Signs That Furnace Replacement Needed?
It’s never good news when homeowners incur a large expense like replacing a furnace. However, in the winter, the likelihood of replacing a furnace increases simply because furnaces work overtime to keep homes warm. To most homeowners, the fact that their heater needs to be replaced is a shock.
Still, when homeowners understand the signs of a failing furnace, they can take preemptive action to replace it on their terms instead of waiting until a mid-winter emergency occurs. Here are the top three signs homeowners must look for to be prepared for furnace replacement.
Old Age or Frequent Repairs
Time can fly for homeowners. It may seem like a furnace was just replaced a couple of years ago when, in reality, it has been over a decade. Keeping track of the age of appliances is one of the best ways to predict when they will fail, and furnaces are no different. On average, a furnace is expected to last between 15 and 20 years.
Writing the installation date on the unit or using the serial number to determine its age are the best ways to determine its age so homeowners can plan. Once the furnace or furnace reaches 15 years old, it is a good idea to start planning for furnace replacement.
Higher Heating Costs
Furnaces lose efficiency as they age as a natural consequence of the wear and tear they undergo as they operate over the years. Generally, homeowners can expect efficiency to stay the same for about the first five years of operation.
Beyond this point, most furnaces lose about 1% of their efficiency yearly, slowly raising monthly energy expenditures. After 20 years in service, the furnace will have lost about 15% of its efficiency, raising energy costs.
Considering this, it can be easy to see why preemptive replacement may be the best choice for a furnace. Losing this efficiency, along with the possibility that the furnace wasn’t very efficient, it may make more financial sense to invest in a high-efficiency furnace sooner rather than later.
Doing so can save homeowners a lot of money for a few years, making them eligible for tax rebates and incentives on certain furnace models.
Uncomfortable Spaces in the Home
The final sign that a furnace may need to be replaced immediately is an uncomfortable home. An aging furnace losing efficiency will likely be most evident in a home that is too cool, even after a heating cycle.
In some cases, extremely low humidity may accompany this. The furnace will have to run very long cycles to adjust the temperature in the home, depriving it of moisture. If the furnace has difficulty keeping up, it may be time to start planning. Shopping around for deals and saving up for a new system may be the best choice for comfort this winter.
About Central Heating
Central Heating repairs and installs heaters, furnaces, and heat pumps. Their skilled teams can help quickly replace an ailing furnace, even during the winter. Call today for fast HVAC service in Hawkestone, ON.
