Believe it or not, temperatures will soon begin to fall and winter will be just around the corner. Is your furnace system running in tip-top shape?
No one enjoys the cost associated with replacing their home’s furnace system, but the fact is: that they don’t last forever. Just how will you know when it might be time to invest in a new system? We have five signs to look out for below…
1. Your system is more than 15 years old.
A modern furnace typically have a lifespan of about 20 to 30 years. That being said, it is usually recommended that you start shopping for a new system at about the 15-year mark. There are also ways to ensure you get the most from your existing system, including making sure your breakers and shut-off switches are properly set and changing dirty and clogged filters. If you want to save on your heating bill, you might turn the thermostat down and put on extra layers or invest in a programmable thermostat and have it set to lower the temperature when you’re asleep or away from home. Be sure you seal areas like doors and windows, too.
2. Energy bills and repairs are increasing.
It’s likely that the older your system is, the harder it is working to produce heat. When this happens, your energy bills increase and repairs are needed more often. While the initial cost can seem overwhelming, often, replacing the system with a more efficient unit saves money in the long run.
3. Rooms in your home are different temperatures.
Older systems have a harder time distributing heat throughout the home, causing some rooms to be colder than others.
4. You see soot around heating registers.
If you find this, or rust, it likely means your furnace has too much CO2. This can cause extreme dryness, resulting in damaged furniture and flooring. It can also be the source of itchy throats, dry eyes and respiratory issues. If you see soot, it’s probably time to replace your furnace.
5. It’s noisy.
If you notice a noise is getting louder over time, a replacement may be needed. Look out for rattling, popping, humming and screeching/squealing.
As you can see, the identification of the signs that you need to change your furnace is, therefore, the key to a comfortable and safe home environment.
For example, if your system is older than 15 years, it may be time for an upgrade. All those units that are older than that are basically less efficient and have frequent breakdowns. This will lead to uneven heating in the rooms; hence, the furnace fails to perform its duty effectively.
Furthermore, if you have suddenly experienced an increase in your energy bills or repair estimates, that is a sure sign that your furnace is not performing as it should anymore. Thereafter, strange noises from your heating system could be a pointer to problems that may warrant replacement.
Last but not least, soot around heating registers—this can be a concerning problem where incomplete combustion is occurring; it’s dangerous. Watching for these warning signs will help to keep your home warm and cozy while keeping costly repairs and inefficiencies at bay. If you identify any of these problems, now may be the time to speak with someone about options for a new furnace.
Need help determining if your furnace needs to be replaced and what unit to invest in? Call A&T Heating and Air Conditioning in Mohnton, Berks County, PA at 484-516-1017 or visit us online at www.atheatac.com.
Want to stay up to date with the latest at A&T HVAC & Plumbing? Follow us on Facebook!
Recent Comments