When Should Homeowners Replace Their Furnace?
There’s no ideal time to replace a furnace. Although most furnace replacements are finished within four to eight hours, making it a minor inconvenience, many homeowners see it as more of a headache than it is. It’s tempting for homeowners to keep putting off furnace replacement even if they need a new one. This is partly because it’s hard to know when the furnace needs to be repaired and when it needs to be replaced. Luckily, that’s what this article will cover. Read on to learn all the signs that it’s time for furnace replacement.
Age + Frequent Repairs = Time for Replacement
The average lifespan of a furnace is somewhere between 15 and 30 years. While this is a long stretch, it’s a starting place for homeowners and the first thing they should look at if they’re experiencing furnace problems. If the furnace isn’t yet 15 years old, then chances are furnace repair could fix any issues it’s having. However, if it’s over 15 years old and has problems, it’s worth considering furnace replacement, especially if the problems are becoming more severe and frequent.
Those with older furnaces should also look for common signs that the unit has issues. One sign a furnace is having issues is if it’s generating carbon monoxide. While having a carbon monoxide detector is important, homeowners can also look at the furnace pilot light. If the light is yellow or flickers, it’s an issue that must be addressed immediately. Listening for strange sounds such as screeching, knocking, grinding, or thumping is also good.
Rising Energy Bills
Rising energy bills are another sign that it’s time to consider furnace replacement. As a furnace gets older, it’s normal for its efficiency to drop, resulting in slightly higher energy bills. But there comes a time when the energy bills will increase to the point where it feels like the furnace is hemorrhaging money. No repairs or maintenance will increase efficiency enough to bring the furnace back to acceptable efficiency levels.
Since modern furnaces are much more efficient than their older counterparts, many homeowners consider the new furnace an investment that will pay itself off over time due to the increased efficiency and lower energy bills.
The furnace Not Working Properly
The last sign it could be time for furnace replacement is all about indoor comfort. A properly functioning furnace will not only heat the house to the desired temperature, but in so doing it will also help lower humidity in the house, ensuring that the house is comfortable for the residents. So, if the furnace isn’t functioning properly, the house will be uncomfortable and likely struggle to reach the desired temperature. It may also heat unevenly, with cold pockets at certain places throughout the house.
Many people assume the furnace will stop working when it breaks, but this is often not the case. The furnace may run more, turning on and off more often than normal when on its last legs. If the furnace is not working properly, it’s a good idea to contact a professional HVAC technician to have the heating system diagnosed and discuss options for furnace replacement or repair.
About AirLux Heating & Cooling
AirLux Heating & Cooling has proudly served Niles, MI, for years. They offer white-glove service and a three-year labor warranty on every repair and installation. They provide flat-rate pricing, and their technicians always arrive on time. Contact them today for furnace replacement in Niles, MI!
