Clarks Hill, IN Heating System Replacement: HVAC Tips

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

A failing heater is stressful, especially when nights turn cold. If you are researching gas furnace replacement, you want comfort restored fast without wasting money. In this guide, we simplify how to choose the right system and avoid costly mistakes. You will learn what size you need, which efficiency actually pays off, and how to compare quotes so you get reliable heat and lower bills.

Start With the Right Size: Why Load Matters More Than Brand

Choosing the correct furnace size is the difference between steady comfort and constant frustration. Oversized units short cycle, create hot and cold spots, and can wear parts faster. Undersized units struggle on the coldest nights and run up energy costs.

How pros size a furnace:

1. Perform a Manual J heat load calculation based on your home’s square footage, insulation, windows, air leakage, and orientation.
2. Factor in duct condition and supply returns. Leaky or undersized ductwork can rob 20 percent or more of delivered heat.
3. Adjust for lifestyle. Basement usage, planned additions, and smart thermostats affect capacity needs.

Good rule: Never select a new furnace solely by the old unit’s size. If windows, insulation, or air sealing changed since the last install, the correct size likely changed too.

AFUE, Efficiency, and What Actually Lowers Your Bill

AFUE tells you how efficiently a furnace turns gas into heat. An 80 percent AFUE furnace converts 80 percent of fuel into usable heat. High efficiency units reach 95 to 98 percent AFUE.

Key facts to guide your choice:

• Current federal minimum for non‑weatherized gas furnaces is 80 percent AFUE. A new national standard of 95 percent AFUE is scheduled to take effect in 2028.
• ENERGY STAR gas furnaces typically start at 95 percent AFUE in northern states like Indiana, which helps capture more heat from the flue gases and reduce emissions.

When is 95 percent AFUE worth it?

• You plan to stay in the home 5 to 10 years or more.
• Gas prices are moderate or rising in your utility area.
• Your home already has or can add proper PVC venting and a condensate drain.

Tip: Pair efficiency with a quality thermostat and a tight duct system. An ECM blower and sealed ducts often save more in the first year than the efficiency jump alone.

Single‑Stage vs Two‑Stage vs Modulating: Which Comfort Level Fits You

Burner stages affect comfort, sound, and efficiency.

• Single‑stage: Always runs at full fire. Lowest upfront cost. Fine for smaller, tighter homes and rental properties.
• Two‑stage: Low and high fire. Runs on low most of the time for quieter operation and steadier temperatures. Great balance of comfort and value.
• Modulating: Varies in small increments to match the exact heat load. Best temperature control and typically the quietest. Highest upfront price.

Blower options:

• PSC motor: Basic fixed‑speed. Lower cost, fewer controls.
• ECM variable‑speed: Uses less electricity, ramps smoothly, and improves filtration and humidity control.

For many Crawfordsville area homes, a 95 percent AFUE two‑stage furnace with an ECM blower is the sweet spot for comfort and utility savings.

Matching the Furnace to Your Ductwork and AC

Your furnace is half of an air handler system. If your ductwork is too small, leaking, or unbalanced, no furnace can perform well.

Checklist before you replace:

1. Static pressure test to confirm ducts can move the required airflow.
2. Visual inspection for kinks, crushed runs, or disconnected trunks.
3. Seal and insulate accessible ducts where practical. Focus on basements, crawlspaces, and attics.
4. Confirm AHRI‑matched furnace and AC coil pairing to protect efficiency, warranty, and rebates.

If your AC is older than 10 years or uses R‑22 refrigerant, combining your furnace replacement with a new matched AC or heat pump can reduce total labor and improve efficiency.

Venting, Gas Line, and Code Details that Protect Your Home

A safe, code‑compliant setup matters as much as the brand on the badge.

• Venting: 95 percent AFUE furnaces use PVC intake and exhaust. 80 percent units typically use metal flue venting. The vent must be sized, sloped, and terminated correctly to avoid condensation or recirculation.
• Combustion air: Tight homes may require dedicated combustion air to prevent back‑drafting.
• Gas supply: The gas line, shutoff, and sediment trap must be sized and installed according to manufacturer specs.
• Drainage: High efficiency furnaces produce condensate that needs a proper drain and trap with freeze protection.

Local insight: In older Crawfordsville basements with short joist bays, routing PVC venting cleanly can be tight. A site visit helps determine whether sidewall or roof termination is best.

Thermostats, Filtration, and IAQ Upgrades That Maximize Comfort

A new furnace is the perfect time to improve air quality and control.

• Smart thermostat: Schedules, geofencing, and alerts save energy and catch issues early.
• High‑MERV media filter: 3 to 5 inch media cabinets capture more dust with less pressure drop than 1 inch filters.
• Humidifier: Proper winter humidity prevents dry skin, protects wood, and can make 68°F feel comfortable.
• UV or air purification: Helps reduce certain airborne contaminants. Choose models that do not add excessive pressure drop.

Ask for a static pressure reading before and after any IAQ upgrade to ensure airflow remains in the safe range.

Warranties, Guarantees, and What to Look For in a Quote

Not all quotes are equal. Compare more than just the model number and price.

Evaluate every proposal for:

1. Load calculation summary and equipment size.
2. Scope of work, including venting, gas line, condensate, and duct corrections.
3. Manufacturer parts warranty and installer labor warranty length.
4. Start‑up verification with combustion analysis and gas pressure readings documented.
5. Thermostat, filter cabinet, and any IAQ add‑ons included.
6. Permit handling and disposal of the old equipment.

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling provides clear, upfront pricing, dependable installation warranties, and documentation of start‑up readings so you know the system is dialed in from day one.

Financing, Rebates, and Total Cost of Ownership

A furnace is an investment. Look beyond sticker price.

• Financing: Payments as low as $75 per month are available on select high efficiency furnaces, with approved credit.
• Utility rebates: Many utilities offer incentives for 95 percent AFUE furnaces and ECM motors. Program details change often. We help file the paperwork.
• Operating cost: A 95 percent AFUE unit can trim gas usage compared to an 80 percent model, especially in colder pockets around Crawfordsville and Lebanon.
• Maintenance: Annual tune‑ups protect warranties and keep efficiency on track.

Total value is equipment plus correct installation, airflow, and ongoing service.

Timeline: What to Expect on Installation Day

Most replacements take one day. Complex venting or duct modifications can add time.

Typical steps:

1. Protect floors and work area. Confirm scope and thermostat settings.
2. Remove old furnace and assess vent, gas, and drain paths.
3. Set new furnace, connect gas and venting, and install a new filter cabinet if included.
4. Wire thermostat and integrate with AC or heat pump.
5. Start‑up with combustion analysis, adjust gas pressure, and verify temperature rise.
6. Clean up, haul away, and review the system and warranties with you.

We leave the space cleaner than we found it and review filter changes and thermostat programming before we go.

Maintenance: Keep Your New Furnace Running Like New

Even the best furnace needs routine care.

• Frequency: We recommend HVAC maintenance at least once a year. Fall is ideal for furnaces.
• Tasks in a precision tune‑up: Safety inspection, flame sensor cleaning, blower and inducer checks, gas pressure verification, condensate cleaning, and filter assessment.
• Plans: Preventive maintenance programs lock in seasonal tune‑ups, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs.

A maintained system runs safer, lasts longer, and keeps energy bills predictable.

Signs It Is Time to Replace Instead of Repair

Repairs make sense until they do not. Consider replacement when you see:

• Cracked heat exchanger or repeated flame rollout or CO alarms.
• Frequent repair calls in a single season.
• Hot and cold spots, noisy operation, or short cycling even after repairs.
• 15 years or older with rising gas bills.

If your repair exceeds 30 to 40 percent of the cost of a new system and your furnace is past mid‑life, replacement is often the smarter long‑term move.

How We Help Homeowners in Crawfordsville and Nearby Cities

We install, repair, replace, and maintain all major makes and models. Our local team provides 24/7 emergency service, free estimates on new equipment, and flexible financing options. You will see our stocked trucks from Lafayette to Lebanon, Crawfordsville, Attica, Rockville, Veedersburg, Westpoint, Jamestown, Thorntown, and Ladoga. We back our work with dependable warranties and a Worry FREE GUARANTEE so you can choose with confidence.

Special Offers for Furnace Replacement and Tune‑Ups

• $69 Precision Heating Tune‑Up with No Breakdown Guarantee. Must present coupon at time of service. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Expires 12/03/2025.
• $69 Furnace Inspection. This month only. Book within this month to receive the special price. Expires 12/03/2025.
• Free Service Call with any paid repair this month. Mention the offer when scheduling. Expires 12/03/2025.
• Financing available with payments as low as $75 per month on select high efficiency furnaces. Terms may apply. Call for details.

Call (765) 310-3070 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/crawfordsville/ to redeem any offer today.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Tony was at our home today to check out the heating system, part of our annual maintenance agreement. Professional, personable, and thorough. Happy to recommend him to anyone looking for quality HVAC service."
–Crawfordsville, Heating Service

"Ken was knowledgeable and professional. Got my heat back up and running quickly. Great job!"
–Lebanon, Furnace Repair

"A great experience having Tony service our furnace. He was thorough and courteous, explained everything in a clear and strait-forward way. I highly recommend Summers and Tony in particular. Thanks!"
–Lafayette, Furnace Service

"I called this morning and they had a technician here by noon. Aaron was very helpful and explained the situation in great detail. Brett Wagner came out and explained the many options Summers PHC has to offer relating to my heating and air conditioning needs. I feel confident the new system will be more than adequate."
–Crawfordsville, System Replacement

Frequently Asked Questions

What size gas furnace do I need for my home?

A proper Manual J heat load calculation is the only accurate way. Square footage alone is not enough. Insulation, windows, air leakage, and ductwork all change the required size.

Is a 95 percent AFUE furnace worth it in Indiana?

Often yes. ENERGY STAR furnaces are typically 95 percent AFUE or higher. Colder winters and longer run times help the added efficiency pay back faster than in milder climates.

Can I reuse my old metal vent with a high efficiency furnace?

No. High efficiency furnaces use PVC venting and a condensate drain. Your installer will size and route new intake and exhaust per manufacturer specs and code.

Should I replace my AC when I replace my furnace?

If your AC is 10 years old or uses R‑22, consider a matched system. You save on labor, keep warranties intact, and protect efficiency with an AHRI‑rated match.

How often should a new furnace be serviced?

Once a year. Schedule your furnace tune‑up in the fall. Seasonal maintenance keeps efficiency high, protects warranties, and catches issues early.

Bottom Line

The right gas furnace replacement balances proper sizing, 95 percent AFUE where it makes sense, and quality installation. Pair that with smart controls and sealed ducts for steady comfort and lower bills. If you need gas furnace replacement in the Crawfordsville area, our licensed team is ready to help with clear pricing and dependable warranties.

Ready to Get a Free Furnace Estimate?

Call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling at (765) 310-3070 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/crawfordsville/. Ask about our $69 tune‑up and financing as low as $75 per month on select systems. Book today and feel the comfort tonight.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling

For over 50 years, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has served homeowners with licensed, background‑checked technicians and upfront pricing. We install and service all major furnace brands, offer dependable installation warranties, and provide 24/7 emergency support. Ask about flexible financing and our Worry FREE GUARANTEE. We are locally owned and active in Crawfordsville, Lafayette, Lebanon, and nearby communities.