Older homes, especially those that haven’t been updated in many years, may not be equipped with the proper furnace installation. If you reside in such a home, you must be aware of the potential hazards of a faulty furnace installation and take steps to prevent them. This post offers furnace installation tips to help you safely and properly install one in an older home.
What Type of Furnace Fits An Older Home?
A furnace is a heating system that provides warm air throughout your home. It uses either natural gas or electricity to power the heat exchanger, generating heat that circulates throughout the house.
Before purchasing and installing a furnace in an older home, knowing what type is best suited for the home is essential. An HVAC specialist can help you make this determination.
Why Install A New Furnace in An Older Home?
A new furnace installation can improve your home’s safety, comfort, energy efficiency, and beauty. A new furnace will likely be more reliable and efficient than an older model, which can help you save money on energy bills. Additionally, a new furnace may also come with safety features that provide peace of mind in the event of a malfunction.
Furnace Installation Tips For You
Now that you’ve decided to install a new furnace in an older home, here are some helpful furnace installation tips you need to know to ensure everything is done safely and correctly.
- Ensure Proper Sizing And Location for Furnace Installation
- Choose The Right Installation Expert
- Acquire Necessary Permits To Install A Furnace
- Check Your Home’s Electrical System
- Follow The Manufacturer’s Instructions
- Take Proper Safety Precautions During Furnace Installation
- Install A Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Inspect The Furnace After Installation
- Don’t Forget The Maintenance
Let’s have a detailed look-
01. Ensure Proper Sizing And Location for Furnace Installation
When installing a furnace in an older home, proper sizing is essential. An undersized furnace won’t be able to heat the home effectively, while an oversized unit may cause inefficiency and overuse of energy. Simply put, a larger home requires a bigger furnace, while a smaller one will do for a tiny house. To determine the proper sizing for an older home, it’s best to consult a professional HVAC technician who can inspect and measure the space before recommending the right size of furnace.
You must also determine the best location for the installation to ensure the proper airflow, which helps the furnace to operate efficiently. Most often, furnaces are installed in a basement or garage.
02. Choose The Right Installation Expert
One of the best furnace installation tips is choosing the right person or company. Remember that, in many jurisdictions, only qualified and experienced furnace installation experts like CE Plumbing & Heating can install your furnace. To do the job, the technician should be licensed, certified, and insured in your state. If you’re looking for one, ask for references, and ensure that the technician is familiar with local building codes and safety regulations.
When furnaces are incorrectly inspected or installed, they can become a serious safety hazard. Poorly installed furnaces can cause fires, gas leaks, and carbon monoxide poisoning, so take the time to research and find the right technician for your home furnace installation.
03. Acquire Necessary Permits To Install A Furnace
Another critical step is to acquire the necessary permits for your home furnace installation. These will vary depending on where you live, so check with your local authorities to find out what permits and inspections are required for your area. Once you have them, you’re ready to begin the home furnace installation.
04. Check Your Home’s Electrical System
Most furnaces require a dedicated circuit that is separate from other electrical systems. Before installing them, ensure your home’s wiring and outlets are up-to-date and in good condition. Older homes may need upgraded wiring to provide enough power for the furnace.
Ensure your home’s wiring meets local codes, and be aware of any potential power surges from outdated systems. When in doubt, have an electrician inspect your wiring before the furnace installation.
05. Follow The Manufacturer’s Instructions
Once your home is ready for new furnace installation, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the furnace. Different models have different instructions, so read and understand the instructions before you begin. In many cases, installing a furnace in an older home can be more complicated than installing one in a modern home, so pay close attention to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
06. Take Proper Safety Precautions During Furnace Installation
During the furnace installation, follow proper safety precautions by wearing the correct protective gear, such as gloves. It’s also important to turn off the power before you begin working and make sure there are no combustible materials in the area where you’re working.
Most importantly, make sure to double-check your work throughout the entire process. If something doesn’t look right or you have questions, contact a professional furnace installation technician.
07. Install A Carbon Monoxide Detector
After installing the furnace, it’s best to add a carbon monoxide detector to ensure your home and family’s safety. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that malfunctioning furnaces produce, so it’s essential to have a detector installed to detect gas levels that may be present in your home.
During ancient times, carbon monoxide detectors weren’t available. However, by installing this device in your home today, you can keep your family safe and prevent any potential tragedies from occurring.
08. Inspect The Furnace After Installation
After the installation is complete, have your technician inspect the furnace to ensure everything has been installed properly and safely. The technician should also test the furnace to ensure it’s functioning correctly. If issues come up during the inspection, they should be addressed before using the furnace.
Here’s a checklist to check off the following steps to ensure that your furnace is working properly:
- Inspect the wiring, gas line, and other components to ensure they’re properly connected.
- Check that the furnace is level and installed in the right place.
- Make sure the thermostat is wired correctly and working properly.
- Test all safety features, such as carbon monoxide detectors.
- Run the furnace for a few minutes to guarantee no problems.
Once you’ve completed all these steps, you can be confident that your furnace is installed safely and will provide years of reliable, efficient heating.
09. Don’t Forget The Maintenance
Finally, don’t forget to keep up with regular maintenance of your furnace, which includes the following:
- Cleaning the filters
- Checking for leaks or other problems
- Have an experienced technician inspect the furnace annually.
With proper maintenance, your furnace will provide reliable heating for years.
Final Thoughts
Installing a furnace in your home can be a complicated process. The best way to ensure your family’s safety and your furnace’s longevity is to hire professional technicians for the installation. They will have the knowledge and experience to ensure your furnace is installed correctly and safely. By following these furnace installation tips, you can rest assured that your home is prepared for a new furnace installation and will be kept safe for many years.