Three Signs Your Furnace Needs To Be Replaced
Unless you're the type of person that is always looking for things to do on your home, chances are that a furnace replacement doesn't elicit a whole lot of joy in your heart. Still, there are a few occasions when replacing your heating system is not only a good idea but absolutely necessary, especially as the temperatures outside start to drop. Below are a few signs that your furnace needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Check through them, and contact an HVAC technician if any of them sound familiar.
Your Unit Is Old
Furnaces have an average life expectancy of anywhere from 15 to 20 years, so if your system is approaching the upper end of that spectrum, then it's worthwhile to have it replaced. Once it reaches about the halfway point, you'll notice that the repairs will start to become more frequent and much more severe — a trend that will continue until it eventually fails. Rather than paying for constant repairs, you should ask your HVAC contractor about a possible furnace replacement instead. Paying for new heating installation may be inconvenient, but it's a lot less expensive than years of repair bills that will stack up in the future.
Your Unit Has Major Issues
While some repairs can be fixed relatively easily, there are a few problems with furnaces that could signal that it's time for a replacement. A blown motor, for instance, is usually very expensive, as is replacing the fan blades and repairing the heat exchanger. Rather than paying for a major repair, ask your HVAC contractor about a possible home heating replacement instead. Not only will you have a new system, but you should also have a warranty that will safeguard your unit for a few years to come. A good rule of thumb is to estimate the cost of the repairs versus the cost of a new furnace. If the repairs add up to more than 50% of the cost of a new system, replace it instead.
You Want to Upgrade
For most people, the choice to replace their furnace is involuntary; if they don't, they won't have a way to heat their home. Still, others choose to upgrade their system simply because they want to take advantage of new heating technologies that are more energy-efficient, thus saving them on utility bills. Another possible reason why you may want to upgrade is if you're planning on selling your home. Most people don't buy a home based on the type of furnace that is inside, but there's no doubt that a new heating system can provide a boost in your resale value, allowing you to recoup some of the initial costs of a new heating installation.
To learn more about furnace replacement, reach out to a local HVAC contractor.