We all know that furnace replacement is an investment, so it makes sense to repair your heater as many times as you can before considering an upgrade. However, your furnace won’t last forever, and you’ll eventually have to make the call to start a furnace installation. So when is it time to call it quits and purchase a new furnace?
Service Wizard is here for you through every tough question you may have about your heater. If you suspect your heater is starting to fail, it’s more important than ever to look for some telltale signs it needs to be replaced. Make your heater replacement decision easy by checking these 6 things.
Age Of The Furnace
The number one sign that your heater needs an upgrade is its age. Unless you purchased your current furnace, you may not even know how old the system is! Check the owner’s manual or look up the model number to find out the expected lifespan. Most furnaces only last 15-20 years, and maintenance and usage can make a huge impact on that number. Remember, if your system is nearing the end of its life, continued repairs might not be cost-effective!
Shocking Energy Bills
Even here in Austin, we use our heaters in the winter to combat those surprise cold fronts. If your monthly energy bills are much higher than usual or don’t match your usage of the heater, you likely have an issue with heater inefficiency. Again, if your heater is also older, this inefficiency is expected and will only get worse over time. Investing in a new unit could save you a lot of money in the long run simply from performing more efficiently.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Your heater may still warm your home, but if it can’t maintain good air quality, it can be very dangerous. Your furnace is integral to maintaining particle-free and adequately humid air in your home. If you notice abnormal amounts of dust, dirt or soot collecting in your home when your furnace runs, you could be facing an indoor air quality problem. Also, the winter is especially harsh for dry air, but your furnace should be able to help by maintaining humidity levels. An upgraded system could keep your home more comfortable and safer this season.
Uneven Home Heating
Your HVAC system is designed to funnel the right amount of warm air around your home. If you notice that some rooms in your house are colder or hotter than others, this could be a sign that your heating system isn’t effectively delivering warm air anymore. Aside from checking your ducts and other components of the system, an HVAC expert can definitively tell you what the issue is.
Noises & Odors
Your furnace should not be producing sounds or smells during its cycle. If you notice any jarring sounds like rattling, banging or buzzing, you likely need a furnace repair or replacement. The same goes for smells. If you smell exhaust or foul odors, you need to call a professional to ensure the problem is located and taken care of.
Persistent Repairs
If you have to address several heater repairs in the same year, there’s a reason so many malfunctions are happening so close together. Frequent repairs are especially important to note if your system is older. It is usually more cost-effective to replace the unit and count on reliable heating than to keep repairing one that will continue to fail.
Your Furnace Replacement Team
No matter what your reasoning is for investing in a new heating unit, you’ll need a team you can trust to take care of your home. Service Wizard can supply qualified technicians and installers that will make your furnace replacement quick and easy. Feel confident facing this Texas winter with an efficient and steady heating system. Give us a call to start your service request!
