If furnace replacement sounds like a daunting task, it doesn't have to be. Many homeowners understand the basics but don't know what specific things they should look for when determining if furnace replacement is necessary.
A new heating system is a big investment in your family's comfort. While you may be reluctant to replace it while it's still working, or you think it is still working, it may be worthwhile to start shopping for a new furnace before it breaks down—especially if any of the following signs apply to you.
If your existing gas furnace is unable to provide consistent warmth during the winter, it's probably time to replace it. If you're on the "replace your furnace" fence, read on. In this article, we will cover eight common signs that indicate furnace replacement might be needed soon.
1. Age of your system
Your furnace's age is a good indicator of whether or not furnace replacement might be in your future plans. While home appliances typically last between fifteen and twenty-five years, a furnace's life normally only last ten to fifteen years at most before furnace replacement becomes necessary. If your furnace is older than fifteen years, it may need furnace replacement sooner rather than later to ensure efficient performance during its lifetime.
2. Furnace noises
One very common sign that warrants furnace replacement is heating strange noises. If your system is running louder than normal or making rattles, buzzing, or humming, it's time to replace it because of cracks, leaks, or other structural concerns. If furnace replacement is in your future plans, furnace repair may be a short-term solution to furnace noise. When furnace repair fails to solve the noise problem within one year, system replacement is likely needed for efficient and proper running of your system.
3. Uneven heating
Furnace complaints about homes heated unevenly can sometimes lead to furnace repairs rather than furnace replacements. A technician will visit your home and inspect the furnace and its components for any damage or wear and tear that could potentially cause cold air and uneven heating problems. Your technician might determine that furnace replacement is unnecessary if you have already had your furnace checked out recently and it still operates properly without creating dangerous levels of carbon monoxide gas or dangerous levels of heat throughout different rooms in your home.
4. Rising energy bills
Newer furnaces are typically more energy efficient than older furnace models. It is much easier to notice furnace replacement needed if you have a system that is over fifteen years old, since operating costs typically start to rise (in addition to regular maintenance). An increase in gas or electric bills can mean that old furnaces are running less efficiently.
5. Excessive particles in the air
Are you seeing more dust in the air? A lack of noticeable clean air is a sure sign a new system may be in your future. Rising health issues come into play with older furnaces due to dirt, rust, soot, and dust entering your home's air through your deteriorating blower system. Furnace replacement can help to reduce particulate levels by using furnace filters and furnace fans with larger motors so they don't have to work as hard while providing the same level of comfort for your home during heating months.
6. Furnace keeps running
You may also see furnace problems in your home if your furnace seems to run constantly while in heating season. Furnace failure is one reason why furnace replacement is needed, but the constant running of the furnace could be caused by other issues such as poorly sealed doors or windows that allow conditioned air to escape your home and not return once the furnace has done its job. This forces the furnace to work harder than necessary and is another sign it needs to be replaced.
7. Indoor air feels dry
Another indication that it's time to replace your heating system is if your heating system isn't supplying acceptable moisture or clean air in your house. Extreme desiccation can have an impact on the walls, furniture, and plants in your home. If anyone in your family is allergic to dust or pollen, this excessive dryness might lead to issues. So, when you notice wall peeling or plants drooping over because of extreme desiccation, it's probably time for a new furnace.
8. Frequent repair calls
Frequent emergency HVAC repair service calls are one final sign to watch out for when determining if furnace replacement might solve some of the problems you're experiencing. If in the last two years you've had multiple furnace repair calls you should start considering replacement options. While it's possible that a homeowner may consider doing furnace repair themselves, this becomes more difficult over time since the homeowner will not have a furnace professional available for furnace replacement.
Replacing an Old Furnace Made Simple
Not only will furnace replacement help to eliminate furnace repairs, furnace cleaning costs, and furnace maintenance costs, but it can also result in lower energy bills during the coldest months of the year when you're heating your home. A furnace can seem like a complicated system to replace, but they don't have to be.
The comfort specialists at ARS/Rescue Rooter have the experience and the tools to make your furnace installation process pain free. We offer some of the country's most renowned brands in order to provide you with the greatest value for your money. You won't only get the finest installation service and the greatest product when you choose us, but also one of the largest selections of high-quality, top-of-the-line furnaces available.
To get a free estimate on your new unit, schedule an appointment for one of our comfort specialists to visit your home by calling 866-399-2885 or find your nearest ARS/Rescue Rooter location here.
