Without beating around the bush, we can all agree that furnaces are expensive.
Whether it's buying a new gas furnace or receiving your energy bills for the month, it is easily obvious that this home appliance is one of the most expensive - yet essential - items you need to have.
This is precisely why the simple thought of buying a new furnace is enough to make your wallet hurt.
What other choice would you have if the regular furnace repair no longer works?
You need a heating system, especially during the winter season. So having to painfully shell out some of your hard-earned dough to get a new furnace is sadly unavoidable.
But wait, do you really need a new furnace? Or can you still get professional furnace repair?
Today, we will be talking about the signs that you need a new furnace. So if that's something you want to learn more about, keep on reading!
Why Should You Replace Your Furnace?
As with most home appliances, the older your furnace, the less efficient it becomes. This is true even if you receive regular furnace maintenance.
While the typical home heating system is created to last a minimum of 15 years, that does not mean it's immune to wear and tear.
And the longer you have been using that furnace, the higher your repair costs are going to be over time.
Plus, it's not just furnace maintenance and frequent furnace repairs that you will have to worry about. An inefficient heating system can cause your energy bills to skyrocket.
You wouldn't want that!
So how do you know when to replace furnace systems? Let's talk about that.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Furnace
Because a furnace can be extremely expensive, you will naturally want to put off getting a new one for as long as possible.
And you will want to be 100% sure that you really need a replacement furnace, not just a furnace repair.
So here are the signs that it's time to chuck out your old furnace, and invest in a brand-new efficient furnace:
It's Lived Its Time
As we have previously mentioned, most furnaces, whether electric furnaces or natural gas furnaces, should be replaced if they have been in use for over 15 years.
It is around this time that even the best-quality electric furnaces will start to need more frequent and costly repairs.
Parts age, things get rusted, and bolts loosen. These are just normal things that happen to old household devices - your furnace is no different.
You Need Frequent Repairs
If you are starting to notice that the cost of your furnace repairs is more than half of getting a full furnace replacement, it's time to let go of your current unit.
As things stand, it is much more economical for you to install brand-new heating systems.
Your Heating Bills are Increasing
Much like an old TV or fridge, a furnace that has passed its average furnace lifespan will start to need more energy to keep itself running.
Keeping an inefficient heating system will not only cost you a lot of money in the long run, but it could also put you in danger (more on this later!).
Uneven Heating
Is one room cooler than the rest? That can mean that your space was heated unevenly by your furnace.
This can be worrisome as not only does it mean an uncomfortable night in the brisk cold indoors, but your furnace is no longer energy efficient.
If this is something you're encountering despite adjusting your furnace settings, it needs to be replaced immediately.
Again, ignoring signs that your furnace needs to be replaced as soon as possible spells a ton of headaches this coming winter season.
Visible Cracks and Other Signs of Wear
Seeing signs of rust or cracks in and around your furnace?
These are signs that your furnace has passed its prime. You will start to notice that your furnace is no longer energy efficient and that it needs more regular maintenance that often hurt your budget.
The most cost-effective option here is to invest in new furnaces.
Clunking and Other Sounds
Hearing some light hums coming from your furnace is normal. That usually means it's heating your space.
But louder rattling, clunking, and other strange noises will mean that you need to either call up service technicians or a tell-tale sign that you need to replace a furnace.
You could have a loose bolt somewhere or a piece has come off and is jiggling around causing further damage inside the unit.
Presence of Soot
Soot and other signs of dirt are the banes of every homeowner's existence. No one wants to walk into a room they've just finished sweeping 10 minutes ago and see that it's covered in soot.
This is a sign that your furnace is producing too much carbon dioxide and that it's time to replace it.
The Furnace Flames Are Not Blue
A fully operational gas furnace will have blue flames. But if your old furnace is showing yellow flames from its burners, it's a sign that it's producing carbon monoxide.
Aside from carbon monoxide, yellow flames from your old furnace burners also mean that there is a dangerous gas leak somewhere in your home and you need to call the professionals ASAP.
The moment you spot yellow or orange flames from your burners, don't wait for things to get worse. Shut it off if you can and call up the appropriate experts.
Most importantly: Do not attempt to perform any DIY fixes!
Your Plants Keep Dying
If you are someone who loves to keep plants indoors, then you know the importance of having moisture in the air.
But if your current furnace is no longer in good working condition, you will notice that your plants will start to wilt and die due to the lack of moisture in their surroundings.
Don't wait until you only have dry flowers hanging from your pots. This is a sign that you need to replace a furnace ASAP!
Signs Your Furnace Only Needs Repairs
Just because your furnace is currently acting out doesn't mean that you need to replace the whole unit. Sometimes, all you need is for a few experts to perform maintenance.
Let's go over the signs that your furnace only needs a little tweaking here and there:
It's Still "Young"
If your oil furnace is new or is under 7 years old, chances are that you simply need some repairs and maintenance to your HVAC system.
Because most furnaces are made with premium materials that will last you years of use, it is unlikely that you will be needing any major repairs on your unit anytime soon.
You Still Have the Warranty
Just like any brand-new device, your furnace should have a warranty that covers repairs, replacements, and the like.
If this is the case, then don't worry. Should you need any repairs on your unit, you won't have to worry about paying out of pocket thanks to the good ol' warranty!
The Cost of Repairs is Very Low
There are some cases where you have to pay out of pocket to get your furnace maintained.
But if your furnace is still new or in "working condition" then your cost for repairs shouldn't be too high.
Plus, whatever out-of-pocket cost to you can also be reimbursed by the warranty in some situations. Just be sure to ask!
How to Prevent Damages to Your Furnace?
Is there a way to prevent your furnace from getting damaged? Well, yes!
It is through regular and proper maintenance by an HVAC professional! Of course, you also have your own responsibility to occasionally clean the exterior of your furnace, but thorough maintenance should only be done by an HVAC professional.
You should also make sure to keep the surroundings of your furnace clean. Vacuum regularly, dust your furnace, and get rid of pet dander if you have any fur babies.
However, it's important you remember that your furnace will eventually need to be replaced no matter how well you took care of it throughout the years.
If your 15-year-old furnace is starting to "act funny" by making weird noises and not properly heating up your space, it may be time to have it checked by a professional.
Replacing Your Furnace
So you've decided to take the leap and buy a new furnace. Congratulations! That's one of the best decisions you can ever make given your current situation.
Now the problem is that you don't know how to install your furnace replacement. Don't worry, we won't leave you hanging there.
Sunset Heating & Cooling Electrical can handle the furnace replacement for you. You won't even have to lift a finger.
Our HVAC professionals will be the ones to install your new furnace and even perform routine maintenance whenever you need them.
Just reach out at (503) 773 6695 and we'll deal with the rest.
