The team at Oasis HVAC has been installing furnaces in St. Clair Shores since 2008. Michigan winters force furnaces to work overtime and the conditions are worsened by the lake effect, where air flowing over St. Clair Shores is warmed by the lake, causing heavy snowfall. If you’re looking for the best furnace installation company in St. Clair Shores, we invite you to learn more about our services and how we cater to the unique homes in this community.
Tailoring Solutions to St. Clair Shores’ Diverse Housing Stock
St. Clair Shores is home to a wide mix of architectural styles, from charming post-war ranches along Little Mack Avenue to larger lakefront properties off the eastern side of Jefferson Avenue. We understand that maintaining or upgrading heating systems in these diverse homes can come with its challenges, whether it’s navigating tight crawl spaces or working with existing ductwork that might need adjustments.
Transparent Pricing for Peace of Mind
When you choose Oasis HVAC, you’re choosing a company staffed by neighbors who treat you like a neighbor. We always keep our customers informed throughout the project, no matter how complex the installation may be. This means no surprises—just clear, transparent pricing that helps you understand every step of the process.
Installing the Right Heating System for Your Home’s Needs
Oasis HVAC is proud to work with distributors of the best gas and electric furnaces with the highest efficiency ratings. When we come to your home, we ask questions to ensure that our proposed furnace installation will meet your comfort goals and fit the specific requirements of your home.
The Oasis Furnace Installation Process for St. Clair Shores Homes
Assessment
We start by sending an Oasis HVAC specialist to your home. They will ask questions about any areas of your home not being properly heated, current systems in use, as well as details about the age and structure of your home. For ranch-style homes found on the southern end of Harper Avenue, we commonly see horizontal furnaces work best given the cramped spaces and limited mounting points.
Design
Based on your answers, we’ll design a furnace system that meets your home’s square footage, temperature needs, and other requirements. We can also include multi-stage furnaces for improved efficiency or zoning systems, depending on your needs.
Site Preparation
We then set up air returns and vents to match your home’s decor and style. If this is the first furnace for your home, we ensure the proper space is allocated for mounting and necessary connections. In the brick homes along Euclid, for example, we’ve found that most have existing chimneys we can use for proper furnace venting rather than drilling through existing masonry.
Installation
The installation and preparation stages are typically completed on the same day. For larger projects, part of the team may work on ductwork connections, while others focus on placing the furnace, leveling it, and connecting it to the natural gas line
Ductwork Modification (When Necessary)
Depending on the state of your home’s interior ductwork, we ensure that the system is functioning properly and is free of air leaks. If an upgrade to a zoned system is needed, we install the actuators and valves to make that possible.
Connection and Testing
The final stage is to connect all components and test the system through the various heating cycles. During this phase, we guide you through the different thermostat options and settings. This is especially crucial in Cape Cod-style homes, like those on Deziel Street, where the second floor may have previously been cooler than the main floor.
Best Practices for St. Clair Shores Housing Styles
The housing stock in St. Clair Shores is diverse, from ranch-style homes built in the mid-20th century to split-level homes and newer lakefront constructions. Each type of home requires specific considerations during furnace installation:
| Home Style | Issue | Oasis’ Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Ranches | Smaller crawl spaces or basements | Consider horizontal furnaces for limited spaces and low-profile vents to maintain the interior appearance |
| Split-Levels | Temperatures can vary significantly across levels due to inadequate energy transfer | Use zoned systems to maximize heating capabilities; add mid-century fixtures to maintain stylistic goals |
| Post-War Bungalows | Limited space in basements, wood features can deteriorate over time | Whole-house humidification can help maintain comfort and conditions for wood longevity; horizontal furnaces can fit in many attics and crawl spaces. |
| Cape Cod and Colonial Revival Homes | Ductwork can be a challenge to implement in Cape Cod homes, and multiple stories are an issue for both styles | Use zoned systems to maintain even heating across levels and consider horizontal furnaces if space is tight in Cape Cod homes. For appearances, consider floor registers for Colonial Revival Homes |
| Contemporary Homes | Larger windows and open floor plans can be difficult to heat properly | Consider linear or slot diffusers to maintain the modern appearance; use zoned heating systems if not already installed to manage heat dissipation. |
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
At Oasis HVAC, we prioritize energy efficiency to help St. Clair Shores residents save on their heating bills. Modern furnaces come with AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings of 95% or higher, meaning 95% of the fuel is converted into heat for your home. This can lead to significant savings compared to older models with ratings as low as 60%.
For example, upgrading from an 80% AFUE furnace to a 95% AFUE model could save you up to 15% on your annual heating costs. Additionally, many high-efficiency furnaces qualify for federal tax credits, further offsetting your initial investment.
Maintaining Your New Furnace
To ensure your new furnace continues to operate at peak efficiency, regular maintenance is crucial. Here are some tips for homeowners:
- Change or clean your filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and air quality.
- Keep the area around your furnace clear of debris and storage items.
- Check your thermostat batteries annually.
- Schedule professional maintenance every fall before the heating season begins.
Warning signs that your furnace needs professional attention include unusual noises, frequent cycling, or unexplained increases in your energy bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a new furnace installation take?
A typical furnace installation usually takes about one day. More complex jobs, especially those requiring ductwork modifications, may take two or three days.
Will a new furnace be more efficient than other options?
Modern furnaces are extremely efficient, with ratings of 95% or higher. They’re designed to handle Michigan’s cold winters while keeping energy bills down. They also do not need auxiliary heat when the temperature drops below zero.
Do I need to replace my ductwork for a furnace replacement?
Not always, but adjustments may be needed for optimal performance. Our team will inspect your existing ductwork to determine if modifications are required.
How often should the new furnace be serviced?
It’s recommended to service your furnace every fall, ideally in October, before peak heating season begins.
What is the impact of a new furnace on air quality?
A new furnace can improve air quality by reducing dust and allergens compared to older models. We can also redesign duct systems to ensure fresh air circulates evenly.
Will a new furnace increase my home’s resale value?
Yes, particularly in older homes. A new furnace is an appealing upgrade that can add value to your home.
Get Your Furnace Installed by Your Local Experts in St. Clair Shores
Oasis HVAC is proud to serve our neighbors in St. Clair Shores with reliable, high-quality furnace installations that fit the diverse housing styles and comfort preferences you have. If you are looking for a fresh start on your heating, call us during business hours or fill out the submission form so that we can schedule an on-site assessment for your furnace installation needs.
