Signs That a Home’s Old Furnace Needs to Be Replaced
A furnace should keep the home consistently comfortable in colder months. Issues like cold spots or uneven heating may indicate inefficiency, requiring maintenance or repairs from certified heating services.
Homeowners shouldn't tackle replacing an old furnace without knowing for sure if the current unit needs to be replaced. There are ways to tell if an existing heating system is no longer functioning as well as before. Here are some of them:
The Furnace is Getting Old
With normal use and maintenance, furnaces can last 15 to 20 years. It's important to remember when it was first installed. If the unit was installed before moving into the current home, an HVAC technician can check its age and determine whether it needs to be replaced.
Feeling Cold Even When the Heat is On
The furnace should perform its intended function to provide comfort during the colder months. Keeping the thermostat turned down is sensible if the home is cooler than average. An unusually cold or unevenly heated home, however, may indicate a problem. Repairs and maintenance by certified heating services providers can sometimes fix the problem. These signs may indicate that the furnace isn't working as efficiently as it once did.
Rising Energy Bills
If energy bills begin skyrocketing out of nowhere, first compare utility prices and current weather to previous years. If these numbers have remained consistent, the furnace could be the issue. Older furnaces are notoriously inefficient, so when finding a replacement, examine the newest models' ENERGY STAR® ratings to see how much efficiency can be gained. Remember that while a new furnace and installation will cost a lot, money will be saved in the long run by lowering utility bills and potentially avoiding future repairs.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
If the home is becoming dustier or if indoor air quality is degrading, there may be a furnace problem. A furnace shouldn't just provide heat for the home; it should also help to maintain air quality. In the dry winter months, a humidifier may be required, and for those with allergies or asthma, an air purifier might be needed. Having the furnace checked by a professional heating and cooling services specialist is another option.
Unusual Behavior
It's clear something isn't quite right if the furnace starts making strange noises or giving off unusual odors. The smell of rotten eggs can signify a serious natural gas leak, which is why the gas company should be notified promptly after shutting off the furnace. A technician should be called if loud grinding or banging sounds are heard coming from inside the equipment.
Once the choice is made to invest in a new system, conduct some research using the ENERGY STAR listings for furnaces to identify the most energy-efficient ones and get the most value. Replacing a gas, oil, or electric resistance heater with heat pump technology, which utilizes temperature variations between the inside and outside to heat and cool the home, is also worth considering.
Fix My Air DFW of Fort Worth specializes in residential and commercial HVAC services, including routine maintenance, installation, and repair. All makes/models. Call us at (817)839-3511.
