With the proper furnace maintenance and care, a heating plant can last decades. Manufacturers, however, recommend that you simply replace them every 15 to twenty years because new furnaces are more reliable and supply energy savings that make them well worth the cost. When you have an older furnace or one that seems to need frequent repairs, knowing when it’s a good time to buy a replacement could save you money and prevent unnecessary stress.
Indications That You Might Need a New Furnace
- Age
On average, furnaces last about 15 to 20 years. If you’ve got an older furnace that needs more repairs than usual, upgrading to a more modern system may be a good idea.
2. Safety
If your furnace poses a security hazard, replace it. One of the most concerns with faulty heating systems that use gas is carbon monoxide gas poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas, so it’s a good idea to keep a carbon monoxide detector near the furnace and have a professional maintain the unit at least once a year. You can schedule an appointment with us here.
Warning signs of gas-related problems with a gas furnace include:
- A pilot light that’s yellow; it should be blue
- A flickering pilot light
- Soot streaks around the furnace
- Excess moisture on the windows and walls around a furnace
- Excessive rust on appliance jacks and flue pipes
- Repair Costs
A furnace that works well should not need repair more than once every two years. If you’ve got a furnace that’s 10 years old or older, consider a replacement if the repair cost is 10 percent of the cost. For example, if a repair is over $200 and the new furnace is $2,000, a replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run. Here’s how to troubleshoot your furnace.
- Energy Efficiency
A new furnace is considerably more energy-efficient than one that is 10 years old, even if it works well. Older furnaces and people in need of repairs tend to use more energy, and your power bills will only increase with time.
Don’t Procrastinate on Furnace Maintenance and Repairs
If you notice any of the subsequent together with your furnace, call a Portland HVAC professional soon
- Strange sounds
- Your home feels cold or drafty, even when you turn up the heat
- Pilot light problems
- The furnace doesn’t turn on or stay on
- Your home is more dusty than usual
While it’s going to seem easier to place off a furnace repair, doing so may:
Put your family’s health and safety at risk: Never take a chance with appliances that use natural gas
- Be more expensive:
Time has a way of turning small, inexpensive repairs into costly headaches
2. Waste energy:
Furnaces that don’t work well use more energy to heat a space
3. Make your home feel uncomfortable:
Why to pay high energy bills when your home still feels drafty
If you’ve got an older or problematic furnace, talk an HVAC specialist at AAA Heating & Cooling. We’ll assess your furnace’s current situation and history to make a recommendation that’s financially sound, keeps your family safe, and aligns with your needs. Get in touch with us today. Read more
