Residential Furnace & Heat Pump Installation in Los Angeles & San Fernando valley

It's a question every homeowner faces: Is it worth repairing my old furnace, or is it time for a new one? The answer depends on several factors. Our experts at LA Construction, Heating and Air can help you make the best decision for your home and budget.

When to Choose Furnace Repair

Repair is often the most economical choice if your furnace is relatively new and the repair cost is low.

• Your Furnace is Under 15 Years Old: A well-maintained furnace can last 15-20 years. If yours is on the younger side and the repair is minor, a quick fix can extend its life for many more years.
• Minor, Isolated Issues: If the problem is something simple, like a clogged filter or a faulty thermostat, a repair is all you need. These are common issues that don't indicate a system-wide failure.
• The "50% Rule": A good rule of thumb is to repair your furnace if the cost of the repair is less than 50% of the cost of a new replacement.

When to Choose Furnace Replacement

Replacement is a better long-term investment if your furnace is old, inefficient, or facing expensive repairs.

• Your Furnace is Over 15 Years Old: As furnaces age, they become less efficient and are more prone to breakdowns. A new, high-efficiency model can save you money on energy bills and prevent future repair headaches.
• Frequent or Expensive Repairs: If you're constantly calling a technician for repairs, or if a single repair will cost a significant amount, that money is often better spent as a down payment on a new system.
• High Energy Bills: An old or inefficient furnace has to work harder to heat your home, which drives up your utility bills. Replacing it with a modern, high-efficiency unit can lead to significant monthly savings.
• Uneven Heating: If some rooms in your home are always cold while others are hot, it could be a sign that your furnace is no longer able to heat your home evenly. A new, properly sized system can solve this problem.
• Safety Concerns: Cracks in your furnace's heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your home, posing a serious health risk. If your technician finds a cracked heat exchanger, replacement is mandatory for your family's safety.

Still not sure? Contact our team at LA Construction, Heating and Air for a professional, honest assessment of your furnace. We'll give you a clear, detailed estimate for both a repair and a replacement so you can make an informed decision with no pressure. How to know if you need to repair or replace your HVAC system.

When replacing your furnace in Los Angeles, you have several options to consider based on fuel type, efficiency, and your home's specific needs. The most common choices are gas furnaces and electric heat pumps, each with its own advantages.

Furnace Types by Fuel Source

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces are the most common heating system in the U.S. They're a popular choice because they heat a home quickly and are generally more cost-effective to operate than electric furnaces, especially in areas with affordable natural gas. Modern gas furnaces are available in different efficiency ratings, measured by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). High-efficiency, condensing gas furnaces can achieve AFUE ratings in the mid-to-high 90s, converting almost all the fuel into heat for your home.

Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces use electric heating elements to heat the air and are a good option if you don't have access to natural gas. They are generally less expensive to purchase and install, are quieter, and have a long lifespan. However, they can be more costly to operate in areas with high electricity rates.

High-Efficiency Options

Heat Pumps

An alternative to a traditional furnace is a heat pump. While not technically a furnace, it serves a similar function by heating and cooling your home. Heat pumps work by transferring heat rather than generating it. In the winter, they pull heat from the outside air and move it indoors. In the summer, they reverse the process to cool your home. They are extremely energy-efficient and a great option for the mild climate in Los Angeles. These heat pumps also include a potential rebate up to $4,000 (based on income levels) when replacing from old system to a new heat pump (Clean TECH CA Rebate).

Hybrid Heating Systems

A hybrid system combines a gas furnace with a heat pump. This is a great "best of both worlds" option. The heat pump handles most of the heating and cooling, providing high efficiency. On colder days, when the heat pump's efficiency drops, the gas furnace automatically kicks in to provide a powerful and cost-effective heat source.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Efficiency: Look for a high AFUE rating for furnaces or a high HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) for heat pumps. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the system. High-efficiency units may have a higher upfront cost but can save you significantly on energy bills over the unit's lifespan.
2. Sizing: A furnace that is too big or too small for your home will be inefficient and can lead to costly repairs. An HVAC professional will perform a Manual J Load Calculation to determine the exact heating capacity (in BTUs) your home needs based on its square footage, insulation, windows, and climate.
3. Features: Consider features like variable-speed blowers and two-stage or modulating burners for more consistent heating, quieter operation, and improved indoor air quality. Questions to ask before getting your furnace replaced.

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The fundamental difference between a gas furnace and a heat pump is how they generate heat. A gas furnace burns fuel to create heat, while a heat pump uses electricity to transfer heat.

Gas Furnace

A gas furnace is a heating-only appliance that uses a combustion process to generate heat. The gas is ignited in a sealed chamber, and the heat produced warms the air, which is then distributed throughout the home via ductwork.

• Heating Power: Gas furnaces produce very hot air, allowing them to heat a home quickly and effectively, especially in very cold climates.
• Efficiency: Efficiency is measured by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. Modern high-efficiency models can reach AFUE ratings of 90% or higher.
• Fuel: They rely on a natural gas line or a propane tank.
• Safety: Because they use combustion, there is a risk of carbon monoxide leaks, making proper installation and regular maintenance crucial.

Heat Pump

A heat pump is a two-way system that provides both heating and cooling. In heating mode, it operates like an air conditioner in reverse, pulling heat from the outdoor air (even in cold temperatures) and transferring it inside. In cooling mode, it pulls heat from inside your home and moves it outside.

• Heating Power: Heat pumps provide consistent, moderate warmth rather than a blast of hot air. They are most efficient in mild to temperate climates.
• Efficiency: Efficiency is measured by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). They are extremely energy-efficient because they transfer heat instead of creating it.
• Fuel: They run entirely on electricity.
• Versatility: Since a heat pump can both heat and cool, it can replace both a furnace and a separate air conditioning unit.

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It's generally better to replace your entire HVAC system at once. While it might seem more expensive initially, replacing the furnace and air conditioner together offers significant benefits in terms of efficiency, performance, and long-term cost savings.

Why a Full System Replacement is Recommended

1. Matched Efficiency: HVAC components are designed to work together as a complete system. When you replace only one part (e.g., a new high-efficiency AC with an old, low-efficiency furnace), the old component can drag down the performance of the new one. A matched system ensures you get the full, advertised efficiency ratings, leading to lower energy bills.
2. Improved Performance: Newer systems are engineered with modern technology that allows for better airflow, quieter operation, and more consistent heating and cooling. A new air conditioner paired with an old furnace may not deliver the same comfort level.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: While the upfront cost is higher, a full replacement often costs less than replacing each component individually over time. You save on labor costs by having one installation visit instead of two. Also, new systems come with a new warranty, and replacing one part can sometimes void the warranty on the other.
4. Updated Refrigerant Standards: Modern AC units use a refrigerant called R410A, while older models may use R-22, which has been phased out. An old furnace coil may not be compatible with a new AC unit that uses R410A, making a full replacement necessary for proper function and safety.

By replacing your entire system at once, you invest in a solution that is optimized for efficiency and performance, giving you peace of mind and saving you money in the long run.

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