For the most part, furnaces are made to last for many years. But just like any other piece of equipment, they do get old, and show signs of aging. And the thing is, if you try and keep up with an old and efficient furnace, you’re probably spending way too much than you have to.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted heating company in Plymouth MN. We are an authorized distributor of some of the best furnaces on the market. We exist to help homeowners like yourself make sure their houses are comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient.
Here are tell-tale signs you need to start looking for a new furnace.
Cold Air Instead of Warm
The main purpose of your furnace is to help you keep warm, especially during the cold months. Now, if your home doesn’t seem to get the right amount of heat. Your furnace may be no longer up for the job. You can feel the house being too cold, but there are times when temperatures differ depending on the room.
One of the reasons why a furnace blows cold air is a faulty motor. This problem makes the heating system unable to heat the room or the entire house. Also, issues with the pilot light and heat exchanger can be the causes of a poorly functioning furnace.
Hot and cold spots are just some of the most common warning signs of a failing furnace. Will you recommend calling your preferred HVAC contractor to see if the furnace can be repaired or it’s due for a replacement.
A Significant Increase in Energy Costs
Old furnaces have AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) ratings that are below the current standard. Also, they function with old parts that consume more energy than usual.
If you see an unusual growth in your heating bills without a reciprocal increase in usage, it could mean that you’re running a failing furnace. Check your heating costs from last year’s fall and winter and compare them with your current ones. Take note of the amount of energy your furnace is using and cross-check it with the difference in dollar amount between bills. This will give you a clue about how your furnace has been performing lately.
Extremely Loud Noises
Your furnace is supposed to make some noise while running, but it shouldn’t be too loud or annoying. So it’s best to listen to the sound the furnace makes, and you will have an idea of its condition.
If an old furnace has extremely loud noises like hissing, rattling, banging, and shaking, chances are you’re dealing with a system that is probably due for a replacement any time soon.
Heating specialists can detect the problem with your furnace based on the kind of noise it creates. The unusual sound can also be an indication that your heating system is overworking. Nevertheless, it’s still best to have an expert take a look into the system and make the right recommendations.
Too Many Repairs
When a furnace tends to fail and requires repairs more often, it could be an indication of a failing unit. At this point, you must consider the cost-benefit ratio of continuing to revitalize 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 professional, please do the math to determine whether it’s more practical to repair or replace. Also, it would be best if you considered that finding replacement parts for older furnaces is often hit-and-miss.
Questions? Ask Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
Winter is only a few weeks away, and we are sure you want your family to be as comfortable as possible. If you have an inefficient, old furnace, it may not be enough to get you through the cold season. So, be sure to talk to one of our Maple Grove furnace repair and installation experts and find out. It would be our pleasure to help you find the right solutions to your heating needs. Give us a call today!