Repair or Replace: Furnace
With the unpredictable weather we’ve had recently, your furnace has had quite the workout. Now that you’ve had a chance to put it’s through its paces, you’ve probably noticed if your furnace hasn’t been working as well as it has in the past. If so, it may be time for a furnace repair or even replacement.
It can be difficult to recognize whether a furnace needs some minor repairs or if it’s time to replace it entirely. Here are 6 factors to consider when debating whether to repair or replace your furnace.
Furnace Age
The age of your system is the first factor to consider. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years; after that the system will start to fail more often. If your furnace is 10 years old or less, repairs should be effective. If it has reached 12 years or more, it’s time to consider replacement. If your furnace is more than 10 years old but having consistent issues, consult an expert.
Frequency Of Repairs
The frequency of furnace issues that you cannot solve without an expert can indicate your furnace is no longer able to bounce back. Attempting to keep an unreliable furnace functioning means potentially having no heat on cold days, and it could also end up costing you more in the end.
Change In Energy Bills
If your energy bills are increasing without an increase in usage, your furnace efficiency may be decreasing. Your furnace could be working up to twice as hard to create the same amount of heat. This is generally the first sign that it’s time to call in the experts and find out whether your furnace has seen better days.
Get in touch with an HVAC expert to determine whether simply updating the thermostat or your ductwork will solve the problem, or if it’s time to retire your furnace for a new one.
Uneven Heating
If heat isn’t being distributed evenly, it tends to pertain to a duct issue in your home. If your home doesn’t heat up evenly, it won’t be comfortable and your furnace will have to work twice as hard to compensate. This is a good time to call a repairman and determine whether the issue is your duct system or if a furnace replacement is necessary.
Strange Noises
If your furnace is making a loud booming or banging noise, the problem may be caused by a small gas explosion that happens when there’s a delay in ignition. Gas can build up in your combustion chamber when the gas burners in your furnace do not ignite on time.
If the gas burners are not igniting efficiently, this is an indicator of a clog or a gas pressure problem. Do not attempt to fix a gas burner without a licensed technician. Disassembling the heat exchanger or burners could cause a gas leak in your home.
Burner Flame
A natural gas burning will produce a blue flame with a light shade of yellow at the top. If the flame is yellow, it’s an indication that the fuel combustion is incomplete and your furnace could be producing carbon monoxide! In this instance, call an expert right away. A minor repair is possibly in order; however, it could be an indication that your furnace has worn out.
Whether you need to replace your furnace or a just need checkup, give us a call and get in touch with a furnace professional today!
