by scheduling furnace maintenance this fall is a wise idea. Catching any potential issues before they develop is critical before your furnace kicks into high gear during the cold winter months. At Riverside Heating & AC, our comprehensive inspection will detect problems that could include a malfunctioning thermostat, blocked vents, gas leaks, and more. Our crews will promptly provide effective solutions for any issues. 

Remember that a gas leak can harm your family through fire or carbon monoxide exposure. During the maintenance visit, we'll thoroughly assess your furnace's heat exchanger, burner, and interior and exterior for any wear or damage. Additionally, we'll clean or replace the air filter to enhance indoor air quality and optimize your heater's efficiency.