should I Call a tech??

[marisakay]

since this is our 2nd winter in this house and I have lots of questions about our furnace and heat and and heating the house...should I call a tech to come out and make sure everything is in the up and up??? I would hate it if he found nothing but I have lots of questions of how furnaces work and not sure if ours is doing the job...I know it is only 5 yrs old but it is not efficient at all...it is a rheem...

also how much does it normally cost on ave to call a local family owned Heating specialist>>>?? are we talking over 100?? and what do I say?? I just want my furnace checked to make sure everything (settings, etc) is right??


ty in advance

[Dean]

I would think you would LOVE it if nothing was wrong.

Preventive furnace checks (or tun ups as some call them) are worth the price if nothing else, just for the peace of mind that everything is safe and operating as it should be.

Even a newer furnace can have hidden problems or at least something that is about to become a problem which if caught in time will save in the long run.

Most everything mechanical needs regular preventive maintenance.

Cost depends on location but sometimes HVAC companies run pre season specials.
You might want to get some recommendations from friends and relatives before you call anyone though.

[imeduc]

Its kind of late for this this year. But yes Id call some one and make sure you are there when they go over it. So you kind of know how it works For right now new air filter every 30 to 90 days for sure. use a pleated on with about a MERV 5 on it

ED

My mistakes dont define me they inform me.

[jbaratta]

MarisaKay -
I agree with Ed and Dean. I just moved into a 5 yr old home in Southern MD, paid about $130 for an annual maintenance contract on the heat (gas) and A/C systems (total - for both). They come out twice a year - spring and fall - to prep and service for the coming season. Also gets me a discounted price if anything is found wrong, and no-cost/minimal fee for the labor on repairs. Its a good deal if I need it, and piece of mind if I don't - like insurance. Hard to tell if you "need" to call a tech...but if you think you do, then do. Of course, expect that your timing and the outside temp will likely allow a tech to be a bit less competative in his fee than you might expect (!). Great idea to check/change the filter first - LazyPup gave you a great reply on your prior posts, but this small point may also help (as well, another factor is which side of the home is facing the sun - a contributor to heat gain/loss even with frigid temps outside - not much you can do about that!). Also, I've had all types of heat - Oil-fed baseboard heat was the warmest (in Newport RI - gets AWFUL cold there!), then GAS (best warmth, most efficient in relatively moderate climates - had this in NJ, VA, MD, PA), then electric (MOST EXPENSIVE in cold or sometimes moderate climates - had this in northern VA and Spain - about the same comfort level as gas, but for more $$), and worst was the HEAT PUMP (lowest cost, lowest comfort). I wouldn't be quick to 'dis the gas heat - may want to check what your neighbors have and how their systems are working.
Good luck, stay warm.
Jim