You need a reliable furnace as the harsh Mentor, OH winter approaches. As a responsible homeowner, you’ve more than likely taken advantage of an annual tune-up to ensure your home’s comfort. However, if your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may be wondering if it’s time to consider a new system installed by a team of heating professionals. The following are a few warning signs that help you know when it’s time to say goodbye.
Old Age
The average furnace will last 15 to 20 years. Unfortunately, you may not see any visible signs that your heating system is aging. Instead, there will be subtle changes in its performance. These changes can be so gradual that they are easy to overlook. If your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, we can look it over and provide you with an assessment of its condition.
A Cold Home
If there are no changes to your thermostat settings, your heating needs, or the weather but your house isn’t as comfortable as you like, it may be time for a furnace replacement. Don’t ignore this warning sign. You shouldn’t have to keep messing with the thermostat just to maintain some degree of warmth in your home. In addition, you certainly shouldn’t have to put up with a chiller home than you would normally enjoy. If you’re experiencing these issues, it’s likely your furnace can no longer keep up with your heating demands. You need to start thinking about a new one.
High Energy Bills
If your monthly energy bills are rising but there have been no changes in the rates, it could be that your furnace isn’t energy efficient. The older a furnace gets, the harder it has to work to heat your home. Newer gas and electric furnaces are much more energy efficient than previous models. Our new furnace installation could help lower those utility bills.
Poor Airflow
Do you feel warm air coming from your vents while the furnace is running, but the airflow is poor? This could be due to a failing blower motor. This is a problem that also leads to lower energy efficiency and high utility bills. Replacing the furnace may be a better investment than repairing it. We can inspect your furnace and help you compare your options.
Uneven Heat
A properly working furnace should be able to heat all areas of your home evenly. If you are noticing cold spots around the house, your furnace may be struggling to do its job effectively. If so, it may be time to consider a new furnace installation.
Improper Cycling
A furnace that’s operating properly will cycle on when your home needs heat. It will cycle off once your home reaches the temperature you desire. If your furnace is continuously running, cycling on and off frequently, or constantly readjusting, it’s clearly not operating as it should. Our team can determine if this truly is a time to install a new furnace.
Frequent Repairs
Are you finding that you’re frequently calling us for furnace repairs? If so, it may make more sense to invest in a new model rather than continually sink money into one that is reaching the end of its lifespan. Typically, a furnace will see the most repairs during its last two years.
Your first thought may be that repairs are always more affordable than purchasing a whole new furnace. Unfortunately, those repair bills begin to add up quickly with frequent repairs. Before you know it, you’re spending more than you will on a new one. A good rule of thumb is to consider a new furnace installation when repair costs reach 50% of what it will cost for a new installation. If your current furnace is 10 to 15 years old, consider replacing it once the repair costs reach 20% of the cost of a replacement. Doing so will not only save you money on repairs, but it will also save you the time and hassle of scheduling repair services over and over again.
Poor Air Quality
Are you suddenly noticing a lot of dust, soot, dirt, or dander in your home? This could be because your furnace isn’t doing an adequate job when it comes to removing airborne particles. If you rule out the possibility of a dirty air filter, it may be the furnace itself. In addition, older heaters have a higher risk of carbon monoxide leaks. This is especially true if the furnace isn’t receiving annual maintenance. A new furnace will provide your home with more safety.
Strange Noises
A furnace that needs replacing will often become louder than normal. You’ll begin to hear strange noises, such as buzzing, rattling, or humming. This could be due to leaks, cracks, or other structural damages. A new furnace will run much quieter than your older model, providing you with not only a more comfortable home but a more peaceful one too.
Visible Signs of Damage
Rust develops over time on metal components that come in contact with combustion gas. Eventually, that rust will weaken the structure of your furnace. Once the rust becomes extensive, cracks are possible. Cracks are a serious cause for concern because they put the furnace at risk for leaks. If you are seeing rust or cracks developing on your furnace, you know it’s time to start looking for a replacement. These signs are also a good indication of the heater’s age and that it’s reaching the end of its lifespan.
Humidity Issues
In addition to the temperature in your home, the humidity level will affect your comfort. When the humidity is high, you can see an increase in mold growth. This causes respiratory illness and breathing issues. That high humidity also affects the structure of your house, and it attracts pests.
On the other hand, when the humidity is too low, you’ll notice your skin is dry, itchy, and flaking. That dry air will dry out your nasal passages, making it hard to breathe. You’ll also notice an increase in static electricity.
Newer furnaces are better at dealing with humidity issues. Upgrading to a new one, possibly one with a built-in humidifier, will help keep your home comfortable.
When you do need a new furnace, you can trust Anderson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric to find you the best system at a great price. We have over 40 years of experience with heating installation and repair, as well as home cooling systems. We offer commercial HVAC, boiler, and heat pump services to keep you comfortable whether you’re at work or home. Our team will even help you breathe easier with our indoor air quality solutions, which include humidifiers and dehumidifiers. When it comes to plumbing, we offer everything from simple bathroom plumbing repairs to trenchless sewer line cleaning. As for your electrical needs, call us for repairs and upgrades, along with lighting, surge protection, and generator services.
Contact Anderson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric in Mentor today to learn more.
