Winters in South Pasadena can be an unforgiving time for your home. Having a few checks run on your home furnace before winter starts is one of the most important ways to prepare for the cold season. Checking your furnace for signs of wear and considering repairs are crucial to keeping it running at peak efficiency.
But sometimes, it can be challenging to determine when it is time to have your home furnace serviced. It may also be confusing whether you should replace your system entirely. This guide can help you learn about potential problems, the best time to service your furnace, and when it may be appropriate to replace it.
Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Home Furnace
Your home furnace is over 15 years old
Furnaces should last between 15 and 30 years before needing to be replaced. It is not always the case, though. The lifespan of an HVAC product often depends on the specific brand and quality of the system. Furthermore, HVAC systems will typically begin to show indications of wear considerably earlier in their lives. That can result in more expensive repairs. Therefore, furnace replacement might be more cost-effective rather than always keeping an eye out for repairs.
The furnace has a cracked combustion chamber
A damaged or poorly maintained home furnace exposes your household to the potentially fatal gas carbon monoxide. A furnace with a cracked combustion chamber allows carbon monoxide to leak into your home. If yours is like this, it needs replacement without a doubt.
The following are some indications that your furnace may be producing carbon monoxide:
– Instead of blue, the furnace burner flame is yellow
– Too much moisture on the walls, windows, and other surfaces
– Corrosion on pipes
– Soot streaks surrounding the furnace
– Lack of upward draft in the chimney
– Nausea, headaches, disorientation, and other flu-like symptoms
Leave your home as soon as you become aware of these symptoms. Call the fire department. Shut off the gas by notifying your utility company, and get medical help as soon as possible. After that, speak with a heating expert to get your home furnace replaced.
Repair costs are equal to or greater than one-third of the cost of a new home furnace
Most AC companies advise replacing a furnace with a newer model when repair expenses are equal to or greater than one-third of the price of a new one. You can opt to repair a newer furnace if it would cost less than 50% of the replacement cost. However, replacing your furnace is reasonable if it is older than three-quarters of its expected lifespan. The same goes if a repair would cost about one-third as much as a replacement.
There are unusual spikes in your energy bill
Did you notice that your heating bills from the most recent heating season are much higher than bills from past years? If your current bills have increased significantly coinciding with your furnace use, it indicates that your furnace is probably using too much energy. In addition, when your furnace reaches the end of its lifespan, it is likely to incur frequent repairs and steep heating costs. If you own an older system that would require costly repairs to maintain efficiency, consider replacing your furnace as soon as possible. A new home furnace will typically last much longer and save you much money in the long run.
HVAC Near Me
When you need furnace replacement, call the experts at Pioneers Heating and Air. We are here to help you get the best possible deal on a new furnace, and our team of experts will ensure that your new furnace is installed perfectly. Plus, our service is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We also offer a full suite of heating and air conditioning services to ensure the air in your home is comfortable and safe all year round. Call us today for free estimates!
