Not sure if you need a furnace replacement? Read on to find out if it is really necessary. If it’s time to replace your furnace, contact the HVAC experts at Draft Control today.
When Should You Book a Furnace Replacement? Here’s How to Know
A new furnace, whether it is gas, electric, or oil, is a big investment. You don’t want to have to do a furnace replacement unless it is absolutely necessary. Here are some ways in which you can tell if you actually need to replace it.
Your Energy Bills Are Increasing
If you notice a steady increase in your heating costs over the last number of years, then it might mean that you need a furnace replacement. There are, however, a number of factors that affect the amount on your energy bills – including the rising cost of fossil fuels, so you will need to keep that in mind too.
As the various parts of your furnace gradually wear out over time, you may notice that your gas and electric bills have gone up. If there is a sharp rise in your bills, then you should contact your HVAC professional to take a look at it. If your furnace is not as energy efficient as it should be, then the extra money you are putting into your utility bills could go towards the purchasing a new high-efficiency model.
Energy Star recommends replacing your old, inefficient furnace with one that has a high AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency).
To learn more about AFUE ratings, check out our post “The 5 Most Energy Efficient Furnaces.”
Your Furnace Is Damaged
Over time, your furnace can get small cracks in the combustion chamber. You may or may not be able to see these cracks. Harmful carbon monoxide can leak out of your furnace and into your home through these cracks. That is why it is important to have your furnace regularly serviced – at least once a year. Regular maintenance is especially important if your furnace is older, as it is more likely to become damaged. A qualified HVAC technician can discover if there is any damage before it becomes a serious problem.
Ontario’s Fire code requires carbon monoxide detectors near all sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves or fireplaces. For maximum protection, it is recommended to install additional CO alarms in other areas of your home that are in proximity to a CO source.
If your furnace is damaged, you will probably need to
get it replaced
Your Furnace Is More than 15 Years Old
Just because your furnace is 15 years old doesn’t necessarily mean that it needs replacing immediately. The lifespan of most furnaces is somewhere between 15 and 20 years, so when yours is getting to that age, you probably should be aware that it will need to be replaced sometime in the near future. If you are buying a home, it is a good idea to find out the age of the furnace so you will have a better idea if you are facing a replacement in the near future.
Your Furnace Is Making Strange Noises
If you notice strange noises coming from your furnace, it may be a sign that you need a furnace replacement. As a furnace ages and starts to wear out, it may begin to make some strange noises. If you start to hear unusual and unfamiliar sounds that you haven’t heard before coming from your furnace, it’s time to take notice. Call a professional to take a look at it if you hear any of the following before it becomes a serious problem:
- Grinding
- Screeching
- Banging
- Rattling
- Popping
The following video will let you hear some of the strange noises that could indicate a potential problem.
You should get your furnace checked out if it starts to make strange noises
Your Furnace Repair Costs Are Too High
There may come a point when your furnace repair costs are increasing steadily. If your furnace requires frequent repairs, it could mean that it is time to replace it. Furnaces need the most repairs during the last two years of their life.
As a furnace gets older the repairs become more often and more expensive. There comes a point when you will need to decide whether or not it is worth the money to keep sinking into repairs. So if your furnace is constantly breaking down, then it may be telling you that it’s time you replaced it.
Take a look at the number and cost of the repairs you’ve had to make in the last two years. If you have had to do more than two repairs or if the repairs have cost you more than 50% of the price of a new furnace, then it’s probably time to buy a new one.
Your Furnace Isn’t Heating Your Home Enough
If you find that your furnace just isn’t able to heat your home like it used to, then it may be time to invest in a new one. Having a cold home isn’t fun, especially during our often harsh Canadian winters.
In addition, if your furnace blower motor is turning on and off all the time, or if it is blowing cold air, then these also sure signs that you need a furnace replacement.
If your furnace isn’t keeping your house warm, it may need
to be replaced
Regular Maintenance Will Help Your Furnace to Last Longer
Change your filter regularly:
If you have your filter set for “auto,” then you should change its filter quarterly. If you have your fan set to run continuously, you should change your filter every 30 to 45 days.
Get regular maintenance done:
Have your furnace serviced once a year before the cold weather begins. A qualified technician can calibrate the gas pressure on the gas valve and do a complete combustion analysis. this will help to improve its efficiency and safety and will help it to last longer.
Change your thermostat batteries:
Every year you should change your thermostat’s batteries. This is important as they can corrode and damage your thermostat if they are left in there too long.
Regular maintenance will help your furnace last longer
Need a Furnace Replacement? Contact the Experts at Draft Control
Don’t take chances with your furnace installation. Hiring a professional company like Draft Control will ensure that the installation is done in a timely manner and only needs to be done once, whereas hiring an inexperienced person can waste unnecessary time and money. Contact Draft Control today.
“The installation was fantastic, he didn’t rush, left a clean job site and did everything in a timely manner. After testing everything out, he left me his business card and told me to call or text if I had anymore questions or issues.
We were so impressed with Draft Control, that in the spring we are having them replace our 20 year old air conditioner.
If you are looking for an honest contractor that has competitive pricing that installs a very good brand, then definitely put Draft Controls Heating and Cooling on your short list. I’d also recommend him for servicing heating and cooling units.” – Christopher K
Financing Available!
Great news, Draft Control now offers financing through EcoHome Financial. If you know that you need to a new air conditioner and furnace and want to replace HVAC system, but you weren’t sure how you were going to do it financially, we can help. Contact Draft Control to learn more.
We Even Offer a Military Discount!
Draft Control is proud to offer a 10% discount on select services and sales to our military personnel. Contact us today to learn more.
