Furnaces work hard during the cold months to keep your home warm and comfortable. Over time like any mechanical equipment, they wear down. First they might start losing efficiency then eventually fail altogether. Since a broken heater is the last thing anyone wants and always happens at the most inopportune times; here are some signs that your furnace may need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
FURNACE AGE
One of the first things to consider is the overall age of your furnace. Heaters become less efficient over time, so if your furnace is more than 15 years old, realistically it wouldn’t hurt to start to prepare your budget for a replacement. As technology continues to improve in furnace efficiencies and gas prices continue to increase, upgrading to a new HVAC system may save you on your monthly utility bills.
FURNACE REPAIRS
The cost of having to repair an old heating unit continually can really add up over time, while a new furnace involves a one-time cost, sometimes it is worth the peace of mind. If recent furnace repairs have you questioning your heating system’s lifespan, it may be a good time to talk to us about an upgrade.
FURNACE NOISE
Some sounds your heater makes are normal, but new or continued strange noises coming from your furnace can mean a number of things. Pay particular attention if you here screeching, squealing, or rattling noises. If you find yourself extra aware of your heater running due to an unusual amount of sound it’s producing, it is best to have the system serviced immediately. In some cases, a simple furnace repair can solve the problem. However, if neglected, the problem behind these noises can grow in damage leading to more expensive repairs.
HIGHER BILLS
If your energy bill has been steadily rising with no change in the thermostat setting, energy rates, or overall weather patterns; the likely culprit is an old heater struggling to keep up with demand. As parts in your furnace wear out over time and use, you’ll notice your costs continuously rising. If there’s a more immediate problem, the bill may spike suddenly. With utility rates on the rise, it may be time to consider replacement to a higher efficiency system.
UNEVEN HEATING
If it takes a long time for your house to warm up or you notice uneven heat from room to room, it may be time to call us as your trusted Sacramento HVAC contractor. As your furnace ages it may become more difficult for the system to distribute heat evenly throughout the house. You may notice some rooms are colder than before or you may feel like you’re always checking the thermostat because you’re not as comfortable. When a heating and cooling system doesn’t perform as expected, it is usually an indicator of a problem. To know for sure, consider having one of our technicians evaluate your system. If nothing else, it’ll give you peace of mind knowing how to move forward.
checking furnace efficiency
heating efficiency test
SAFETY FEATURES
If your furnace is old enough, it may not have modern safety features like an inducer fan or pressure switches. These are things that can really put you and your family at risk if they aren’t equipped in your antiquated heater. Easiest way to find out? Give us a call to come out for a safety check on your system. We can make sure it is safe for your home for this upcoming heating season.
LET US HELP
Do you suspect problems with your furnace? Or maybe it is just time for a routine tune-up? Call us to schedule an appointment today, our trained team of HVAC technicians have everything you need to make needed repairs. And when it is time retire your old furnace by upgrading to a new energy-efficient heating system call Perfection Home Systems. We have helped thousands of homeowners in the greater Sacramento area choose the best heating and air system for their household needs and budget.
We also have heat pump options to choose from if your system is currently a heat pump or if you are considering converting off of fossil fuels. Perfection Home Systems, Inc is Sacramento area’s trusted source for all types of heating and cooling installations. Call us today at (916)481-0658 to make an appointment to get your free HVAC installation estimate.