Though there are alternatives to your current furnace—including heat pumps—these other options also require changes in your distribution system.

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.

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 Santa Clarita HVAC professionals at Rays.

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.

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 Santa Clarita HVAC professional install and take care of your furnace, you can typically expect it to last between 15 and 20 years.

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 Santa Clarita 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.

Has your furnace in Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita furnace expert.
• Frequent Repairs: The typical furnace repair in Santa Clarita 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.

An improperly sized furnace is one of the most common causes of premature furnace replacement in Santa Clarita. 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 Los Angeles County HVAC company is best.

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 Santa Clarita won’t purchase a home with a bad HVAC system. Many people consider it a liability. For a better idea of ROI, call 818.697.4609 for a FREE quote on furnace replacement. You may also consider installing a whole-house humidifier or other air-quality device.

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 Santa Clarita heating emergency—you’ll want to schedule during early spring or fall. Call 818.697.4609 to book an appointment.

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.

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 Santa Clarita 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.

The average furnace in Santa Clarita 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. Rays Heating and Cooling offers our own guarantees on furnace installation as well.

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.

The length of furnace replacement in Santa Clarita 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.

With the cost of Santa Clarita 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 Glendale 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 Santa Clarita?

Then, compare your potential providers across these eight dimensions. This should give you a better idea of which company is right for your Rays furnace installation.