When to Consider Replacing Your Furnace
The best time to evaluate your heating system is before it fails, not when it’s already malfunctioning. This time of year, your furnace is easily the most important appliance in your home as it is responsible for creating a comfortable living space for you and your family.
Having said that, if you’re dealing with an inefficient furnace, you might be putting everyone in your home at risk. To help you identify your need for a new system, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We are your reliable heating company in Brooklyn Park MN that has the knowledge and experience to help you make the right decision.
Here are a few things to observe when deciding to replace your heating system.
Your Furnace’s Age
A properly maintained furnace usually lasts up to 15 years or so. If your unit is past its 15-year mark and beginning to show a decline in performance, there is a high likelihood of it needing a replacement soon. Even if the system still works, it no longer operates at maximum efficiency, which causes it to use more fuel.
Here’s a fact: the older the furnace, the more maintenance it needs. When a furnace is approaching the end of its life, it breaks down repeatedly, causing you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in repair costs — not to mention the level of stress it brings to your family.
Old furnaces tend to work harder in an attempt to provide your family’s heating needs. This extra burden on the unit translates to higher energy bills and more frequent repairs. Depending on the rate of occurrence of repairs, these costs, when added up, can be almost as much as the cost of a new system.
If you notice a steady increase in your utility bills without a parallel increase in use, consider getting a new furnace. The amount of money you save in the long run can be equivalent to a new, more efficient heating system.
Inconsistent Heating
Hot and cold spots are the result of an inefficient furnace. If you have to constantly adjust the thermostat because you feel that some rooms are warmer than others, you may be dealing with a furnace that’s incapable of properly heating your entire home. Older, inefficient furnaces are unable to properly distribute the heated air throughout the home.
Illness in the Family
As a furnaces ages, cracks can develop in the heat exchanger, which can cause the release of carbon monoxide into your home undetected. This colorless, odorless, fatal, gas can cause certain health issues and symptoms such as a headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, and shortness of breath. For your family’s safety, it’s best to contact an HVAC professional to determine whether your existing furnace is safe to use or it needs a replacement.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
A poorly performing furnace results in an unclean, unsafe indoor air. If you have someone in your household who suffers from allergies caused by airborne dust, pollen, mold or viruses, operating an inefficient furnace puts them at risk of aggravating their condition. Old furnaces are unable to properly humidify and clean the air in your home, which not only triggers allergies but also affects other body organs such as the throat, nose and even the lungs. Poor indoor air can also cause too much dryness, damaging the walls, wood flooring, furniture, and plants in your home. In addition, if you notice plants starting to wilt, or family members who are suffering from dry eyes and itchy throats or headaches, it may be time to get a new furnace. These are clear indicators your furnace is unable to keep your family healthy and comfortable.
Too Much Noise
If your furnace has been working with unusual sounds, it could mean that it’s starting to break down. While you can assume that it may only need a simple repair, but you cannot negate the possibility that it’s nearing the end of its life. A qualified technician can give you expert advice on whether a repair or a replacement is what your furnace needs.
Schedule an In-Home Consultation with a Professional If you suspect that your furnace is no longer up for the job of maintaining a comfortable home, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We are your leading Maple Grove furnace installation contractor serving you since 1974.