Having Heating Trouble? How to Tell When It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace
We are headed into the heating season now, and if your heating system is acting up, now is the time to figure out if it is worth keeping throughout the winter. Most furnaces last about 12-15 years. If your system has reached this mark, you’ve likely experienced some of the telltale signs it’s about ready to go – increase in breakdowns, more frequent repairs, etc. If you’re not quite sure whether or not it’s time to take the plunge and install a new furnace, put it to the test. The heating experts at Lancaster Brothers made a checklist that helps determine how close you are to needing to replace your furnace. Put your furnace to the test and give us a call if you find yourself checking off several of these items.
Does This Sound Like Your Furnace?
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Your home is 12 years or older & you’ve never replaced your furnace: If it is, and you have not replaced your furnace yet, it’s likely your system is nearing the end of its lifespan. Most systems only operate efficiently for 12-15 years before they need to be replaced.
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You have had several furnace repairs in the last five years: Annual maintenance doesn’t count, but if you’ve had more than one major repair to your furnace system in the past five years if could be a sign of trouble.
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The warranty on your furnace is expired: Most furnace warranties only cover your system for 5-10 years. Once the warranty expires, repairs can become extremely expensive. At that point, you could be putting that money you’re spending on repairs toward a new, high efficiency furnace that will save you money on energy bills.
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You’ve noticed your utility bills spike the last few years: Your furnace and air conditioning systems are the biggest consumers of energy in your home – they account for roughly 48% of your energy costs. As your system ages and becomes less efficient, it also can hike up your energy bills.
Related Read: Patch Up & Wrap Up Air Ducts for a More Affordable Furnace Season
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Your furnace runs constantly: Older systems become less efficient over time, which means they must work harder and longer to maintain the temperature that the thermostat demands. This results in higher utility bills.
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There are hot and cold spots and uneven temperatures in your home: Older systems weren’t necessarily designed to keep every room comfortable. Two-story homes are especially difficult to keep warm and cool. The upstairs stays warm in the summer and the downstairs is always chilly in the winter. Newer systems have technology available to even out the temperature in your home.
If you found yourself agreeing with more than three of the statements above, it’s time to call a furnace expert. Take action now before you’re left in the cold this winter – literally.
Learn more about your furnace replacement options and call one of the skilled technicians at Lancaster Brothers Heating & Cooling today to help you figure out the status of your current system. You can reach us at 913-837-2000.