There are many different systems that all work together within your home to keep you and your family safe and comfortable. One of these important pieces of equipment is your furnace. On a cold day or in the middle of winter, you need your heat pump working at full capacity to make sure you are staying warm. A gas furnace may seem like an afterthought or something that will always be effectively working, but you need to pay attention to the health of your HVAC systems.
Your heating system wasn’t meant to last forever. Depending on the age of your system and your home, it may be time for an upgrade. However, you don’t want to invest in a whole new furnace unless it is absolutely necessary. It is a good idea to consult a professional to see if this investment upfront will help you in the long run. Here are a few ways to know if your furnace is ready for an upgrade.
It’s past its life expectancy.
Did you know that your furnace actually has a life expectancy? The average life expectancy of most furnaces is between 15 and 20 years. Check the date on your appliance to see if it’s time for an upgrade. Whether you bought the house with an older appliance or have lived there for 15 years already, it’s time to consider getting a new system. Experts recommend that you check it out once you hit that 15-year milestone. This will help lower your bills, decrease your need for repairs, and guarantee you have a good working furnace for your home.
The furnace simply isn’t working.
There is nothing worse than turning up the thermostat and not feeling a difference in temperature. If you are having trouble getting heat or hot water, that may be a sign that your furnace needs replacing. When the machinery simply isn’t working, it’s time to take the leap and invest in a new, more efficient model.
Energy bills are skyrocketing.
Better HVAC systems use less energy because they are designed to run more efficiently. One way to know your furnace may need an upgrade is if you see a spike in your energy bills. You shouldn’t be paying a hefty price just because your furnace is working past its normal lifetime. With all the other costs you have, you don’t want to pay even higher bills. Just like you would look into the lowdown on car insurance and write-offs to save a few dollars, a new furnace may be the answer to lowering your bills in this area. The best way to fix this problem is to dump your older furnace and invest in a new model.
You’re hearing weird noises or smelling strange odors.
When it comes to your home, it is best to always trust your senses. Feeling a difference in temperature is one thing, but your sense of smell and sound can also indicate problems with your heating system. If boilers are rattling or the furnace clangs around when you turn it on, that isn’t a good sign. Likewise, be wary of strange odors. They could be a sign that something more serious and threatening is going on. If anything seems out of the ordinary with strange noises or smells, it’s time to replace your furnace.
You have the repairman on speed dial.
Any appliances in your home will need maintenance and repair costs from time to time. However, if you have the repairman on speed dial and are needing repairs every few months, that may be a sign your furnace is on its last leg. Rather than pay for repairs, put those monthly payments towards a new system.