Is it time to replace your furnace? The Benefits of upgrading and what to consider when choosing a new furnace. Contact us Today
With winter on the horizon in St. Louis, homeowners are preparing to rely on their furnaces for a comfortable indoor climate. It can be challenging to determine when a furnace has reached the end of its helpful life versus needing simple repairs. Replacing an aging furnace can help lower energy costs, improve comfort, and ensure a safer environment.
Contact Tom Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating today to schedule an inspection or consultation. Let us help you keep your home warm, safe, and energy-efficient this winter and beyond.
Extremely thorough and educational. They do a wonderful job of explaining everything and making sure I was comfortable knowing how the systems worked in my house!
Response from the owner:Thanks for the great review, Matthew! We appreciate your support.
I noticed a strange noise that I was concerned was linked to my furnace. I called Thomas Hoffman Heating & Cooling and Nick came right out. He was very thorough checking all components. Thankfully all checked out for us this visit. Definitely recommend Thomas Hoffman Heating & Cooling!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the kind review, Abby! We appreciate your business and look forward to servicing you in the future.
Thomas Hoffman is a wonderful company to work with. Techs are knowledgeable, personable & efficient.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Christine, for your kind words about our team; we appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear you had a positive experience!
Got a quote over the phone. Everything was explained thoroughly. Dakota, my technician arrived and on time, was very professional and knowledgeable. He didn’t try to upsell or change anything. He did a great job. We can already tell the difference since the ducts and vents were cleaned. Would recommend an use Hoffman again in the future.
Response from the owner:Happy to hear you had a pleasant experience using Thomas Hoffmann!
The technician, Ryan, was knowledgeable and helpful in identifying the issue with our mini split AC unit. They are the second company we called after issues with the first and will be using Hoffmann again.
Response from the owner:We are so happy to hear your experience with Thomas Hoffmann was pleasant. Thank you for your kind review, & we look forward to working with you in the future!
woke up to a very cold house, called Thomas Hoffmann, they were able to come out a couple of hours later and get the issue resolved. Always trust them, they have always been quick to respond and get either the heating or ac issue fixed that day. Also a great price!!!! give them 10 stars if i could, Thank You JS
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind review, Jim. We are happy to hear that you had a positive experience working with Thomas Hoffmann!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Hank, for your wonderful feedback; we're glad you enjoyed the fast, friendly, and professional service, and we'll be sure to keep up the great work!
The technician Giovanni was excellent and on time very professional and efficient and knowledgeable of the project at hand ,gave great advice but most of all did great work 👏 thank you .
Response from the owner:We are so happy to hear you had a great experience, Sam! Thank you for the review, and thank you for your business.
Your service technician was very professional and knowledgeable. And did not appear to try to give me bogus information. I truly appreciate his honesty because several other companies did not appear to be honest, obviously wasn’t honest, my gut feeling told me they were not honest and tried to get me to spend $10,000 for a problem that was much simpler to fix. I look forward to you servicing all my properties, and possibly those of the rest of my family.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the kind words and great review! We appreciate your support.
Very prompt, communication was great, and the workers were very polite. I highly recommend them!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Lianne! We're glad to hear that you had a positive experience with our team and appreciate your high recommendation.
Water heater repaired, appointment done the same day, effective, courteous
Response from the owner:Thank you, Leticia! We appreciate your kind words and are glad to hear that the water heater was repaired promptly and effectively. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
The service tech Giovanni did a fantastic job. Our gas fireplace is working like new again so we’re ready for the cold weather!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mr, for your fantastic review! We're glad to hear Giovanni provided you with excellent service and professionalism. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If I could give 10 stars, I absolutely would.
Last night our furnace went out unexpectedly, and with three kids in the house, the temperature dropped fast. Giovanni went above and beyond in every way possible. Instead of charging me a late-night service fee, he simply asked, “Are you decently handy?” and offered to walk me through some troubleshooting steps to get our heat back on so my children wouldn’t have to sleep in the cold.
Not only did he guide me through the process, he even FaceTimed me and showed me exactly what to take apart, how to put it back together, and what signals to watch for. It felt like having a real technician standing right next to me the entire time. Thanks to him, our heat was restored within minutes.
In a world where true customer service is hard to come by, Giovanni is a rare find. It is a guaranteed fact that any future repairs, maintenance, and the new heater/AC system we’ll be needing this coming summer/fall will absolutely be done through him. His honesty, kindness, and expertise have earned our business for life.
Highly, highly recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your experience! We're so glad to hear Giovanni was able to help you and your family during that tough situation. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we appreciate your trust in our services for the future!
My neighbor referred these guys to me when had water heater problem. Previous company told me I needed to replace it. Tom’s technician fixed it for less than $200. This was over 2 years ago and have been using their service ever since. They are very trustworthy.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Mary, for sharing your experience and for trusting us with your water heater issue; we're glad our technician could help and that you've continued to rely on our services!
I called this company earlier today because I was having a bunch of issues with my HVAC system. They were incredibly friendly and walked me through troubleshooting step by step over the phone. They didn’t even charge me for the call. Thanks to their honest advice, I was able to get things running smoothly again. Really grateful for their help and would definitely recommend them if you want straightforward and trustworthy service. Five stars all the way!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the glowing review, Hector! We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in the future.
Nick did not set current time. — Monday Hoffmans Zach came to fix correct time. We DID NOT want a timed thermostat — we prefer to set temperatures manually
Response from the owner:Thank you, Pat, for your kind words about Giovanni; we appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that he made a positive impression.
Clear communication about arrival, service and costs.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Margaret, for your kind words! We appreciate your feedback on our clear communication and are glad you had a positive experience.
I will highly recommend this business for your air and heater repair. Prompt, knowledgeable and courteous service.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Judy, for your kind words and recommendation! We're glad to hear you were pleased with our prompt and courteous service.
Thomas Hoffman was very responsive to our after hours inquiry, even walked us through some trouble shooting over the phone. We provided pictures of the unit and they were able to quickly buy, schedule and install the part to keep our family warm!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Ali! We're glad to hear that Thomas was responsive and helpful in getting everything sorted out for you and your family. Your feedback means a lot to us!
Nick came by, identified the problem quickly and had it fixed. Great service!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Ted! We're glad to hear that Nick provided you with quick and effective service. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
Great service. Responsive. Well trained technicians. Honest friendly and thorough. I highly recommend Tom Hoffmann and his team.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate your recommendation and are delighted to hear about your positive experience with our team.
Ryan Taylor with Thomas Hoffman did an outstanding job in servicing our unit & explaining everything to me, especially how our humidifier worked, since we were new home owners & had not had one before. Thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you! We're glad to hear that Ryan and Thomas provided you with excellent service and helped you understand your new humidifier. We appreciate your feedback!
Ryan was knowledgeable and figured out why our furnace wasn’t working and repaired the problem
Response from the owner:So happy to hear you had a good experience with the team here at Thomas Hoffmann, Jo! Thank you for your support.
Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace
1. Age of Your Furnace
The average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 20 years. After this point, the system becomes less efficient and may struggle to meet your heating needs. If your furnace is approaching this age, it’s wise to evaluate replacement options. Older systems lose efficiency over time, leading to higher utility bills, especially during cold Missouri winters.
2. Increasing Heating Bills
If your energy bills are rising despite no changes in usage, your furnace may consume more energy to maintain the same temperature. Declining efficiency is a common sign of an aging furnace, as it has to work harder to heat your home. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model can significantly reduce heating costs.
3. Frequent Repairs
When furnace repairs become a regular occurrence, replacement may be more economical. A general rule is if repair costs are approaching half the price of a new furnace, it’s usually better to invest in a replacement. Increasing repair frequency is often a sign of components wearing down, which could lead to further issues.
4. Uneven Heating
If you notice temperature fluctuations between rooms or areas of your home, this may indicate your furnace can no longer distribute heat effectively. An older furnace often struggles to maintain consistent warmth, especially if it’s undersized for your home’s current needs. A new, correctly sized unit can help create an even, comfortable indoor climate throughout your space.
5. Strange Noises and Odors
Unusual noises like banging, rattling, or screeching can indicate worn or broken parts in your furnace. Burning or musty odors may also suggest issues like overheating, dust buildup, or even a cracked heat exchanger, a serious safety concern. Persistent sounds and smells are often a signal that replacement should be considered.
6. Air Quality Concerns
Older furnaces may struggle to filter and circulate clean air, which can lead to a decline in indoor air quality. It may be time to upgrade if you notice more dust, dander, or musty odors around your home. Newer models have advanced filtration systems that help maintain clean, healthy indoor air.
7. Safety Issues and Carbon Monoxide Concerns
If you notice warning signs like frequent carbon monoxide detector alerts, rust on the furnace, or pilot light problems, these could indicate serious safety risks. Older furnaces with cracked heat exchangers can leak carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, potentially lethal gas. In this situation, replacement is often the safest choice.
The Benefits of Replacing Your Furnace
Replacing an aging furnace has several benefits beyond the peace of mind of reliable heating.
Energy Efficiency and Savings: Newer furnaces are designed with efficiency in mind, often reaching Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 90% or higher. This translates to energy savings and lower heating bills.
Improved Comfort: Modern furnaces heat your home more consistently, preventing the cold spots and temperature fluctuations that older systems often cause.
Enhanced Safety: A new furnace eliminates the risk of safety issues such as carbon monoxide leaks, offering added protection for you and your family.
Eco-Friendly: High-efficiency furnaces consume less fuel, reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a greener environment.
Increased Property Value: An upgraded HVAC system can increase your home’s resale value, making it a worthwhile investment if you’re considering selling.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Furnace
If you’re ready to replace your furnace, consider these essential factors to ensure you choose the best option for your home.
Furnace Size and Capacity
Choosing the right size furnace is essential for efficiency and comfort. An undersized unit will have difficulty maintaining warmth, while an oversized one can cause issues like short cycling and increased wear on components. Working with an HVAC professional ensures you’ll get the correct capacity based on your home’s square footage, insulation, and layout.
Efficiency Ratings (AFUE)
The efficiency of your furnace directly impacts energy costs. High-efficiency furnaces with 90% or above AFUE ratings use less fuel and are more environmentally friendly. Although these models may have a higher initial cost, the energy savings over time can offset this expense.
Fuel Type
Most St. Louis homeowners choose between gas, electric, or oil furnaces. Gas furnaces are generally the most efficient and affordable in regions where natural gas is readily available. Electric furnaces, though often more expensive to operate, are a cleaner option and may be preferable in areas without natural gas service.
Additional Features
Modern furnaces have optional features like variable-speed blowers, programmable thermostats, and integrated humidifiers. Variable-speed blowers, for instance, can enhance comfort by adjusting airflow to maintain a more even temperature. Smart thermostat compatibility also allows remote control and customization of heating schedules for added efficiency.
When Is the Best Time to Replace Your Furnace?
Planning your furnace replacement before winter sets in is ideal. Fall is the best time for St. Louis homeowners to install a new furnace, as HVAC companies tend to be less busy, making it easier to schedule convenient appointments. Additionally, preparing before the cold weather arrives ensures your home stays comfortable without interruption during winter.
Choosing a Reliable HVAC Provider
Selecting an experienced, reputable HVAC provider is essential to ensure a smooth installation and ongoing support. Look for companies with positive reviews, certifications, and a solid reputation in the St. Louis area. Many HVAC providers also offer maintenance packages, which can help you keep your new system in peak condition for years.
At Tom Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re dedicated to helping St. Louis homeowners make informed decisions about their HVAC systems. Whether you’re ready for a new furnace or need an inspection to determine the best course of action, our team is here to provide expert guidance and reliable service.
Contact Us Today
Replacing your furnace can feel like a big decision, but it’s an investment in your home’s comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. If your furnace is showing signs of aging or struggles to keep your home warm, now is the time to consider upgrading before winter hits.
Contact Tom Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating today to schedule an inspection or consultation. Let us help you keep your home warm, safe, and energy-efficient this winter and beyond.
