The start of a new year is a great time to take inventory and make plans for the year to come. While you’re budgeting for family vacations, after school programs and summer camps, it’s a good idea to consider whether you may need to replace your furnace in the near future.
It’s important to be aware of the warning signs from your oil or natural gas furnace that indicate it may be in need of replacing. Don’t get caught on a cold, snowy winter night with a faltering furnace. Below are some key indicators that it may be time to start considering replacing your furnace.
1. How Old is Your Furnace?
The average life expectancy of residential furnaces today is between roughly 15 and 20 years. If your furnace is within or nearing this range, it might be time to start shopping for a replacement.
Don’t be forced into an “emergency replacement” situation where you aren’t able to shop around and make an informed decision. By being proactive and replacing your furnace as a planned home improvement, rather than a panic replacement, you can budget your expenses ahead of time and compare all available options.
The lifespan of your furnace will vary depending on its operating environment, as well as how often you perform preventative maintenance/cleanings of the system.
2. Have Your Energy Bills Increased?
Increasing energy costs aren’t the only reason for high bills. As your system ages, it tends to become less efficient, especially if you are not performing the necessary maintenance on a regular basis. This can lead to your system having to run for longer periods of time to provide the same amount of heat. Instead of paying more to your energy company, why not invest the money in an energy-efficient furnace?
3. Have You Had Major Furnace Repairs in the Last 2 Years?
As heating systems age they often require parts and repairs to maintain their functionality. If you find yourself having to invest considerable funds in your system on an ongoing basis, this may be another sign that it’s time to look for a replacement.
Do you find that you have to wait in order to get the parts you need replaced? As furnaces age, it becomes harder to source replacement parts as well.
4. Are Some Rooms in Your Home Heated Better Than Others?
Do you constantly need to adjust the thermostat to make your home more comfortable? This may be another sign that your current heating system isn’t able to properly distribute air to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
5. Is Your Family Noticing Unusual Health Problems?
As your furnace ages it can develop cracks inside causing harmful gases like carbon monoxide to leak into your home undetected.
Have you noticed frequent headaches, a burning feeling in your nose or eyes, nausea, disorientation or flu-like symptoms? If you notice an increase in these health problems, air out your house and contact a service technician immediately.
6. Is Your Furnace Making Unusual Noises?
Have you noticed a strange squealing, rattling or popping noise emanating from your furnace? As they get older, furnaces start to make some unusual noises towards the end of their life.
Is your furnace turning on or off frequently or blowing cold air? These are all indicators that it may be time to start shopping for a new system.
Trust Key Heating and Cooling for Your Heating Replacement
If any of these symptoms apply to your furnace, it might be time to start considering purchasing a new system. While it may be daunting to think of having to purchase an entirely new furnace for your home, it could end up helping you save money.
New home heating systems are much more energy-efficient and will help by lowering your energy costs. A new system can also increase the value of your home.
Contact Key Heating & Air Conditioning today if you think it may be time for a new furnace. One of our Comfort Advisors will provide you with a free in home assessment and estimate on a new energy efficient system. We also offer special financing options to get you the system you need in a timely manner. Give us a call at (833) 258-8811.
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