Replacing your furnace isn’t something you want to have to do when installing a new unit can set you back thousands of dollars. You should only replace your furnace when you really have to. The question is, when?
It’s a good idea to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of replacing your furnace and consider these seven signs that it might be time for a new one.
It Needs Frequent Repairs
How often do you need to call in a repair technician to fix your furnace? A repair every once in a while is no big deal, but if you’re making multiple repairs within a short period of time, it might be a sign that you would be better off replacing the entire unit.
If you have had to call in a technician more than once during the year or if you have had to call a technician every season for the last few years, you might want to bite the bullet and install a new one.
Feel free to ask the technician what they think. They can tell you if replacing a part would fix the problem or if it’s just time to buy a new one.
Your Utility Bills Are Rising
It’s normal for heaters to increase your electric bill when temperatures get below freezing in the winter, but keep a close eye on your usage. It’s especially helpful if you’re able to compare your usage year after year. If you notice that your bill costs a little bit more every year, it could be time for a new heater.
As a furnace gets older, it slowly becomes less and less efficient. That’s especially true if you haven’t been maintaining your unit. Parts get old, ducts can develop problems, and coils can get dirty. As this happens, your unit has to work harder, and the harder it works, the more power it uses.
Of course, change the filter first and call in a professional for a tune-up. If your bills are still high, it could simply be time for a replacement.
Your Furnace is Over 15 Years Old
Your furnace is a pretty tough machine. Furnaces are built to last over a decade, but there does come a day when one gets old and it’s only a matter of time before it develops serious problems.
A typical furnace lasts between 15 and 30 years. If you’re right at the 15-year mark and haven’t had any issues with your furnace, you’re probably good to go for a few more years. On the other hand, if your furnace is at least 20 years old, or it’s been having some issues, it might be a good idea to replace it.
Heaters have a way of breaking down at the most inconvenient times. When your old unit decides to kick the bucket, it will probably be during a deep freeze and finding a technician is nearly impossible. Do yourself a favor and replace it before it breaks.
It’s Making Weird Noises
There are a lot of weird noises your furnace can make, and those weird noises can mean lots of different things:
- Bangs and booms at the start of a cycle usually indicate delayed ignition
- Intermittent banging and booming usually means the ductwork is expanding and contracting
- Dry squealing usually indicates the belts or bearings in your machine are worn
- High-pitched squealing means your furnace is struggling to take in enough air
- Rattling could be a sign that there are loose or cracked parts
- Humming is a good indication that an electrical component is failing
In some cases, it might be best to make a repair. If your heater has multiple problems or has the same problem over and over again, it’s probably better to get a new one.
Rooms in Your Home Are Unevenly Heated
Is there one room in your home you avoid in the winter because it’s colder than the rest of the house? Or maybe you have noticed that one of the upstairs bedrooms seems colder this winter?
If every room in your home seems to be a different temperature, your furnace needs some attention.
If you’re lucky, it may just need a new filter or a tune-up. If the problem persists, it could be due to duct leaks or a unit that just can’t keep up.
Be mindful of remodeling projects. Adding additions or tearing down walls might mean you need a different furnace that can handle warming your new space.
The Air Quality in Your Home is Bad
It can be difficult to pin down the quality of the air in your home because it can decrease slowly over time. However, there are a few signs that the air quality in your home isn’t where it should be.
Have a lot of dust floating around your home? Your furnace is supposed to suck it in and filter it out. If you change the filter regularly but your home is still accumulating a lot of dust, your furnace is likely to blame.
Your furnace can also affect whether your home becomes contaminated with carbon monoxide, which is extremely dangerous. That’s why it’s so important to replace it if you notice any change at all in the air quality of your home.
It’s Time to Sell Your Home
Ready to sell your home? It’s not a bad idea to upgrade your furnace.
Most homebuyers, especially young buyers, don’t want to feel like they have to do a bunch of updates when they move into a new house. By replacing your heater, you can increase the chances of selling your home more quickly.
Replacing your furnace is a huge investment. It isn’t worth putting a bunch of money into a new unit unless you have to. If your unit is old, if you’re struggling with multiple repairs, or if your utility bills are getting out of control, it’s a good idea to have a new heater installed. It will make your home more comfortable all winter long, which is well worth the money.
