While alternatives to a conventional furnace, such as a heat pump, offer benefits, they often require significant changes to your existing ductwork or distribution system.

While nearly all new furnaces are more energy-efficient than older models, the level of savings depends on the unit you choose. If your priority is long-term utility savings rather than a lower upfront cost, consider a furnace with a higher AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. A higher AFUE rating indicates the furnace converts more fuel into usable heat, which translates to greater efficiency and lower energy bills over the life of the system.

The furnace you choose for your home must be the correct size. A unit that is too large will "short-cycle," constantly turning on and off, which wastes energy and puts unnecessary wear and tear on the system. Conversely, a furnace that is too small will struggle to adequately heat your home, especially the rooms furthest from the unit.

To ensure your new furnace is perfectly sized for your home, it's essential to have the sizing calculations performed by professionals. The best way to get it right is to leave the equipment sizing to the Santa Clarita HVAC professionals at Rays. Our team will conduct a thorough assessment of your home to recommend the ideal unit for maximum comfort and efficiency.

The cost of a new furnace varies based on several factors, including the furnace's efficiency, the size and layout of your home, the brand you select, and your installer's reputation.

Even if you find a furnace for sale online, the final price is affected by additional expenses like labor, permit fees, new ductwork, and the disposal of your old unit.

According to Forbes, the average furnace installation in 2024 is around $4,700. A new air conditioner generally costs less, while a new heat pump costs more.

While stories of furnaces lasting 25 or 30 years exist, these are typically outliers. The lifespan of your unit is largely determined by its installation and maintenance.

A furnace that is professionally installed and regularly serviced by a Santa Clarita HVAC professional can be expected to last between 15 and 20 years. In contrast, a poorly installed, undersized, or neglected unit will fail much sooner.

It's also important to remember that keeping an old furnace comes at a cost, as you miss out on the improved efficiency and advanced technology offered by newer models.

Is your Santa Clarita furnace starting to show its age? If you've noticed it struggling to keep your home comfortable, here are some signs that it might be time to replace your heating system:

Uneven Heating

Are some rooms in your home consistently too hot while others remain cold? This could signal a significant issue with the internal components of your furnace or a problem with your ductwork. A call to a Santa Clarita furnace expert can help you determine whether your system needs a simple tune-up or a full replacement.

Frequent Repairs

With typical furnace repairs in Santa Clarita costing between $300 and $800, these expenses can add up quickly. If you find yourself needing service more than once a heating season, it's often more cost-effective to replace the unit. Older furnaces frequently experience a "domino effect," where one failure leads to another.

Age of the Unit

Most furnaces have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If your unit is approaching or has exceeded this age, a proactive replacement is a smart investment. A new system offers two key benefits:

Improved Reliability: You'll experience fewer unexpected breakdowns and costly emergency repairs.

Enhanced Efficiency: Newer models are far more energy-efficient, which can significantly lower your utility bills.

While it may not be illegal in most areas to install your own heating system, it is highly inadvisable unless you are a qualified professional.

Even if you can pull the necessary permits and meet licensing requirements for certain units, we strongly advise against attempting a DIY furnace replacement. Seemingly minor errors can lead to dangerous and even life-threatening issues, including carbon monoxide poisoning, house fires, and severe electrical problems.

Additionally, most furnace manufacturers will not honor their warranty unless the unit is installed by a licensed professional. Professional installation and maintenance are often the first requirements for coverage.

An improperly sized furnace is one of the most common causes of premature furnace replacement in Santa Clarita.

To ensure your new heating system operates at maximum efficiency and longevity, a professional HVAC company performs a detailed Manual J calculation. This assessment considers several factors, including:

Your home’s square footage

Desired BTU output

The level of insulation

Your specific climate zone

Because these calculations are complex, it's best to leave them to a licensed Los Angeles County HVAC company.

A new furnace can increase your home's value, typically by $2,500 to $3,000.

However, the true value of an HVAC upgrade goes beyond that figure. A failing or outdated heating system is a significant liability that often deters buyers. In the Santa Clarita market, many potential homeowners will not purchase a property that needs a costly furnace replacement.

Installing a new furnace not only adds to your home's value but can also make it a more appealing and easier property to sell.

For a clearer idea of the return on investment for your specific home, call us at 818.697.4609 for a free, no-obligation quote on a furnace replacement.

The timing of your new furnace installation is crucial and can offer significant advantages. Scheduling your service during our off-peak season, when demand is lower, provides two main benefits:

Cost Savings: You can often take advantage of more competitive pricing.

Faster Service: Your new unit can be installed more quickly and at your convenience.

For homeowners in Santa Clarita who are not facing a heating emergency, the ideal time to schedule a replacement is during the early spring or fall. This proactive approach ensures you are prepared for the winter while saving both time and money.

Call 818.697.4609 to book your appointment today.

A furnace with an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating over 90% is considered high-efficiency, making it at least 12% more efficient than standard models. This increased efficiency can lead to significant savings on your monthly utility bills.

However, a high-efficiency unit may not be the right fit for every home. Installation can be more complex, often requiring new venting and the addition of a condensate line to handle moisture. While the upfront cost is higher, the investment typically pays for itself within seven years through lower energy costs.

For homeowners who plan to stay in their property long-term, a high-efficiency furnace is often a worthwhile and profitable investment.

We do not install customer-supplied furnaces, and we are happy to explain why this policy is in place.

First, we only install equipment that we have sourced directly from reputable manufacturers. This allows us to guarantee the quality and reliability of the unit. If we were to install a furnace we didn’t provide, we could not ensure its quality or honor the manufacturer’s warranty, which would ultimately leave you, the customer, at risk.

Second, proper furnace installation requires precise technical expertise. Our Santa Clarita HVAC technicians perform detailed calculations to determine the correct unit size and design the ideal ductwork for your home’s specific needs. A furnace that is improperly sized or connected to a flawed system can be inefficient, unsafe, and lead to premature failure.

The typical furnace installed in Santa Clarita comes with a standard 5-year limited parts warranty, a policy common among major brands like Trane, Lennox, and Rheem.

To extend this coverage to a full 10 years, you must register the product with the manufacturer within 90 days of installation. It's also worth noting that many brands offer a separate, longer warranty specifically for the heat exchanger. For complete details on the terms for your specific unit, always refer to your owner's manual.

Additionally, Rays Heating and Cooling provides our own guarantee on the furnace installation itself, ensuring the work is completed to the highest standards.

Has your new furnace stopped working, leaving you to search for a pilot light that isn't there?

Unlike older models, most modern furnaces rely on an electronic ignition system. This technology is a significant improvement, as it is far more energy-efficient and eliminates the fire hazards associated with a constantly burning pilot light.

The duration of a furnace replacement in Santa Clarita depends on several factors, including the new unit's fuel type, your home's size, and the complexity of the installation.

For smaller homes, our heating technicians typically complete the job in four to five hours.

For larger homes or more complex projects, you should plan for a full day, as the process may take eight hours or longer.

Your technician will provide a more precise timeline after assessing the specific needs of your home.

A new furnace is a significant investment, with costs for a full replacement in the Santa Clarita area often ranging from $9,000 to over $17,000 for more complex jobs. With such a high price tag, selecting a trustworthy and experienced HVAC professional is essential.

There are many companies to choose from. To help you narrow your options, we recommend asking the following key questions.

1. Credentials and Expertise

What kind of licensing and insurance does your company hold? (Verify with the California Contractors State License Board)

How familiar are you with local regulations in Santa Clarita and Los Angeles County?

What is your experience with installing furnaces in homes of my size and with my specific configuration?

Can you provide reviews or recent references from customers?

2. Products and Warranties

What furnace brands do you sell and support, and what makes them your preferred choice?

What manufacturer warranties are included with the new furnace?

What type of guarantee or warranty do you provide on the installation itself?

3. Pricing and Process

Can you provide a detailed, itemized quote that includes the cost of the unit, labor, and any necessary ductwork or venting changes?

How long should I expect the installation to take?

Do you handle the required permits for the installation?

Are there any rebates or incentives you can help me take advantage of?

By comparing potential providers across these critical factors, you can make an informed decision and select the right company for your new furnace installation.