Your furnace takes a beating during the long, cold winters of Spokane. When the days turn frigid, you need a heating unit that keeps your home warm. When your furnace no longer maintains the level of heating you need or no longer operates efficiently, it may be time to start shopping for a new model. It may be tough to know precisely when your furnace has lived its practical life, but here are six signs it may be time for a replacement.
1. Your Furnace Is Old
No matter how much you paid for your furnace when it was new, there is no such thing as a furnace that lasts forever. You may think your heating unit is a mighty machine that can get through a few more winters. However, if your furnace is older than 10 years old, it may be time to start looking for a replacement. A typical furnace lasts 10-20 years, depending on the make and model. With routine maintenance and tune-ups, you can push the unit towards the higher end of the lifespan, but likely no more. The time to replace your furnace is before it becomes costly to operate or fails to run anymore.
2. Sudden Increase in Utility Costs
Have your winter heating costs skyrocketed in the last few months? If you see a sudden increase in utility costs without any reasonable explanation, your furnace may be the culprit. As your furnace ages, it no longer runs as efficiently as when it was new. With this decrease in efficiency, you’ll be spending more on electricity. Additionally, if your unit has damaged parts, it may work harder to keep up, again using more energy. If your furnace is causing a drastic increase in utility bills, it is time to decide if it is worth fixing or if you need a new model.
3. Uneven or Inefficient Heating
Is one room or area of your house colder than the other when the furnace is on? Or does your furnace struggle to meet the demands of heating your home during the winter? If you can answer yes to either of these questions, you have an HVAC problem. An efficient furnace and heating system should keep all rooms in the house at the same temperature. If you have drafts, seal them. If your furnace still cannot maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature, you should consult an HVAC technician for possible replacement of your heating unit.
4. Frequent Repairs
After some years, even with routine maintenance and tune-ups, you may find that your furnace needs repairs more and more frequently. If this is the case, you may be better off buying a new unit rather than continuing to pay for repair service. At some point, the cost of a new furnace may be a better deal than paying an HVAC technician to come out multiple times each winter.
5. Noisy Operation
Of course, you can probably hear your furnace when it is running. That is normal for most furnaces. However, when you hear hissing, popping, cracking, or clanging noises, you might want to be concerned. If you begin hearing new and strange noises that have never come from your furnace before, call your HVAC technician to have a look. It may be a faulty part that needs replacing. However, it could also mean your furnace is past its prime and ready to retire. Consider the repair costs and the age of your furnace when deciding whether it is time for a new heating unit.
6. Furnace Is Rusty, Sooty, or Cracked
You may not think to look at your furnace often, especially if it sits hidden in a closet or the basement. However, you should visually inspect the unit occasionally. Look for cracks, rust, and corrosion on the exterior of your furnace. If you notice any signs of excessive wear and tear, you should consult your HVAC technician for guidance on whether it is time to upgrade.
Purchasing a new furnace can be quite a task. However, if your old unit is no longer what it once was, you may want to start shopping around. The experts at Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning can walk you through the process. We will help you find a unit that fits your home and meets your needs as well as your budget. For all your home comfort needs, call us for heating, cooling, and plumbing services.
If you are ready for a new furnace, call Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning today to keep your home warm through the chilly Spokane winter.
