Blog

When the cold weather comes, you need to be prepared. The last thing you need in the middle of the winter is for your furnace to fail. Before your furnace fails, you should know the warning signs. Here are 5 reasons why you might be ready for a furnace replacement:

   1. Old Furnace

One of the biggest problems when it comes to your furnace is age. If your furnace is older than 15 years old, it may be time to get a replacement. Furnaces that are older than 15 years old do not operate at maximum efficiency. That means your furnace is costing you extra money in utility bills every month. In addition to costing you money, older furnaces are not good for the environment. Your problems could be solved with a newer, higher-efficiency model. Repairing an old furnace can be just as expensive as buying a new one. If your furnace is 15 years old or older, it may be time for an upgrade.

   2. Higher Costs

If you have seen a spike in your energy bills, your furnace may be to blame. Older furnaces run at a far lower efficiency than newer models. While smarter thermostats may be able to temporarily keep costs at bay, over time you might not be able to prevent higher costs without upgrading to a newer model. By replacing your furnace, you will be able to save on energy bills and prevent frequent repairs. If you are experiencing a spike in your energy costs, it is time to replace your furnace.

   3. Different Temperatures in Your Home

If you notice hot and cold zones throughout your home, it may be time for a new furnace. Due to outdated furnace and duct systems, you may be experiencing drastically different temperatures throughout your home. Some rooms might be colder while other rooms are simultaneously hotter. If this happens to you, it may be time for a furnace replacement.

   4. Strange Noises

When older furnaces start to make noise, it is a warning sign. When your furnace starts to make strange noises, it may be time for a furnace replacement. If you hear rattling, popping, humming, or squealing you have a problem with your furnace. A rattling noise may indicate ductwork, loose screws, sheet metal, or even the lower furnace motor not being properly balanced. A popping noise happens when parts inside of your furnace heat and cool in response to temperature changes. A humming noise is common, it happens when your far motor is making a bit of noise. If it’s to the point of disruption, you might need a furnace blower motor replacement. A squealing noise means your blower motor or inducer is damaged or worn out. It could also be caused by a loose bearing, deteriorating belt, or an issue with the pulley holding the belt. These signs mean it may be time for a furnace replacement.

  5. Frequent Repairs

If you frequently need repairs on your furnace, it may be time for a furnace replacement. If your furnace is costing you hundreds of dollars in repairs every year, it means your furnace is old and outdated. Costly repairs add up over time and could cost you far more than having to replace your furnace. If you have had more than 2 furnace repairs in the past few years, it is time for a furnace replacement.

RELATED READ: Quiz Time! Repair or Replace?

Conclusion

If you have experienced these issues with your furnace, it may be time for a furnace replacement. Contact the heating and cooling professionals at Home Comfort Experts today to learn about the ways we can help you. We serve Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan from our 12 locations. Give us a call at (574) 255-4600 to learn about our full complement of heating, cooling and plumbing services.