Winter is coming, and as the days get colder, your furnace is going to be used more frequently. Your furnace is one of the most important household appliances. It keeps you warm and cozy throughout the cold months.
If your furnace breaks when you’re not expecting it, the effect will not only be inconvenient, but could potentially be costly and dangerous. It’s essential to do regular preventative maintenance, so you can rest easy knowing your house will be well-heated all winter long.
Know The Age of Your Furnace
A furnace can function at its best for anywhere between 15 to 20 years. Many homeowners do not know the age of their furnace, however. It’s important to know when it’s passed the 15-year mark so you can be on the lookout for signs that it’s breaking down. You can find the year it was manufactured in the owner’s manual or on the furnace itself.
When do I know it’s time to replace my furnace?
Preventative maintenance includes replacing the furnace when it’s at the end of its life. If you’re not a furnace expert, however, how will you know it’s time for a new appliance? If your furnace is on the older side, keep an eye out for warning signs that will tell you the furnace needs to be replaced.
Energy Bills Becoming More Expensive
It’s common for energy bills to have slight variations over time, but if you see your energy bills consistently rising by significant amounts, your furnace may not be operating efficiently. As furnaces age, efficiency drops and you end up paying more overtime for the same amount of heat. If you notice this, you should take care of the issue before the furnace wears out completely.
Rattling or Buzzing Sounds
When furnaces were first placed in homes, they were known for being one of the loudest appliances in the home. These days, however, if your furnace is making loud noises, it’s a sign of a potential issue.
As furnaces age, the parts and pieces that make up the appliance begin to wear out and come loose. The ducts may be warping, the furnace blower motor could be worn out, or pieces of the furnace could be rusting. All of these things can cause buzzing or rattling sounds. If you hear these sounds, it’s time to call Modern PHE. Our technician can discuss whether aging parts can be repaired or if the furnace needs to be replaced.
Frequent Repairs
If you find yourself calling a repairman frequently, your furnace likely does not have much life left in it. Repairs are needed more frequently when furnaces are worn out. If your furnace is over 15 years old and breaks down, it’s time for a new one.
Short-Cycling
If you’ve noticed your furnace turning on and off frequently, even if it has not reached the proper temperature, this is called short-cycling. When your furnace starts short-cycling, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong. Corrosion of the parts, dirty/clogged air filters, blocked flues, or a number of other things could be causing this issue. As soon as you notice this happening, you should call us.
How can buying a new furnace save you money?
Many people delay replacing their furnace because of the cost. However, a new furnace will likely save you money in the long run. If you think your furnace is nearing the end of its life, it’s better to replace it sooner rather than later.
Greater Efficiency
If your furnace is 15 years old or older, the technology is already outdated. In the last few years, technology has made it possible to have nearly 100% efficiency in your furnace. That means that almost all of the energy used goes toward heating your home rather than being wasted, driving up your energy bills.
Not only are older furnaces less efficient to begin with, as they age, their efficiency declines substantially. You’ll save a lot of money on your energy bill by replacing your furnace and getting one with updated technology.
Stop Calling The Technician
If you have an old furnace, you’ll probably find yourself calling a repairman regularly to fix a broken furnace. You might think you’re saving money by stretching out your furnace’s life span before replacing it, but you could potentially save hundreds on repairs by simply buying a new furnace. Eventually you’ll need to replace your furnace either way, so it’s better to do it sooner and save the money on all of the repairs and increased utility bills.
Increase Your Home’s Value
If you’re thinking of selling within a few years, a new furnace can be a major selling point. Home buyers don’t like having to fix/replace all the old appliances as soon as they move in. Rather than hoping your furnace will hold out until you’re ready to sell, replace it early so you can enjoy the benefits, while still increasing your home value.
For owners of rental properties, replacing an old furnace will similarly raise the property value. Many tenants like to know they won’t be overcharged in utilities because of old, inefficient appliances, especially a furnace. They also like to know the furnace won’t suddenly go out on a cold night.
Reach Out To A Professional
If you’ve noticed the signs of a failing furnace, reach out to us. Our qualified technicians can evaluate your system and determine whether you need a replacement or if your system just needs some TLC.
