When To Replace Your Furnace
Every year, as winter rolls around, homeowners are faced with the question of whether their furnaces keep the winter cold at bay for nearly half the year when temps are low. For some, the answers come easy: newer furnaces are expected to be in peak working condition and aren't a cause for concern. But for others who have had their existing furnaces break down in the past, the question lingers: is it enough to do furnace maintenance to keep things warm at home, or is it time to consider furnace replacement? Fortunately, some signs can help homeowners decide, and three of the most important are listed below.
How Old Is the Furnace and How Often Does It Break Down?
With a typical furnace lifespan ranging from 15 to 20 years, it's safe to say modern heating systems are made to last a long time, so homeowners who have furnaces that are under the lower end of this range, that is to say with furnaces less than 15 years old, don't have to be overly concerned about needing to replace them. It's easy to tell which furnaces are outdated, too. Most older systems still use a furnace pilot light as an ignition source - a system no longer in place for modern heaters.
However, if a relatively newer heating system is experiencing frequent breakdowns and has been needing ongoing furnace repair that can't seem to be resolved once and for all, then it would be wise to weigh whether an outright replacement might yield more savings than the total cost of all the repairs combined.
Is It Affecting Your Energy Bills?
Another consideration when deciding on a furnace replacement is whether the furnace is losing energy efficiency and causing a home's energy bills to rise unreasonably. Problematic heating systems that aren't working as they should typically require more power to operate than a furnace in great condition, and this loss in efficiency could mean higher energy bills.
If repairing the furnace doesn't dent the energy bills, there are other indications that the heating system is no longer working as it should. It might be time to consider replacing the newer, more energy-efficient unit.
Has Comfort Become an Issue at Home?
Regarding heating systems, an important measure of whether they are still serviceable is the comfort level they can deliver indoors. This primarily concerns the home's humidity level when the furnace is running. Homeowners who feel that their homes aren't evenly heated or feel stuffy and uncomfortable may be experiencing high levels of humidity indoors. While humidifiers can easily counteract this, it would be best to take other signs together with this one to see if heater replacement is the best course of action. If all signs - age, frequent repairs, lost energy efficiency, and discomfort indoors - are present, then it's a pretty glaring indication that a replacement furnace is needed immediately.
About Chad's AC Direct
Chad's AC Direct is a full-service heating and AC company serving the Montgomery, AL community. Customers can expect personalized and efficient service - from live answering to convenient scheduling and expert installation. Their team of expert technicians provides excellent service at a great value, with no surprise expenses and honest, upfront billing. Call them today for reliable HVAC services in Montgomery, AL.
