December 8, 2025
Goldsmith, IN Heating System Replacement: HVAC Tips
Estimated Read Time: 8 minutes
Replacing a failing furnace is a big decision. The right gas furnace replacement will cut energy bills, improve comfort, and protect your family through Indiana winters. In this guide, our Kokomo team explains how to choose the best system for your home, budget, and timeline. We will also share how to avoid common mistakes and how to use seasonal coupons to save on your install or tune‑up.
Start With the Right Size: Why Load Matters
Furnace size is about heat output, not cabinet dimensions. The goal is to match your home’s heat loss with a properly sized unit that keeps you comfortable without wasting energy. A Manual J load calculation considers square footage, insulation, window quality, air leakage, and duct layout.
Undersized units run nonstop, raise bills, and still leave cold spots. Oversized units short cycle, wear out parts, and cause temperature swings. A quick “rule of thumb per square foot” is not enough in Kokomo’s mixed winters and windy nights.
What to expect from a pro assessment:
- Manual J calculation with current insulation and window data.
- Duct inspection for leaks, size, and supply/return balance.
- Airflow targets by room to reduce hot‑and‑cold spots.
AFUE Efficiency: What the Numbers Mean
AFUE measures how much fuel becomes heat for your home. A 95% AFUE furnace converts 95% of gas into heat. Higher AFUE cuts waste and reduces bills. In northern states, ENERGY STAR furnaces must meet 95% AFUE or higher. Many homes we upgrade in Kokomo, Logansport, and Frankfort jump from 80% AFUE to 95% or more, with immediate savings.
Key tiers to consider:
- 80% AFUE: Lower cost to buy, higher fuel use. Often used in garages or mild climates.
- 95–96% AFUE: Great value for Indiana winters. Balanced price and savings.
- 97–99% AFUE: Top efficiency for long‑term homes or higher gas rates.
Ask your technician to model fuel savings over 10 years. Include maintenance costs and potential utility rebates when available.
Single‑, Two‑Stage, or Modulating: Which Burner Type Fits You
Burners affect comfort, noise, and bills.
- Single‑stage: On or off. Lower upfront cost. Best for smaller, tighter homes with consistent loads.
- Two‑stage: Low and high fire. Runs longer on low for even heat and quieter operation.
- Modulating: Adjusts in tiny steps to match exact demand. Most comfortable and efficient with the right thermostat.
Fan motors matter too. ECM or variable‑speed blowers use less electricity, run quieter, and improve airflow across filters and coils. They also pair well with multi‑stage and modulating furnaces.
Ductwork: The Hidden System That Makes or Breaks Comfort
A premium furnace cannot fix a leaky or undersized duct system. Before replacement, your technician should measure static pressure, inspect returns, and seal obvious leaks. Typical trouble signs include rooms that never reach set temperature, noisy vents, or a whistling return.
Improvements that pay off:
- Add returns in closed‑off rooms for better circulation.
- Seal and insulate duct runs in attics or crawlspaces.
- Correct restrictive grilles and crushed flex runs.
These changes often deliver more comfort per dollar than oversizing the furnace.
Thermostats and Controls: Small Upgrades, Big Results
Your thermostat is the brain of the system. Match it to your furnace type and your lifestyle.
- Single‑stage furnace: Basic programmable is fine.
- Two‑stage or modulating: Use a compatible smart or communicating thermostat.
- Zoning: Great for multi‑level homes or add‑ons. Requires dampers and a control panel.
Smart thermostats can learn your schedule, but comfort is king. Choose one that controls humidity, stages correctly, and supports filter change reminders.
Indoor Air Quality: Filters and Safety
A tight home needs clean air and safe operation. High‑MERV filters capture more dust, pollen, and dander. Do not choke airflow by installing a restrictive filter without blower adjustments. Ask for the right filter size and MERV for your system.
Consider these upgrades:
- Media filter cabinet for lower resistance and cleaner air.
- Humidifier to relieve dry winter air and protect wood floors.
- CO detector on every floor for safety near sleeping areas.
Annual tune‑ups prevent cracked heat exchangers and ensure proper combustion, especially on high‑efficiency models with sealed venting.
Reliability and Warranties: Read the Fine Print
A furnace is only as good as the install and the warranty behind it. Compare parts and heat exchanger warranties across brands. Then compare the labor warranty from the installer.
What to look for:
- Heat exchanger warranty length and transfer policy.
- Parts coverage for controls, blower motor, and igniters.
- Labor warranty from the contractor and whether maintenance is required.
Summers has served Indiana since 1969 and opened our Kokomo location in 2012. We match or beat competitors’ prices and offer 24/7 emergency service. Our licensed technicians install to code and manufacturer specs, which protects your warranty.
Budgeting the Project: Total Cost of Ownership
The lowest bid is not always the best value. Look at total cost over the life of the furnace.
- Equipment: AFUE, stages, blower type, and brand support.
- Installation: Load calculation, duct fixes, and code‑compliant venting.
- Operation: Gas and electric use based on your thermostat habits.
- Maintenance: Service plans, filter changes, and tune‑ups.
A 95% AFUE two‑stage furnace with a variable‑speed blower often offers the best balance of comfort and lifetime cost for Kokomo, Greentown, and Tipton homeowners.
Safety and Code: What Must Be Done Right
Proper venting, gas piping, and combustion air are non‑negotiable. High‑efficiency furnaces use PVC venting with specific slope and termination rules. Gas lines require pressure testing and approved shutoff valves. Electrical work must include proper grounding and dedicated circuits when needed.
Your installer should verify draft, measure combustion, and set blower speeds to protect the heat exchanger. Ask for the startup report and the checklist used on every install.
When Repair Beats Replacement, and When It Does Not
Repairs make sense when the furnace is newer, the heat exchanger is intact, and parts are affordable. Consider replacement if any of these apply:
- The furnace is older than 15 years and needs a major part.
- AFUE is 80% or lower and winter gas bills are high.
- You have rising repair frequency or safety issues.
- Rooms never warm up even after repairs and duct fixes are needed.
We offer honest diagnostics and emergency heating services. Our team is trained to fix the real problem, not sell you what you do not need.
Choosing a Contractor: Checklist for a Safe, Efficient Install
Use this quick vetting list before you sign:
- Licensed, insured, background‑checked technicians.
- Manual J load calculation and duct evaluation.
- Clear scope: permits, haul away, thermostat, and filter cabinet.
- Startup report with combustion and static pressure readings.
- Written warranty and maintenance plan options.
- Price protection and financing if needed.
Summers covers all the above and can install geothermal systems if you want a greener option.
Maintenance Plans That Protect Your Investment
“With our HVAC service plans, you can be assured that your heating system stays in great condition through regular checkups and cleanings.” Service plans keep efficiency high and catch problems early. They may also qualify you for discounts on repairs and priority scheduling during cold snaps.
A standard plan often includes:
- Annual precision tune‑up and professional cleaning.
- Safety inspection with combustion checks.
- Filter guidance and thermostat calibration.
Many Kokomo and Logansport customers pair a new furnace with a maintenance plan for long‑term peace of mind.
Local Insight: What We See in Kokomo‑Area Homes
Older homes in Wabash and Frankfort often have undersized returns and original 80% furnaces. We routinely gain comfort with added returns, sealed ducts, and a 95% two‑stage upgrade. In newer builds around Greentown and Tipton, modulating units with ECM blowers shine in open floor plans.
Cold morning starts, lake‑effect winds, and frequent cycling expose weak ignition systems and dirty flame sensors. A clean, tuned furnace and a smart thermostat schedule reduce those nuisance lockouts.
How We Install: Our Proven Process
- In‑home assessment and Manual J load.
- Duct evaluation and airflow plan.
- Written proposal with options and price match guarantee.
- Permit handling and scheduling.
- Professional installation, cleanup, and haul away.
- Startup test, homeowner walk‑through, and warranty registration.
- First filter and maintenance reminders.
Most replacements finish the same day. Emergency slots are available when heat is down.
Signs Your Furnace Is Near the End
Pay attention to these warning signs:
- Frequent short cycling and rising gas bills.
- Uneven rooms and louder operation.
- Yellow or flickering flames on non‑sealed models.
- Rust, water around the base, or cracked heat exchanger.
- Multiple repairs in two seasons.
When these show up, plan a replacement on your schedule, not during a freeze.
Financing and Ways to Save
Many homeowners spread project cost with financing. Combine this with efficiency savings and maintenance plans for predictable monthly comfort. Watch for seasonal coupons like a $69 furnace tune‑up special or free service call on a paid repair. Ask our team to apply the best offer available when you schedule.
Special Offers for Kokomo‑Area Homeowners
- Free service call with any paid repair this month only. Mention the free service call offer when scheduling.
- Furnace Inspection No Breakdown Guarantee for $69 this month only. Schedule during this month to receive the $69 special.
- $69 Furnace Tune‑Up Special with No Breakdown Guarantee. Present at time of service.
Call (765) 252-0727 or book at https://www.summersphc.com/kokomo/ to lock in your savings.
What Homeowners Are Saying
"Trevor was knowledgable, friendly, and professional. He checked my heating system out and answered all my questions along the way. Very helpful!"
–Trevor W., Kokomo
"Oh furnace stopped working overnight so I had to call for an emergency service... got to our house and had it back running within 10 minutes... we signed up for the yearly maintenance agreement."
–Chris C., Emergency Service
"Summers installed a new HVAC system in our home in Nov 2023... not at all pushy... small issue after install and they came right out and fixed it... Would highly recommend them."
–James S., Installation
"Wow is all I can say... validated the problem and there was nothing wrong with the system at all... integrity, awesome competency, and professionalism..."
–Christian M., Diagnostic
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a gas furnace replacement take?
Most replacements take one day, including removal, install, startup testing, and cleanup. Duct fixes or zoning can add time.
What AFUE should I choose for Indiana winters?
Aim for 95% AFUE or higher for strong savings and comfort in our climate. Many homeowners pick 95–97% for best value.
Do I need to replace my ducts when I replace the furnace?
Not always. We test static pressure and inspect for leaks. Many systems improve with sealing, added returns, or minor resizing.
Can a smart thermostat work with a two‑stage or modulating furnace?
Yes, if it is compatible with staging or communicating controls. Ask us to match the thermostat to your furnace type.
What maintenance is required after a new furnace install?
Schedule an annual tune‑up and professional cleaning. Replace filters as advised and test CO detectors to keep your warranty strong.
Wrap‑Up
The right gas furnace replacement balances proper sizing, 95%+ AFUE efficiency, and a quality install. Add a matched thermostat and duct tweaks for quiet, even heat. If you live in Kokomo, Logansport, or nearby, our team will size it right and stand behind the work.
Ready to Get a Quote?
Call (765) 252-0727 or book at https://www.summersphc.com/kokomo/ for your gas furnace replacement in Kokomo and surrounding cities. Mention our $69 Furnace Inspection or $69 Tune‑Up with No Breakdown Guarantee, or ask for the free service call with any paid repair. Get same‑day service, price‑match protection, and trusted local pros.
Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has served Indiana families since 1969, with our Kokomo shop open since 2012. Our licensed, background‑checked HVAC pros provide honest options, same‑day service, and 24/7 emergency support. We stand behind our work and guarantee to match or beat competitors’ prices. From precision furnace tune‑ups to full system replacements and geothermal installs, we deliver reliable comfort with fair, transparent pricing. Ask about maintenance plans and financing.