Is Your Furnace Trying to Tell You Something?
The heart of winter is not the time to start thinking about the health of your heating system. Review these signs and check off each one you’re experiencing. If you have checked off more than a few, hopefully you’ll give us a chance to learn about your family’s home comfort needs with a free in-home consultation. Remember, the best time to evaluate your furnace is before it fails.
Furnace is 15 Years or Older
The average life expectancy of a furnace is approximately 15-20 years. However, depending upon the quality and care of the furnace, you could start to experience problems earlier. At that point, you may start to inquire about a replacement furnace. It may be financially prudent to replace an aging furnace rather than continue to invest money in one that is failing. Current advances in heating technology can save you a ton of money due to the increased energy efficiency available in today’s heating products.
Increased Energy Bills
How are your energy bills? Rising energy rates aren’t always the reason for increased bills. If your usage hasn’t increased yet your bills are rising it could be due to the inefficiency and/or malfunction of an aging furnace.
Increased Repair Bills
Have you had repairs performed on your furnace over the last two years? Furnaces tend to incur more frequent breakdowns in the last two years of their life. Similar to an aging vehicle, once you replace one part, the next year you’ll probably have to replace another, etc. The repair bills for an aging furnace can add up quick. Another indicator is when you have to wait for replacement parts because they are no longer commonly stocked. Waiting is no fun in the middle of winter.
Illness – How Is Everyone Feeling?
As furnaces age, cracks can develop in the heat exchanger. If present, carbon monoxide can possibly seep into your home undetected. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include a dull headache, nausea or vomiting, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision and shortness of breath. It’s best for the safety of the individuals in your household not to let a furnace get to this point.
Poor Air Quality within Your Home
Does your house feel stuffier than normal or does the air smell stale? This may indicate your furnace is no longer able to properly distribute air through your home. Often those who are allergic to airborne dust, mold, dander, pollen will be the first to notice a difference. In addition, older furnaces have trouble keeping the air inside your home moist. This leads to dry skin, nose and throat. Other signs of this include dust accumulation, static shocks and cracking furniture. These are clear indicators your furnace is not keeping your family healthy and comfortable.
Visible Signs of Rust or Corrosion
Does your furnace exhibit cracks and/or visible signs of rust or corrosion? These could indicate a furnace reaching the end of its life cycle and a possible safety hazard. Be sure to get it checked out right away by a professional like Redding’s.
Noisy Furnace
Has your furnace suddenly become noisy? New sounds coming from your furnace can mean it’s starting to break down. A simple repair may be all that is needed or it can indicate it’s approaching the end of its life span.
Non-Professional Installation
Remember, correct installation is vital to the efficiency, functionality and longevity of any furnace. You can find a lot of people willing to install a furnace, but it’s critical to make sure they are qualified. If your furnace was not installed by a professional your system may have a shorter lifespan. And you will not save money on utility bills if the furnace is not properly sized and installed.
Schedule a FREE, No Obligation, In-Home Consultation Today
Call us today at 609-924-0166 to schedule a FREE in-home estimate with one of our professional comfort consultants. You can also complete the form on contact page and we will quickly respond.