When you start noticing strange noises, smells, and other problems with your furnace, you may want to consider an upgrade. This is especially true if you have been using the same heating system for over 15 years.
While furnace systems tend to last longer than other types of heating systems, after around 12 years, it will start to exhibit signs of aging and failure. One way to prevent the need for a new furnace is to remember to schedule heating maintenance every fall season and change air filters every 30-60 days. If you are unsure about whether you should continue paying for repairs and maintenance or shell out the money for a new furnace, read the guide below.
How to Tell If You Need a New Furnace
- Your furnace has hit its 15-year mark. If your furnace is 15 years or older, it is already past its midlife point and on its way out. Replacing an aging furnace can save you about 20-30% on your heating bills. Considering that heating bills are the largest energy expense in the home, it’s important to consider the age and energy efficiency of your furnace and investigate if it makes financial sense to replace it.
- Your furnace requires frequent repairs. If you have had a furnace repair in the last year, and now you need another one, it might make more sense to replace the entire unit. Older units, especially, contain parts and components that are more difficult to find and may cost a pretty penny. If your heating bills are rising steadily and you’ve had to schedule more than one or two major repairs, speak with your HVAC technician about how a furnace replacement would compare with the furnace repair.
- You have comfort and airflow problems. If you are finding it difficult to stay comfortable with your existing heating system, speak with your HVAC contractor about your options. Improper equipment operation is not only bad for your wallet and comfort, but can also introduce unnecessary dangers into the home. If you have airflow problems, you may just need to replace your dirty filter and add insulation around the home. If that doesn’t work, then call your HVAC technician. They will be able to tell you if your problem lies with the ductwork, or if it a more complicated furnace issue.
- You have humidity and moisture-related problems. There are many reasons why you might have a humidity problem at home, but one possible cause could be malfunctioning heating equipment. If you have equipment problems, leaky ductwork, or a problem with your whole-home humidification system, call your HVAC technician for an inspection.
- You have a lot of dust and other indoor air quality problems. Excessive dust in the home may be due to leaky air ducts and other problems with your HVAC system. Have a technician take a look at your system and recommend solutions to your indoor air quality problem. While you can seal and insulate ductwork yourself, if you want to make sure the entire system is sealed and directing air properly, you will want to look for a professional solution.
- Strange smells and noises are coming from your furnace. Strange sights, sounds, and smells are always things you want to pay attention to. You might have an improperly sized heating or cooling unit, malfunctioning blower motors, burner issues, or a problem with your evaporator and/or condenser coils.
While replacing your furnace may be in order, your HVAC technician will be able to tell you about various humidification and ventilation systems that could help maintain healthy humidity levels in the home.
The signs and symptoms above should give you a general idea of whether or not you need a new furnace. After vetting and researching your prospective HVAC companies, get multiple quotes from around town and then decide on which HVAC team will install the new unit.
It is EXTREMELY important to hire the right company for the job. Do NOT simply go with the lowest quote. In fact, your senses should be heightened whenever you hear a price that sounds too good to be true.
The biggest factor in how reliable, energy-efficient, and long-lasting your HVAC system is is not the make or model that you choose, but rather who installs the equipment for you.
Did you know that over half of all new HVAC systems in the United States are improperly installed? This is an alarming statistic that tells us even “professionals” don’t know how to properly install heating and cooling equipment.
The main problem found in bad installations is improper sizing. If the HVAC company you choose to do the installation has not thoroughly measured and inspected your home, then they haven’t done a Manual J Load Calculation, which is essential for picking the right-sized system for your home.
If your unit is too large, it will be overpowering, using too much energy, and causing it to cycle on and off too frequently.
Before you schedule a load calculation form your trusted HVAC company, we recommend that you do as many insulation and air sealing improvements to your home before the call. If you substantially increase the insulation levels in your home, you might qualify for a smaller unit that costs less and uses less energy to heat or cool your home.
Many HVAC companies offer various warranties, rebates, and financing options, so make sure you take multiple things into consideration when making the decision.
A company that costs more will probably help you save money in other ways by making sure your equipment is properly sized and installed, that you know about all rebates and warranties, along with tax credits at the local or national level.
While the upfront price may be more than other companies, you can end up saving a lot of time and money with a company that does all the paperwork and applications for you. Choose a company that is honest and trustworthy. Make sure you look their license numbers up and that they don’t have any alarming reviews or complaints on BBB.
If you don’t already have a Heating and Air Conditioning company you can trust, OnTime would love to prove why we can be that company for you.
Our licensed, trained, background checked, and drug tested technicians will be able to walk you through all your furnace replacement options and provide recommendations that will save you time and money, including HVAC zoning solutions. We know how important this decision is. Our comfort consultants will take all of your desires and needs into consideration when providing customized recommendations for your home.
We’ll make sure that you have the most efficient and affordable system for your specific comfort needs.
We work an ALL makes and models of HVAC units and arrive in a fully stocked truck for fast and easy repairs. Give us a call today if you are considering replacing your furnace this winter: 205-942-1405.
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Give OnTime Service a call to schedule your annual heating inspection at (205) 872-1944 .
Our experienced team of technicians is fully trained to handle any heating system. As always, we will troubleshoot your home and give you straightforward pricing options.
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