When Do I Need A New Furnace?
If your furnace isn’t heating your home like it used to, you may be wondering when do I need a new furnace instead of another repair. Aging systems often become less efficient, more expensive to maintain, and harder to rely on. Learning what to watch for can help you decide when replacement makes more sense than ongoing fixes.
How Old Is Your Furnace?
The average life expectancy of a furnace is 15 to 20 years. The closer your furnace gets to this age range, the more attention you should pay to the warning signs. Start shopping for a replacement before you have an emergency, so that you can make a calm and informed decision. Having a pilot light on your furnace is a good indicator that your furnace is at least 20 years old.
Rising Gas and Electric Bills
If your bills seem to be steadily climbing, it could be related to rising costs in the world, but it may also be associated with an old furnace. Furnaces lose efficiency as they age.
How Often You Need Furnace Repairs
Like a car, furnaces require regular heating maintenance. Also like a car, the older they get, the more work they need. Check the frequency of repairs. If you are repairing and replacing parts more than once every one to two years, it might be time to start looking for a new furnace.
Is Your Home Still Comfortable?
Is the heat in your house being distributed evenly and following the settings on your thermostat? As your furnace ages, it loses the ability to distribute heat evenly.
Unusual Furnace Noises to Listen For
All furnaces make some noises, but older furnaces start to make more noticeable noises more often. Listen for grinding, popping, rattling, or banging noises. Listen to whether or not the blower is running constantly as well.
Excessively Dry or Dusty Indoor Air
If the air in your house begins to feel musty or stale, you may experience more extreme allergies or cold symptoms. Do you have a dry throat and dry skin? Are you getting excessive dust collection on your furniture? All of these are indicative of an old furnace lacking the ability to moisturize and clean the air in your home.
Next Steps If You Think It’s Time for a New Furnace
Call us at 540-718-7556 or request service online if you think it might be time to replace your furnace. You can also contact us if you have any questions about the life of your system, furnace repair or replacement services, or new-furnace installation.