Your furnace is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment in your home. As such, investing in a new one should not be taken lightly. If you’re dealing with an old heating system, but are not sure whether or not it’s time to start looking for a replacement, you have come to the right place.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted heating company in Bloomington MN. We offer a wide range of furnaces made by one of the most regarded names in the world: Lennox.
Here are some of the things to watch out for and see if you need a new heating system.
Diminished Efficiency
If you bought your furnace about 10 to 15 years ago, it’s nowhere as efficient as today’s high-efficiency models. When a furnace gets older, it becomes less and less efficient as parts begin to wear and work less effectively. As a result, your energy bills start to rise.
Skyrocketing energy bills are the first indication of a failing furnace. If you notice a sudden increase in your heating costs, this could mean your existing furnace is consuming more fuel than usual. Evaluate your utility bills from previous months to see if there are major differences with your most current bill. Take note of the amount of energy your furnace is using as opposed to the variance in dollar amount between bills. If you notice a considerable increase in your bill without a comparable hike in your usage, that suggests your furnace’s efficiency levels are declining.
Low AFUE Rating
Some homeowners, especially those who have old furnaces, are unaware of the efficiency rating of their furnaces. In 1992, the government set a minimum efficiency standard of 78 percent. If you purchased your heating system before that year, it’s highly likely that it no longer meets today’s standards.
In recent years, the minimum efficiency level has been set to 80 percent AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency). Certain units can go as high as 99 percent AFUE. So, if you determine your existing furnace is lower than 80, it simply means that it costs more to operate than a unit that meets the government’s standards in 2021.
Inconsistent Heating
Have you started to notice that certain rooms in your home are significantly warmer than others? As your furnace ages, its output naturally decreases. Likely, the system may no longer have the power to warm your whole home in each heating cycle. You may notice less airflow coming from some vents than from others, which tells you it is losing the ability to consistently deliver heating.
Determine that your cold rooms are not chilly because of insufficient insulation or the vents are accidentally got closed. If there’s no other reason, your aging furnace is probably the culprit.
A Cracked Heat Exchanger
A noisy furnace is always a reason for concern. A loud rattling noise just before your furnace starts blowing out air may indicate that your heat exchanger has cracked. This part is the component that passes heat from the burner into the air.
A broken heat exchanger can put you and your family at risk. It can cause a carbon monoxide leak, which can be fatal if a person is exposed to it for extended periods. Therefore, you should consult a qualified professional and see if your furnace needs a replacement to ensure your family’s safety.
Frequent Repairs
When a furnace tends to malfunction more often, it could mean it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. At this point, you must consider the cost-benefit ratio of continuing to resuscitate an aging furnace against the purchase of a new, better-performing system. Most HVAC experts discourage continued repairs when the cost is close to half of the current value of the unit. You can invest that money in a new system instead. With the help of a heating expert, determine whether it’s more practical to repair or replace.
Ask the Heating Pros
If you’re dealing with any of the issues listed above, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We will give you our unbiased advice and help you come up with a long-term solution to your heating problems. We are your reliable Richfield HVAC installation company.