It can be hard to decide whether you are due for a furnace replacement or not. While there are many reasons you might be thinking about upgrading or changing your furnace, furnace replacement can cost quite a bit, so it is not a decision to make lightly. That said, there are a few signs you should look out for that indicate a furnace replacement is indeed a good idea for your home. You want your heating & air conditioning system to work smoothly and effectively, so if your furnace is causing you problems, it might be time for a furnace replacement.
Repair Costs More than Furnace Replacement
This can be one of the most difficult signs to spot. It is normal for the cost of fueling and maintaining your furnace to increase somewhat over time but if you notice a sharp increase in costs, it may be time for a furnace replacement. You can also factor in your furnace’s age here. As a furnace ages, the cost of repair is only going to increase, so think about how the cost of five years of constant repairs compares to the cost of replacement.
Your Furnace is Noisy
We all know what normal furnace noises sound like, and what constitutes a more concerning noise. Popping, banging, and screeching are all noises that should not come from your furnace. If you hear noises like this coming from your furnace, make sure to have your HVAC maintenance team check it out. If they cannot fix the problem, you may need furnace replacement.
Uneven Heating
An uneven temperature distribution in your home can be caused by a few different issues. While this is sometimes something manageable with your existing furnace, it can also be a sign of much deeper problems that necessitate a furnace replacement. This, however, can also be a duct problem, so make sure whoever is inspecting your HVAC system for issues with uneven heating addresses your ductwork as well.
Soot Around Registers
Soot or rust around the registers or around your furnace can indicate that there is too much CO2 built up in your furnace. This can be dangerous on a few levels, by causing increased dryness, greater fire risk, and irritation to your family’s throats and lungs. If you notice soot or rust on your registers, consider a furnace replacement in order to prevent these kinds of risks.
Your Furnace is Over 15 Years Old
The easiest way to know you are due for a furnace replacement is if your furnace is more than 15 years old. It is not that all furnaces stop working at 15 years, but rather that this is the age where the maintenance cost of the average furnace surpasses the cost of replacement.
Learn More & Schedule Your Furnace Replacement in St. Louis
It is possible to have an older furnace that still works well, but for any furnace over 15, you should at least be performing careful maintenance and making sure your heating & air conditioning technicians conduct a full inspection at least every six months. To learn more and find out if it may be time to replace your furnace, give us a call or contact us online today!
