A furnace is among the most essential additions to your home. As you know, winter and fall can
bring unpredictable weather. From snowstorms in winter to cold, rainy fall, you need to create a warm and safe environment in your home. If your current furnace can’t provide the much-needed comfort during winter, you need to replace it. But how do you know it’s time to replace it?
Here are five signs to watch out for.
1. The Furnace Has Given You Service for More Than 15 Years
How old is your furnace? If a furnace is well-maintained, it should last for about 20 years. However, this heating system’s lifespan depends on several factors, such as its quality, local climate, personal comfort preferences, and regular maintenance from a qualified professional.
So, if you are wondering whether to repair or replace your furnace, you should first check its age. If this appliance has served you for more than 15 years, it could be at the end of its lifespan. In such a case, it is not practical and economical to repair it.
2. Unusually High Energy Bills
An increase in energy bills signifies that your furnace is running less efficiently. In such a case, the system uses more fuel and energy to keep your house warm. If you don’t replace this essential heating unit, you will pay more for heating every month.
It is common for a furnace to become less efficient over time due to various reasons. For instance, the filter gets dirty and radiators are blocked. Due to wear and tear, some parts and fittings also get loose. With time, the blower fan can also bend or break. It is possible to fix these issues if they are caught early. However, if you repair the furnace and still experience high energy bills, you need to replace it.
3. Noisy Furnace
Typically, modern furnaces operate quietly. So, why does yours make so much noise? Some noises that require urgent action include:
- Scraping sound
- Rattling
- Whistling or high-pitched screeching
- Booming or banging
Some common causes of these noises include a dirty furnace filter, a problem with the blower motor, or a blower wheel that is out of alignment. Other times, it could be dirty burners, a cracked heat exchanger, or a problem with the ducts.
Loud noises from your furnace are telling you that something’s wrong. They signal a major problem that can be dangerous to your home or furnace. You need to contact a skilled and experienced heating contractor to assess the source of the noise and fix the system. If the issue is complex, the professional may recommend furnace replacement.
4. Furnace Heats Unevenly
Do you have certain rooms in your home that don’t heat up properly? This problem is a sign of uneven heating. You need to first check the air vents. If they are closed or blocked, your home’s temperatures feel uneven.
Uneven heating also signals a problem with your furnace. For example, if the heating system isn’t routinely maintained, it is less efficient and can’t heat your home effectively.
It could also be the wrong furnace size. If your home’s heating system isn’t sized properly, it may not be powerful enough to heat every room. In such a case, you should call a heating expert to install a new furnace.
5. Frequent Repairs
Look back and see how often you call a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) expert to repair your furnace. Common problems with old furnaces include defective blowers, broken fans, damaged coils, a faulty thermostat, and clogged air filters. Other times, you may experience poor electrical connections and air leaks in your home.
You need to check your repair bills and weigh your options. Is it economical to frequently repair your furnace or install a new one?
If any of these signs sounds familiar to you, it is time to contact IMS Heating & Air Inc. An HVAC contractor will assess the source of the problem and fix it. If it isn’t practical and economical to repair the heating system, they may need to replace it.
