A home is more than likely your biggest investment and taking care of it can be both rewarding and frustrating. With so many appliances, wires, and systems to stay on top of, it can be easy to let something slip under your radar. One of the most important mechanical systems in your home that should always be checked, is the furnace. According to Energy Star, the average household spends more than $2,200 yearly on energy bills and almost half of that amount goes to the heating and cooling costs. In order to make sure your furnace is performing the way it should be, we’ve compiled 6 warning signs that may indicate it’s time to get a new one.
Your Furnace is Making Excessive Noise
It’s normal for your furnace to make noise even when working at its prime performance. However, if you start to notice unusual banging, popping, or rattling sounds, it’s possible your furnace will need to be replaced. Make sure to call a licensed heating professional to receive an expert diagnosis if you think this is happening.
Time Has Taken Its Toll
Based on various factors such as maintenance schedule, quality of the unit, and amount of use, most heating experts say the lifespan of a furnace is 15-30 years. If you’re considering getting a new furnace, keep in mind that according to the U.S. Department of Energy, modern conventional heating systems can reach efficiencies as high as 98.5%, converting almost all the fuel to useful heat for the home. This means that energy efficiency upgrades and a new high-efficiency heating system can often cut your home fuel bill and furnace pollution output in half! Make sure to do your research before buying a new unit, to ensure that you’re getting what’s best for you and your home.
Energy Bills Are On The Rise
If you notice that your energy bills are consistently increasing, it may be due to the fact that your furnace is not running efficiently. The energy company will often include a summary of your monthly energy usage throughout the year, and you can use this to track how your usage has changed over time. Remember that you need to take seasonal temperature shifts into account when determining if your energy bill increase is due to environmental factors or your furnace being on the road to failure.
Your Furnace Looks Worn
An easy way to check on the status of your furnace is by inspecting it for any signs of rust, cracks and/or deterioration. If you notice any of these flaws on or around the furnace, it’s a sign that it may be time for a replacement.
Too Many Repairs To Count
How often do you find yourself calling a repair company to come look at your furnace? Review your furnace repair history for the past few years and note how many times something needed to be fixed. If the total repair costs are more than what it would have cost you to replace the unit, it may mean that it is time to consider getting a new furnace.
Uneven Heat Throughout The House
If you notice that some rooms in your home feel cool while others are warm, it may be a sign that your furnace is not performing the way it should be. A failing furnace will have difficulty keeping your home an even temperature on a consistent basis. If you are constantly adjusting your thermostat to make the temperature comfortable, but nothing seems to be happening, a new furnace may be something to consider.
Being aware of one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home and knowing the signs to look out for that could indicate furnace failure, can help alleviate your heating system breaking down before it completely fails. If you need a furnace tune up, reach out to Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric for all your repair or service needs!
