- Loose wires
- Dirty components or filters
- Carbon monoxide leaks
- Broken fan blades
- Broken or worn belts
- Signs of excess wear and tear
- Dirty burners
Furnace Replacement
Turn to Our Experts for Furnace Replacement in Buffalo Grove
Serving All of Mount Prospect area
Providing Furnace Replacement Services in Buffalo Grove Since 2005
Can you imagine living in the Buffalo Grove area without a functioning furnace? It’s not a pleasant thought, is it? Unfortunately, if your furnace is approaching its 10th birthday, it might be something you experience firsthand in the near future. Like all of us, heating systems have an expiration date. As time goes on, the need for regular furnace repair grows, and parts become harder and harder to find. Eventually, whether out of economy or necessity, all furnaces will break down and have to be replaced.
Unfortunately, that death knell rarely sounds at a convenient time. It tends to happen late at night or on the coldest night of the year. Fortunately, the HVAC experts at Master Mechanical are here to help set things right. The fuel source doesn’t matter. We will help you find the new furnace that’s right for you and install it with the prompt professionalism for which we’re known.
Signs You Might Need a New Furnace
A furnace on its last legs will often throw up an SOS. In some cases, these calls for help are obvious. A furnace that will no longer kick on, for instance. But there are a number of subtler signs that a new furnace may be soon needed. These include:
- Age:If your furnace is over 10 years old, it’s often wise to at least consider replacement over repair. Newer furnaces are much more efficient than older ones. They also come equipped with a number of SMART systems. As the time of manufacture grows more distant, parts availability can also be impacted.
- Repeated Visits:Are you having to call us more than once in a heating season for unrelated problems? This is often a sign of an impending disaster. Parts in older furnaces often fail in quick succession. The service fees for these visits quickly pile up and can eventually be more expensive than installing a new furnace.
- Weird Smells:Do you notice a strange smell when the furnace kicks on? Does this odor refuse to dissipate with continued use? This can often be a sign of a leak or defective ductwork. However, if you only notice the smell the first time you turn the furnace on for the season, this is in line with the typical furnace start-up. That smell is the odor of accumulated summer dust burning off.
- Odd Noises:Sometimes those things that go “bump in the night’, might be a sign that your furnace is on its last legs. These noises can indicate the beginnings of a major component failure. To see if the noise is the result of a major or minor issue, call a heating repair expert in the Buffalo Grove area.
- Climbing Utility Bills:As heating equipment begins to fail, it may have to work harder to keep temperature. This can lead to an unusually large spike in your gas or electric bills. To see how much installing a new furnace can save you in Buffalo Grove, call (847) 722-0000 to schedule a quote for furnace replacement.
- Visual Rust:Small amounts of rust in the burner area are to be expected with age. However, excessive amounts can signal an issue with the heat exchanger. If it gets too severe, vital components can fail and allow carbon monoxide into your home. It’s never a bad idea to have an HVAC professional check on a rust problem.
No matter how large or how small your home in Buffalo Grove, Master Mechanical can keep it warm with a professional furnace replacement.
How to Ensure You Get the Best Furnace for Your Buffalo Grove Home
After determining a new furnace is needed, our HVAC experts will present you with replacement options. This can include changing the fuel source. Which one is right for you depends on a number of things, not just your budget. So, while money is important, our technician will try and balance costs with:
- Compatibility:Though there are alternatives to your current furnace—including heat pumps—these other options also require changes in your distribution system.
- Energy Efficiency:While almost all new systems will be more eco-friendly, the level to which that’s true depends on the unit selected. If you prefer long-term savings to upfront ones, consider going for something with a higher AFUE level.
- Sizing:The furnace selected must be the right size. Too big of a unit will lead to short cycling. One that’s too small, meanwhile, will struggle to warm rooms furthest from your equipment. The best way to ensure you get it right is to leave equipment sizing to the Buffalo Grove HVAC professionals at Master Mechanical.
Curious about what’s the best way to ensure you get the right furnace in the Buffalo Grove area? The answer is simple: trust our recommendations. Our staff truly values your comfort and will work diligently to find a furnace that meets your home’s specific needs. We also offer coupons to help make new furnace installation more affordable.
An Ounce of Furnace Maintenance is Worth a Pound of Cure
Installing a new furnace represents a long-term investment in your home. The last thing you want to do is let that money go to waste. That’s where preventive furnace maintenance comes in. On a regular basis, we recommend having an HVAC technician out to give your home’s comfort systems a comprehensive once over. While there, they’ll go through our extensive checklist and look for things like:
By scheduling these checks regularly, you can maximize the life of your unit. We invite you to learn more about our furnace maintenance process.
When it Comes to New Furnace Installation, Choose the Company Your Friends Trust
Furnace replacement in Buffalo Grove is something that should always be left to a professional. Working with HVAC appliances is dangerous, even when you have the proper training and equipment. An improper installation—which we see quite often—can also lead to long-term heating inefficiencies.
At Master Mechanical, we provide quality furnace replacement and installation services throughout the Northbrook area. We are licensed and insured and every one of our HVAC technicians is highly trained. They also arrive equipped with everything they need to properly size and install your new heating system. Whether you need to put in a new furnace in Buffalo Grove or replace one installed years ago, we’ll help you choose the product that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Furnace Repair Questions
What will it cost to replace my furnace in Buffalo Grove?
The cost of installing a new furnace varies depending on the desired efficiency and your home’s size and layout. The brand you choose and the reputation of your installer also play a factor in that price. It’s important to remember—even if you can find a new furnace online—that there are a lot of other contributors to the bottom line. These include labor for installing it, permit filing, ductwork installation, and old furnace disposal. According to Forbes, the average furnace in 2024 will cost $4700. A new air conditioner will run a little less, while a new heat pump will cost more.
How long will a new furnace in Buffalo Grove last?
You may have heard tales of a furnace making it to 25 or 30 years old, but these are most definitely outliers. It should also be noted that failing to replace comes at the cost of efficiency and technological advancement. A poorly installed, poorly maintained, or undersized unit will also not last as long as a professionally installed and maintained one. But, if you have a Buffalo Grove HVAC professional install and take care of your furnace, you can typically expect it to last between 15 and 20 years.
Can I replace my own furnace in Buffalo Grove?
In most locales, it’s not illegal to install your own heating system, but it is ill-advised if doing so is not your line of work. You do have to pull a permit, however. Certain types of units also require a license before they’ll be approved. But—just like with Buffalo Grove furnace repair—we do NOT recommend trying to replace your own furnace. Seemingly small mistakes can cause dangerous problems like carbon monoxide poisoning, raging house fires, and even widespread electrical issues. Moreover, no manufacturer will cover a unit installed by an unlicensed homeowner. Professional installation and maintenance are typically the first requirements.
How do I know it’s time to install a new furnace in Buffalo Grove?
Has your furnace in Buffalo Grove started showing its age? Are you worried that ‘furnace repair near me’ search may progress into needing a new heating system? Here are some signs it’s time to replace your unit:
- Uneven Heating: If one bedroom is an ice box and another a sauna, then your unit might be on its last leg. This can indicate a significant problem inside the unit (or poorly designed ductwork). Knowing whether your system needs a tune-up or total replacement means calling a Buffalo Grove furnace expert.
- Frequent Repairs: The typical furnace repair in Buffalo Grove runs between $300 and $800. Consider replacing your heating system if you call us out more than once a season. Once one thing fails in older units, other issues will likely follow.
- Age: If your unit is a preteen or full-on teenager, then it’s likely time to invest in a proactive replacement. This will benefit you in multiple ways. First, you’ll have less of a chance of needing furnace repairs. Second, your new unit will be more efficient and equipped with advanced bells and whistles.
How do you determine the right size for my new furnace?
An improperly sized furnace is one of the most common causes of premature furnace replacement in Buffalo Grove. It must be properly sized to ensure your new heating system maximizes its lifespan. This is achieved using something called a Manual J calculation. Several factors are involved in the calculation, such as your home’s square footage, the desired number of BTUs per square foot, the house’s insulation level, and your climate zone. Because these formulas are complex, leaving the calculations to a licensed Mount Prospect area HVAC company is best.
Does a furnace replacement in Buffalo Grove increase my home’s value?
It can! But it’s up to you if that increase—typically between $2500 and $3000—is worth the installation cost. It should be noted, however, that many buyers in Buffalo Grove won’t purchase a home with a bad HVAC system. Many people consider it a liability. For a better idea of ROI, call (847) 722-0000 for a FREE quote on furnace replacement. You may also consider installing a whole-house humidifier or other air-quality device.
When’s the best time of year to schedule a furnace replacement?
Timing is a big deal when it comes to getting a new furnace. This is for two main reasons. First, scheduling during a period of low demand lets you capitalize on lower prices. Second, our least busy times of the year mean you get your new unit installed more quickly. If these things are a concern—and you’re not dealing with an Buffalo Grove heating emergency—you’ll want to schedule during early spring or fall. Call (847) 722-0000 to book an appointment.
Is it worth it in Buffalo Grove to invest in a high-efficiency Furnace?
In today’s market, a furnace with an AFUE over 90% is considered high-efficiency. This makes them at least 12% more efficient than the cheapest models. While this can lead to savings on monthly utility bills, several factors determine if one of these units is a fit for your home. First, a high-efficiency furnace may require changes to your vents and the installation of a condensate line. Over seven years, most people recoup the difference in cost between a high-efficiency and standard model. If you plan to stay in your home long-term (and reap the benefits), it’s often a worthwhile investment.
Can you help me install a furnace model that Master Mechanical doesn’t supply?
We cannot. This is for several reasons. First, we don’t install equipment we don’t directly purchase. The models we stock are tried and true furnaces from reputable brands. There’s no guaranteeing a product we can’t stand behind 100 percent, and we’d never want a customer to be unsatisfied. Second, our Buffalo Grove HVAC technicians take time to calculate the correct unit and design of your new heating system. Most homeowners don’t understand how items like ductwork design impact the final system.
What’s the typical warranty on a new furnace in Buffalo Grove?
The average furnace in Buffalo Grove has a standard 5-year warranty. This is true not only for Trane but also for Lennox and Rheem. Registering the product within 90 days of installation extends that coverage to 10 years. Many brands offer a separate warranty for their heat exchangers. Refer to your owner's manual for more information on your specific unit. Master Mechanical offers our own guarantees on furnace installation as well.
Where’s the pilot light on my new furnace?
Your new furnace went out during a storm or sudden gust of wind. It’s getting cold in your house, and you’re grabbing a long-stemmed lighter. Relighting the pilot light on your old dinosaur of a heater always did the trick. But you’ve searched high and low. You can’t find it. Why? More than likely, your updated furnace doesn’t have one. Almost all newer models rely on electric ignition to get started. This wastes less energy and reduces fire hazards. To confirm whether there’s a pilot light, look for a valve and pilot control knob at the bottom of your furnace.
How long will it take to replace my furnace in Buffalo Grove?
The length of furnace replacement in Buffalo Grove depends on several factors. These include the new unit’s fuel type, your home's size, and the installed equipment’s complexity. Our heating technicians will be there for four to five hours for smaller houses. If we’re working in a larger home, you’ll want to plan for eight hours or longer.
What questions should I ask before choosing someone for Buffalo Grove furnace installation?
With the cost of Buffalo Grove furnace replacement often crossing into five digits, you’ll want to select a trustworthy, experienced HVAC professional. There are a lot of companies that do what we do. To help narrow the field, ask the following questions:
- What kind of licensing and insurance does your company hold? Are you authorized to install heating systems in the Northbrook area?
- Are there any rebates you can help me take advantage of?
- How long will I have to wait for installation day?
- How much will it cost, including any ductwork items?
- How familiar is your company with installing furnaces in the size and configuration I need?
- What furnace brands do you sell and support? What makes them your go-to option?
- Can you provide any reviews or references?
- What kind of warranty do you provide on new furnaces in Buffalo Grove?
Then, compare your potential providers across these eight dimensions. This should give you a better idea of which company is right for your Master Mechanical furnace installation.