If your furnace is red tagged, that likely means there’s a crack in the heat exchanger. A technician performing a tune-up or repair may spot the issue. With the discovery of this problem, your furnace is no longer permitted to operate because the crack may leak poisonous carbon monoxide gas into your home. If the concentration is high enough, carbon monoxide can be lethal in just 10 minutes.
You have two options if your furnace is red tagged. The first is to replace the heat exchanger. If you have a full warranty for parts and labor, this is probably the best route to take, unless your furnace is so old and/or inefficient that you’re considering replacing it anyway. If you don’t have a warranty for the heat exchanger, then the cost of buying and installing a new one may be so costly that replacing your furnace may become the more attractive option. This is especially the case nowadays when high-efficiency furnaces can greatly reduce your monthly heating costs.
Shopping for a replacement furnace is not something you do very often. Your choices may seem overwhelming. However, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you get the best furnace possible:
- First, you want to ensure that the new furnace is sized correctly. Neither an oversized or undersized furnace will run as efficiently as one that’s sized correctly for your home’s heating load. A professional will take into consideration your home’s square footage, insulation, duct system and other factors before recommending a particular size.
- Second, seek out a furnace with a high energy efficiency (AFUE) rating. By choosing an Energy Star-certified model, you know you’re getting one of the most efficient, reliable furnaces available. Look for quality brands with high efficiencies.
- Third, make your purchase from a reputable contractor with generations of experience and a passion for the heating and cooling industry. This will ensure you get the best price, the best service, and a quality installation.
To work with such a contractor, if your furnace is red tagged and you need repair or replacement, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc., the Dayton area’s leader in heating and air conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about red tagged furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Ace Hardware Home Services services the Ohio’s Miami Valley. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
