Is It Time to Replace the Furnace?
With winter here and temperatures dropping lower and lower, homeowners who have had their furnaces for a while may be wondering if the old equipment is still up to the task for another season. Those wondering whether it’s time to replace their old furnaces before they get left out in the cold this winter will want to learn the following signs pointing to a need for furnace replacement.
Age or Frequency of Repairs
Every appliance or piece of home equipment is bound to need replacing at some point. Daily use causes parts to wear down, come loose, or simply break down, and there are only so many years of repair that can be done before it finally makes more sense to replace it. Furnaces are no exception. They typically last 15-20 years when well-maintained and should be replaced around that time. Homeowners who are aware of their furnace's age can use this knowledge to decide whether it’s time for replacement.
If furnaces have been requiring more and more frequent repairs, it’s also a sign to replace them. Those furnace repair costs add up and can be more expensive than getting a new furnace, so it’s time to install a new one. A new furnace will also be more efficient, lowering heating costs.
Higher Than Normal Energy Bills
Another way to determine whether a furnace may need replacement is to keep track of monthly energy bills. If homeowners see rising heating costs and have an older furnace, this is likely due to the heater losing its efficiency as it ages. The older it gets, the more inefficient it becomes, requiring more energy to do its job.
Inefficiency can also occur when furnace maintenance is neglected, or there's a problem with the furnace, so homeowners should have a technician inspect the system when this sign is noticed. A professional will be able to identify why costs have gone up and determine whether replacement is needed.
Stuffy, Uncomfortable Home
Heating systems are in place to provide warmth and comfort at home when temperatures drop outside. However, heating indoor spaces isn’t just about keeping temperatures at a certain level. Controlling humidity and keeping all rooms inside the house at an even temperature are also necessary components of a furnace’s job description.
If homeowners notice humidity rising and causing a stuffy, uncomfortable home, if the heating isn’t working at all, or if rooms are heated unevenly, leaving them sweltering in one room and freezing in another, then it’s likely that the furnace is no longer working as it should and may need to be replaced.
About Master Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling
Master Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling has been serving Cedar Rapids, IA, and the surrounding areas since 1986. They provide upfront pricing, tailored options, and same-day service. Call them today for furnace installation and replacement in Cedar Rapids, IA.
