Looking for signs your furnace is failing? When your furnace starts to malfunction, you need to decide whether to fix it or just buy a new one. Sometimes, you’ll have a hard time figuring this out especially if you consider your finances in the picture. You have the option of putting more money on an earlier investment, or just simply invest in a brand new heating system. Hopefully this time, it is a more efficient one.
In reality, waiting too long before making up your mind compromises your pocket by paying more for your system’s poor performance and pricey repairs. Also, you want the assurance of getting the most out of your heating equipment prior to spending on another substantial investment.
A bad heating system will not only affect your finances, but it is also risky for your home aside from its added discomforts. In short, a cracked or obstructed system can be a fire hazard and spread toxic gases inside your house. But then, there is no need to worry since you can avoid such circumstances by staying proactive and addressing the issue before it happens.
HVAC contractors assist homeowners in figuring the ideal climate control system that specifically addresses their home requirements. Service providers like them also make suggestions on installations and other alternatives on your chosen heating solution.
When is the ideal time to change your old furnace?
The obvious answer is to change it once your furnace starts to falter. When you are already facing such an issue, you have no choice but to look for an option even though it is just a sign of a failing equipment.
Thus, it is an excellent idea to look out for these surefire signs indicating a failing heating system, or you might need to hire an expert to fix it.
It is an excellent idea to call a furnace professional when:
1. YOUR HEATING EQUIPMENT IS OUT-OF-DATE
If your furnace is over 15 years old, you should seriously consider making a system upgrade. The installation of a modern and more efficient unit prior to the complete breakdown of your existing unit will free you from unnecessary stress and discomforts later on.
Also, even though you own a heating system that is over 15 years old, and you believe it can still work for a couple more years, remember that it won’t be working to its full potential. Your best recourse is to change it with a new ENERGY STAR label unit. This label is significant especially when the unit is installed properly, this kind of system will allow you to save around 20% of your heating and cooling costs.
2. AN UNPLEASANT SMELL IS EXUDING FROM YOUR SYSTEM
Rely on your strong sense of smell in letting you know if something is not right. As soon as you can smell an unpleasant scent coming from your heating system, it can be any of these issues.
The most typical issue is the congestion of toxic gases on the flue. Aside from its unpleasant smell, these gases are deadly to man and animals. Hence, call the attention of a furnace contractor right away as soon as you notice any unpleasant smell lingering inside the house.
3. RISE IN ENERGY BILLS
It is a given that fuel and electricity are both pricey. You surely wouldn’t want to operate an aging equipment that is no longer that efficient as it once was. Hire a contractor to make a comparison of your monthly usage and costs to know if your heating system is becoming more pricey to operate.
Modern furnaces are around 60% more effective than the systems produced a decade ago. Furthermore, its expected wear and tear and not maintaining it regularly decreases your heating system’s efficiency. If you are facing pricey repairs and constant worries on your energy costs, do not hesitate to change your system and save cash later on.
Your savings on lower energy costs is a good return on your first investment. And if you paid for it, ensure that you think of your energy costs savings as you make your purchase.
Whenever you change an appliance, go for an ENERGY STAR item. It is around 15% more energy efficient than a product that does not bear the label.
4. CONSTANT REPAIRS
If your existing heating system had repairs during the past couple of years, it is an obvious sign that you need a replacement equipment looming. You’ll soon enjoy the return on your investment as you start saving a lot of money from lower energy costs and less need for repairs.
5. UNUSUAL SOUNDS COMING FROM INSIDE THE UNIT
You need an expert to inspect your heating equipment once unusual sounds emanate from it. And talking about sounds, you need to be on the lookout for a blower fan that keeps on running. Remember that all sort of equipment has their particular quirky sound. So, be alert for anything out of the ordinary.
6. YOU ARE PLANNING FOR A MAJOR HOME RENOVATION
When you plan on making a major home renovation, like an additional room, don’t forget to make an upgrade of your HVAC equipment. When you build a bigger home, your original system is not up for the cooling or heating requirements of a larger space.
7. YOU ALWAYS HAVE AIR-QUALITY CONCERNS INSIDE YOUR HOUSE
If you can’t manage the dust buildup inside your home, you must replace your A/C and heating filters more regularly. Furthermore, it also signals that your existing unit is not big enough for the exchange of air, or you have an aging system. Find out how to make improvements in the air quality inside your home.
8. DISCOMFORTS INSIDE THE HOME
Do you feel comfortable in each room of your home? An efficient heating and air conditioning system is a source of comfort for you and your family in your entire house. When you start to recognize certain discomforts, think about changing or fixing your system. Be on the lookout for spaces that do not warm up or cool down like before, drafts, and a buildup of dust or mold growth.
9. TOO MUCH HUMIDITY OR A DRY FEELING INSIDE THE HOUSE
Whenever you experience too much humidity or dryness inside the house, you can solve this issue by upgrading your equipment with something that has more advanced characteristics.
10. YOU DECIDE TO “GO GREEN”
Despite a perfectly working furnace, you still want to change it because you decide to go green and purchase a more efficient and state-of-the-art unit. By going green, you get to save cash on heating; hence it is beneficial both to the environment and your finances.
11. LIKELY SAFETY CONCERNS
If you have installed a gas furnace in your home, you’re always at risk of carbon monoxide leaks. A newer furnace lessens this risk because of its more advanced built-in features.
A professional furnace contractor can give you recommendations whether a replacement or a repair will do your heating system some good. Repairing failing components prior to a complete breakdown will save you tons of cash much later.
Hence, do not hesitate to hire an heating expert once you see the signs your furnace is failing. They’ll handle its installation and maintenance. They will also assess your furnace to ensure you get all your penny’s worth.
