Furnace Replacement
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Furnace Installation in Port Huron
Providing Furnace Replacement Services in Port Huron Since 1959
If you are considering buying a new furnace, chances are it has been well over a decade since you last purchased a system. Let’s face it, making big decisions is not easy, especially decisions that you only have to make a couple times in a lifetime. That is why we aim to answer all of your questions. And even the questions that you might not know you should ask. Our goal at Vincent’s is to make the purchase of your new furnace as stress-free as possible.
$0 Furnace and Boiler Quotes
Part of making the purchase process as stress-free as possible is giving a free evaluation of your system. And not only that, but the person we send to your home will be an HVAC technician who works in the field, not a professional salesperson.
What does an installation with Vincent’s Include:
Lifetime Installed Right Guarantee
We pride ourselves on our craftsmanship. And we stand behind our work. That is why if there are any problems with your system caused by poor workmanship on the installation, we will cover it no matter if your system is 1 year old or 12 years old.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We are so sure that you will be satisfied with your new system that we have this guarantee to back it up. “If at any time during the first year of installation, you are not 100% satisfied with the performance of the equipment, our service or even our people, we will, within 30 days of your request, remove the system and cheerfully refund the entire amount of the contract.”
Follow Up Visit
We perform a checkup, usually within a week of the installation, to make sure that you are happy and to make sure that we delivered everything we said we would. If the AC is installed in colder months, we will do a complimentary visit in the Spring to start the unit up.
Permits and Licensing
We take care of pulling all required permits for us to complete the job within your municipality. We are a fully licensed mechanical contractor.
Replacing Now vs Waiting
Chances are that if you are looking at this page, you are thinking about replacing your furnace soon. There are many good reasons why to consider upgrading your system. For instance, newer systems have more safety features than older systems and offer savings on your energy bills. However, while energy savings may be nice, installing a new furnace puts a big dent on the checkbook. To help you decide whether installing now or waiting is right for you, we have put together a few of the reasons we see that customers choose to replace now instead of postponing an installation.
Your Furnace is 18+ Years Old
A lot of people wonder how long furnaces should last. While no one really knows how long furnaces SHOULD last, what we can say is that, over the past 12 months, we have tracked the age of the furnaces we pulled out of people’s homes. Over that timeframe the average furnace we replaced was 18.6 years old. Furnaces accumulate a lot of wear and tear in one calendar year. Some people think that their furnace gets a break in the summer, but actually, if you use AC, your furnace blower is pushing the air around your home when the AC is used. Once furnaces get past the 18-year mark, they are at a much higher risk of having big, costly breakdowns. Especially if the system has not been maintained on a yearly basis.
You Have An 80% Efficient Furnace
If your furnace has metal exhaust vent, you have an 80% (or lower) furnace. That means that you have the most to gain by upgrading to a high efficiency system. Besides the monthly energy savings that you can attain just by having a higher efficiency system, there are currently utility rebates and even tax credits available for certain systems.
You Are Close to Retirement
Replacing your furnace can be a big expense, and more often than not, it is unexpected. And when someone is on a fixed income, it can be an even bigger expense proportionally to income. That is why a prudent strategy would be to plan on replacing your HVAC system, or at the very least, having your furnace and air evaluated by a professional within a year or two of your planned retirement. Unless you are planning to move immediately after your retirement, you could be saving yourself a big headache down the road.
You Will Live In Your Existing Home For At Least 5 Years
The best-case scenario for upgrading a furnace is knowing you will be in a home for at least 5 years. If you plan to upgrade to a higher efficiency system you likely need at least 5 to 10 years in order to recoup the entire investment. However, plans can change, and there is a silver lining even if you end up moving sooner. New HVAC equipment can be a selling feature for a home. And even though it can still be a large investment, it is usually not as big an investment as other features like renovating a kitchen or bathroom.
Common Misconceptions about Furnaces
A Bigger Furnace Will Heat My House Better
An oversized furnace is guaranteed to have problems. One reason is ductwork. The ductwork that we see in most homes is undersized. Ductwork has a maximum capacity of heat it can deliver. If the BTUs a furnace delivers exceeds this capacity, your furnace will overheat, and will also put strain on the blower. Strain on the blower can eventually cause the blower to fail, and overheating for many years can cause a heat exchanger to crack, which is a safety concern due to the risk of carbon monoxide.
Oversizing a system will cause a loss of efficiency too. If the size of a furnace exceeds the maximum capacity of ductwork by 25%, that extra 25% of heat is either going to go out your chimney or cook your equipment.
If you are experiencing comfort issues in certain rooms, it may be better to consider upgrading your home’s ductwork, insulation, or windows instead of increasing the size of your heating equipment.
VHP will calculate the amount of heating demand on your home and also will determine the amount of heat that your ductwork can supply. That way you can have peace of mind that you have the right system for your home.
The Brand Of My Furnace is the Most Important Consideration
No matter what the brand of your Furnace is, if it is not installed properly and is not sized properly for your home, it will not operate correctly. That is why the most critical consideration when purchasing a new furnace or AC system is to have a professional you can trust install your new system. Buying a furnace can be a bit like buying a car. If you buy a car and the dealership is not nearby, it might be very difficult to get service when you need it. It can be the same for furnaces and air conditioning too if you select a brand that does not have a dealer nearby.
Anyone Can Install A Furnace
Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean that you should. While it may be possible for your uncle to install a furnace, if they do not follow mechanical code or manufacturer install procedures correctly, the furnace may not work correctly and may also have a shortened life. It may also not be eligible for warranty coverage if a breakdown occurs if it is not installed by a licensed professional. It is important to make sure that whoever installs a furnace can also service the system if it breaks down. Service companies may not honor warranties on equipment that is sold through a different installer.
Frequently Asked Furnace Repair Questions
What Will it Cost to Replace My Furnace in Port Huron?
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 Port Huron 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 Port Huron 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 Port Huron?
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 Port Huron 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 Port Huron?
Has your furnace in Port Huron 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 Port Huron furnace expert.
- Frequent Repairs: The typical furnace repair in Port Huron 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 Port Huron. 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 Blue Water area HVAC company is best.
Does a Furnace Replacement in Port Huron 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 Port Huron won’t purchase a home with a bad HVAC system. Many people consider it a liability. For a better idea of ROI, call 810.985.7103 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 Port Huron heating emergency—you’ll want to schedule during early spring or fall. Call 810.985.7103 to book an appointment.
Is It Worth It in Port Huron 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 Vincent's Heating & Plumbing 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 Port Huron 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 Port Huron?
The average furnace in Port Huron 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. Vincent's Heating & Plumbing 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 Port Huron?
The length of furnace replacement in Port Huron 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 Port Huron Furnace Installation?
With the cost of Port Huron 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 Fort Gratiot 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 Port Huron?
Then, compare your potential providers across these eight dimensions. This should give you a better idea of which company is right for your VHP furnace installation.