Winter and fall seasons can bring extremely unpredictable weather. From the winter snowstorms to the cold and rainy days in the fall, creating a warm and safe environment at your home is crucial. However, if your heating equipment struggles to keep your home comfortable during the cold season, it might be time to get a replacement. Here are six signs that indicate your home needs a new furnace.
1. Poor Air Quality
The furnace has a direct impact on your home’s air quality. Poorly maintained heating equipment might distribute bacteria, dirt, and other air pollutants when circulating the heated air throughout your living space. One of the signs of low air quality is floating dust in the air, together with the people in your home frequently developing colds, coughs, and other respiratory complications.
If you or a member of your household has allergies, the circulation of air pollutants may also result in symptoms such as constant headaches, itchiness, and watery eyes. Sometimes, resolving air quality issues caused by furnace-related problems can be as simple as replacing air filters. In more severe cases, you may need professional duct cleaning or a furnace replacement.
2. The Age of Your Unit
If you are like many homeowners, it is likely your heating equipment was already in place when you bought or moved into your residential property. That means the furnace might be nearing the end of its lifespan. The lifespan of many furnaces ranges between 15 and 20 years, depending on the usage and maintenance.
Check your furnace’s age by reading the owner’s manual. If your system is old, you need to consider getting a replacement. The new unit will be much more energy-efficient, and getting the replacement on your own time is less stressful than getting an emergency installation in the middle of the cold season.
3. Spiking Heating Bills
Many problems can cause increased energy bills. However, if you’ve properly sealed your ductwork and you’ve been scheduling routine maintenance each year, your energy bills should not increase drastically. A steady spike in your heating expenditure over the years might mean that your heating equipment is on its last legs.
Your electric and gas bill may continue to increase as the internal parts of your furnace wear out. If you notice a steady increase in your heating bills, contact your HVAC expert immediately. The extra cash that you are paying for electricity and gas can cover the cost of a new furnace for your home.
4. Unpleasant Odors
Your furnace can smell like the fuel it uses, especially when you turn it on for the first time when the cold season begins. Most furnace smells dissipate as the heating system runs. However, if you’re experiencing a strong odor of fuel around your furnace, you need to contact an HVAC specialist immediately. A scent that appears suddenly or one that does not go away with time indicates a furnace-related problem.
These strange odors can result from an array of problems, from excessive dust within the unit to a gas leak. Your HVAC technician can assess the smell to determine the culprit and advice you accordingly.
5. Strange Noises
Every furnace produces noise, but persistent and loud noises can indicate serious problems. Pay attention to all the sounds coming from your heating unit, and describe them to the HVAC professionals when they inspect the unit. Whistling and squealing noises might result from fan or belt problems, while banging sounds may come from loose and broken internal components. Depending on the extent of the damage, your technician might make repairs or recommend getting a furnace replacement.
6. Frequent Service Calls
Furnaces often require regular repairs during the last two years of their lifespan. Having too many repairs to keep your old heating system running is not worth the cost. If you’ve had frequent service calls lately, add up the furnace repair costs to see if purchasing a new unit is cost-efficient.
If you’ve had several repairs in the past year, it is probably time for a furnace replacement. The other way to tell if your furnace needs repair or a replacement is if the cost of repairs exceeds 50% of the price of a brand-new furnace.
Contact Us for Reliable Furnace Services
A properly functioning furnace will not only keep your living space warm during winter, but it’ll also keep your entire family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning and air-related ailments. If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs from your home’s furnace, it’s essential to talk to the professionals at Clockwork Heating and Air Conditioning. Our HVAC technicians will inspect your heating unit and give you the available replacement options. We also offer indoor air quality services, humidifier and dehumidifier services, and AC services to the residents of Athens, GA, and its surrounding areas. Contact us today to book your service appointment.
