Heating Services Questions & Answers

Black-Haak knows there is a lot of research to be performed and information to sort through when learning about your home heating options. The following list includes some of the most commonly asked questions we receive from customers in regards to their home heating system. If you are looking for additional information or advice please call us now or schedule a service call.


Black-Haak, as well as most furnace manufacturers, recommends annual servicing of your furnace by a trained furnace technician. These routine checkups help ensure the furnace is clean, parts are inspected for excessive wear or corrosion and that the system is functioning at peak efficiency. This type of routine maintenance helps extend the life and efficiency of your furnace.


There are several reasons to replace your current furnace with a newer model, which range from increased efficiency to improved reliability. The average furnace has a lifespan of 10-15 years when properly maintained. If your furnace is getting up there in age, or you’ve noticed less heat in the home or higher utility bills, it might be advisable to call in for a furnace checkup or start looking for a replacement furnace. Even if your system is working fine it may still be worth making the transition to a newer model for increased energy efficiency or home appraisal value. If you are able to upgrade your old furnace to a newer model that has a higher energy efficiency rating or lower repair requirement you may find yourself saving money in the years to come through lower utility and repair expenses.


Today’s furnaces are governed by the AFUE rating system, which measures how much of the energy consumed by the furnace gets converted into usable heat. If your furnace has an AFUE rating of 80% that means it converts 80% of the gas, oil, or electricity it consumes into usable heat. The lowest AFUE rating any furnace on today’s market has is 80% which could be an increase in efficiency if your current furnace predates the AFUE rating system. If you’re willing to pay more up front for a higher rated furnace, newer and more efficient models have AFUE ratings of 90 to 98%.


The best way to determine the appropriate replacement furnace for your home is to consult one of the expert furnace installation technicians at Black-Haak. While it is possible to perform research yourself, and is recommended in order to be current with the latest industry technologies, it is always beneficial to let the professionals help you sort through and select the furnace model appropriate for your home’s size and your family’s budget. When you call Black-Haak we will send someone out to take a look at your home and make recommendations based on the layout of your house and your particular needs.