High energy bills and environmental concerns have brought a great deal of focus to the topic of high-efficiency heating equipment. In fact, California has recently implemented new regulations to eliminate nitrogen oxide—or NOx—emissions from furnaces and water heaters in buildings. However, the state also plans to implement a complete ban on NOx furnaces and water heaters by 2029. If your gas furnace is getting older and in need of a replacement, our team recommends making the switch to an all-electric powered heat pump or mini split to get ahead of the new ordinance. 

Hassler is a full service furnace installation company servicing Marin, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties. Our technicians are trained and prepared to handle your furnace installation needs and can help find an environmentally friendly heating solution for your home that meets the new standards. 

When to Repair vs Replace Your Furnace

Many East Bay homes have outdated, inefficient furnaces that no longer meet building codes, but it can be difficult to know when it’s time for a replacement. While the most accurate way to determine if you should repair or replace your furnace is with a thorough inspection from our team, several signs can help guide you, such as:

• Your furnace is more than 10 years old
• Increased heating bills (without a coinciding increase in your rates or usage)
• Loud sounds or unusual smells
• Your furnace is struggling to meet your heating needs
• Recurring repairs (especially if the cost of repairs is more than half the cost of a replacement)
• Your furnace does not meet the new NOx regulations 

How Furnaces Work

Traditional furnaces work in a 5-step process:

1. The thermostat activates your furnace when it detects the temperature dropping below your settings by sending a signal for it to start.

2. The furnace moves natural gas to the burners where it is ignited, generating heat and passing it through the heat exchanger to make it hotter.

3. The gasses that are created during combustion are then ventilated through the chimney in the roof, although high-efficiency furnaces will vent these gasses through an exhaust vent.

4. The blower is turned on and air is blown over the heat exchanger where it is warmed, and then sent to your ductwork.

5. The warm air is then distributed throughout your home by the furnace’s blower forcing air through its ductwork. This is why this type of furnace is often referred to as a “gas forced air system”.

Types of Furnaces & Heating Systems

As your local heating and cooling experts, we provide the highest level of quality in our products and our services. We offer an array of Carrier® furnace systems and heat pumps designed to deliver reliable and economical warmth, including:

• Single-stage Furnaces - Single-stage furnaces usually have a single “on” or “off” operation. Because these furnaces typically run at maximum speed, they can be rather noisy. That being said, they’re among the least expensive units on the market.
• Two-stage Furnaces - These furnaces operate either at full speed or half speed, allowing them to operate more quietly and get your home to the proper temperature more easily.
• Modulating Furnaces - Modulating furnaces can constantly regulate the amount of heat being released, along with the velocity of the air that passes through. Naturally, this results in reduced energy costs and quieter operation.
• Heat Pumps - Heat pumps are an all-electric furnace alternative that can both heat and cool your home. They work by moving heat rather than creating it via combustion, making them safer and more energy efficient. Heat pumps are compliant with all NOx regulations and are ideal for home electrification. 
• Ductless Mini Splits - Ductless mini splits are a type of heat pump that does not require a connection to a home’s central ductwork. Mini splits offer the same benefits as ducted heat pumps as well as zoning capabilities with individual controls of units placed in areas of your home. 

Choose Hassler for your New Furnace Installation

When you choose to experience the Hassler difference with your new furnace installation, you’ll enjoy the benefit of not only saving on your energy bills but also boosting your home’s environmental friendliness. We offer flexible financing options and our team stays up to date with the latest incentives to help make your furnace installation more affordable, like rebates from TECH Clean California. After your installation is completed, we also provide maintenance and furnace repair services to help keep your heating system running at peak performance for as long as possible. 

Experience a winter of increased comfort & efficiency with Hassler. Call 510-848-3030 or contact us online to get started today.