When the winter months are approaching, all homeowners know that their furnace is an integral part of their family’s health and comfort. The general rule of thumb for home maintenance dictates keeping an eye on your furnace’s functionality and efficiency. However, all pieces of equipment can break down, or sometimes require service calls and repairs. If a homeowner is diligent, however, they can see the warning signs that prevent expensive repairs or require a completely new heating system. Here, we will look at some of the most common warning signs that it may be time to consider furnace replacement.
Your Home’s Comfort
Regardless of a homeowner’s diligence in monitoring the furnace throughout the year, there’s one true sign that the appliance may be having issues: the house doesn’t seem to be heating up. Quite simply, if you and your family have noticed that the temperature remains chilly even after you’ve adjusted the thermostat, it could be the first tell-tale sign that it’s time for a new furnace. Of course, there is always the chance that there’s an issue with the thermostat itself. However, if you own an older furnace, it’s always best to call in a service technician for a proper inspection.
Keep in mind that during the cold winter seasons, your furnace gets a lot of use. Even if it’s a durable piece of equipment and of reputable heating manufacturing, the heat exchanger, burner, or filters may need replacement. Proper furnace repair is often more cost-efficient than total furnace replacement, so routine maintenance is always worth the investment.
Your Home’s Air Quality
Aside from the comfort of your house, there is another important reason to keep an eye on your furnace, and that’s your family’s health. As a major component of your home’s indoor air quality, a properly functioning furnace is supposed to filter out dust and soot as it warms and distributes the air throughout the home. If you’ve noticed that dust, soot, or pet dander have seemed to accumulate on the surface areas of your home, take a look at the furnace unit’s filter. In a best-case scenario, you may only need to replace the filter. However, if the dust build-up is coupled with strange noises when running, or you’ve noticed an unpleasant smell coming from the furnace, consult a technician for a service call. As a furnace age, it could become susceptible to corrosion and leaks of dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide. To avoid this potentially deadly scenario, call in an expert maintenance technician right away! If a replacement furnace is necessary, it’s best to make the investment. A furnace upgrade for higher efficiency should be considered a top priority when your family’s safety is at stake.
Repair Bills or Utility Bills
The bottom line is that a new furnace is actually a worthy investment for long-term savings. If your older system isn’t doing its job, you’ll most likely notice a high monthly energy bill. Many factors can contribute to the additional costs, such as a furnace’s clogged filters, a cold air leak, or consistent furnace repairs that steadily add up. Keep in mind that with the clogged filters, your furnace or HVAC systems are working overtime at full capacity, which can add wear and tear to the unit, or pump out more air than your home requires. In either scenario, you’re paying for wasted energy and your utility bills will reflect that financial loss. With a new system, you’ll have to pay for the equipment and furnace installation, but the unit will function properly and lead to higher efficiency. In the long run, you’ll end up saving a bundle of money on bills and potential repairs.
