When Is the Right Time for Furnace Replacement?
In the heart of winter, a failing furnace is the last thing anyone needs. For one thing, it could break down at any time, leaving the home without heat until it can be repaired or replaced—potentially taking days. However, an old, struggling furnace can also cost homeowners extra money on repairs and energy bills.
Of course, furnaces don’t have definitive expiration dates or blinking lights indicating they need replacing. However, homeowners can tell it’s time for a furnace replacement in a few ways. Read on to learn the signs of a furnace on its way out!
The Furnace Is Old or Needs Frequent Repairs
The first thing to look at is the age of the furnace. If it’s more than 15 years old, it’s in the upper range of the average furnace life expectancy. Of course, some furnaces can last longer if well maintained. But an older furnace won’t be as efficient as a newer model, which can mean higher energy bills – not to mention that it’s more likely to break down unexpectedly.
If the furnace is 15+ years old and still works great, homeowners can get a few more years out of it with regular furnace maintenance. But if they call for furnace repair once a year or more, they’re probably better off replacing the unit. The cost of a new furnace installation is a worthwhile investment compared to all those repairs over the years!
Rising Heating Costs
Increased energy bills may indicate that the furnace is nearly kicking the bucket. As furnaces age, they tend to lose efficiency (on top of being less energy efficient than newer models) due to general wear & tear. But even if it’s not approaching the end of the typical furnace lifespan, the unit can still have serious problems that hinder its efficiency.
A cracked heat exchanger, faulty blower motor, malfunctioning burner, worn gaskets, leaky air ducts, and dirty air filters are just a few of the issues that can dramatically reduce energy efficiency, resulting in a higher heating bill. So, if homeowners notice an unexpected increase in their utility bills, they should call their preferred HVAC company to diagnose the issue.
Depending on the cause, it can be a cheap and easy fix or a very expensive repair. If the unit is 10 or more years old and the needed repairs cost more than half the price of a new furnace, getting a furnace replacement is generally more cost-effective.
The Home Isn’t Warm Enough
Heating problems are the most obvious indicator that the furnace is in trouble. A few examples of heating issues include:
- The home never gets warm enough, no matter what the thermostat is set to.
- The furnace only runs briefly before cutting off (an issue known as short cycling).
- The furnace runs constantly.
- Some parts of the home get too warm while others remain chilly (uneven heating).
- The vents produce cold air instead of warm air.
- Weak or no airflow coming from the vents.
These issues can make a house very uncomfortable and often indicate that the furnace is on its way out. However, there are several possible causes of these heating problems, so it’s best to call a professional to get to the bottom of it. In some cases, furnace repair may be all that’s needed. But if the problem is serious enough, a pro can walk homeowners through their options to see if a furnace replacement is right. Either way, a qualified pro will ensure the homeowners have a reliable furnace to keep their homes warm and cozy all winter!
About Hall's Heating & Air
Hall's Heating & Air has handled Pampa’s HVAC and air quality needs for over 40 years. Their background-checked and drug-tested technicians always arrive on time in recognizable uniforms, so every customer can rest easy knowing they’re in good hands. With their 5-star Google rating, up-front pricing, money-saving maintenance plan, and 100% satisfaction guarantee, there’s no one better to call for furnace replacement in Pampa, TX!
