Icy showers. No heat. Sound like a nightmare? It is… especially in the heart of winter.
Your furnace is one of the most critical pieces of equipment in your home. It is essential that it runs effectively and efficiently. Investing in a new furnace is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. A new energy-efficient furnace could save you up to 40% on your heating bill. Additionally, modern furnaces emit less carbon and waste gases.
Below are some signs that it may be time to upgrade your furnace:
- The furnace is more than 15 years old.
The average life expectancy of a furnace is 16-20 years. If it’s in that age range, you may want to consider an update. If it’s younger than 15, be sure to have it serviced annually to ensure it works optimally throughout its lifespan.
- Your energy bills increased.
As the furnace ages, it loses its efficiency, especially if it wasn’t properly maintained. As a result, the furnace may need to run longer in order to keep the house as warm. This contributes to rising energy bills.
- The furnace needed several repairs in the past two to three years.
Furnaces often breakdown in the last two to three years of their lives. It may seem like a better option to repair the furnace for $500, but replacing it early could save you in the long run. Not to mention, the older furnaces are, the harder it is to find the parts.
- You’re cold.
If you’re, cold even with the heat on, your furnace could be to blame. Assuming your vents are clean and unobstructed, a cold house is a sign the furnace may need updating.
- The burner flame is yellow, not blue.
If you have a natural gas or propane furnace, a yellow or flickering flame could be a sign of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide can cause series health problems. It is odorless and tasteless, making it difficult to detect. The best way to ensure car detection is to install a carbon monoxide detector.
- The furnace makes strange noises.
Do you hear pops, squeaks or rattles coming from your furnace? Furnaces often make strange noises as they get older. This is another signal that your furnace may need to be replaced.
It’s important to have your furnaces serviced every year to ensure it will keep you warm this winter. A&A Mechanical can perform the annual service or install an energy-efficient model that will meet your heating needs. Call today for more information.