We all depend on our furnaces for our heating needs. It makes our home warm, cozy and more comfortable to live in. Families would want to avoid any inconvenience from a broken or inefficient furnace. Living without a well-functioning furnace is unthinkable.

However, because of the way we use our furnaces and the many years they have served us, our furnaces could undergo significant deterioration.

We always want our heating system to have a high percentage of efficiency. We can achieve this by having regular maintenance for specific years only.

We should be aware that all our appliances and furnace have a certain life span. For example, the heating system might do its job, but it is already causing constant hassle, which might indicate that furnace replacement is needed.

So how do we know when to replace or repair our furnaces?

Here is a list of signs and hints that would tell us if it is time to get a new furnace installed or repair the current one.

1. How Old is Your Furnace?

If you have a furnace that is between the age of 10 and 15 years, it is best to let it retire and get a new one. Maintenance cost can be very expensive and unpredictable in terms of parts to be replaced and frequency of repairs.

Maintaining an old furnace might seem less costly at first, but you would see how other costs can blow up pretty fast. Take time to choose and balance.

Is it worth maintaining an old furnace that can make electricity costs higher and give a less efficient heating system? Think about it.

2. The Room Temperatures are Not the Same, and it’s Still Chilly

If you do a room hop in your house, you might notice that the living room has a different temperature from your bedroom. This situation can be a clear indication that there is a problem with the equal distribution of heat.

Technicians usually say that this might signify a possible leak in the ducts. When you have confirmed a leak in the ducts, it might be a good time to call furnace repair service.

On the other hand, if you have set the usual temperature in the thermostat in the house that is already cozy for you and yet still feels chilly, this is a call for furnace replacement or installation. Again, a furnace technician can give the final diagnosis.

3. Bizarre Unfamiliar Sounds are Coming from the Furnace

When furnaces lose their efficiency to perform, they could give out weird and loud noises. They commonly make a noise because they distribute warm air in the house, but when we hear louder noises, it is time to call an expert to check on this matter.

I suggest having it checked right away. We should be careful about this and not be negligent. We breathe the warm air that the furnaces distribute, so it’s best to be safe all the time.

4. Repair After Repairs. Parts After Parts

The quotations, repairs and part replacements seem endless. You always have a monthly consultation with your local technicians, but the furnace appears to be getting worse.

Well, repair and maintenance situations are usual if the frequency is only rare. But, if you notice that it has been bothersome every month, it is an intelligent and well-thought choice that a new furnace installation is needed.

When maintenance is more costly than having your furnace replaced, this is where the term investment comes in because you are saving money than losing more.

5. The Electricity Bills are Higher than the Usual

The furnace is below its peak performance and its inefficiency is evident when energy bills are higher. When there’s no real reason to get a higher bill, no change in usage, but you are charged higher anyway, the reality is that you are paying for more when your furnace is giving you less.

Time to change your heating system and get the value for what you pay for.

Frequently Asked Questions: Furnace Repairs & Replacement

  1. What do I have to consider if I decide to replace my furnace?

As the years pass, continuous development and upgrades are being done to give customers better options. When you decide to replace a furnace that has served you for years, make sure the new one can provide better service.

Newer heating systems are more sustainable, easier to operate, more energy efficient, more high performing, produces less loud sound, and you pay lower electricity bills.

Take the time to do your research. Call companies and weigh the services and products’ pros and cons.

  1. Can I check the furnace on my own?

Yes, especially if you hear weird noises or feel different about the room temperature. You may do it but bear in mind that if you have no knowledge or background, you might do more damage than solve the problem.

It is still best to reach out to a trusted expert than speculate on the problem.

  1. What should I check before calling a technician or a specialist?

The rule of thumb is to turn off the fuse or breaker box before doing anything. Then, you can also check the carbon monoxide level even if it is not part of the system as you inhale the air circulating in the house.

Check on the filters of the furnace. If you exercise preventive maintenance, you should be able to replace your filter every 2 to 3 months to ensure you do not breathe warm air filled with dirt and contaminants.

You can also check on the thermostat’s wiring and setting. Checking for holes and molds in the ducts is also something you can do by yourself. When there are molds, leaks are possibly the cause.

Take a look at the fan or blowers. Check if they are dirty, worn out or if the blades aren’t functioning. Lastly, the burners. Take a look at the manifold, ignitor and flame sensor of the burners.

Regular inspection of these parts can help to have a clear idea of the probable cost. Always practice powering off the furnace for safety before doing this.

  1. When do I need to call a professional to check the furnace?

Suppose you are trying to figure out what to do. You know you have done the default process, and the furnace is still not performing as you expect it to be.

  1. Why do I need a maintenance plan for the furnace?

Maintenance is essential, especially when your furnace has yet to reach the age of 10. It would keep your furnace’s efficiency like it was brand new.

It can also lengthen the performance and years of usage. We call it preventive maintenance. Observe this to ensure you get the value of what you have paid for.

However, nothing can last forever. You would have to opt for furnace replacement or installation after years of usage.

  1. I don’t think I need furnace replacement yet, but it needs furnace repair. What are other options to fix my furnace problem?

We can call local licensed technicians as an option for a one-time service call to fix any furnace problem or at the very least organize for an furnace inspection.

Another option is to avail of a maintenance plan for your furnace, which covers diagnosis, repair costs, plus parts and labor. But, again, the offers would vary from company to company.

It is always better to do preventive maintenance than to let the cost blow up. Even worse is to experience furnace replacement even if you have yet to reach the ideal years.

Think You Need To Repair Or Replace Your Furnace?

Assess your furnace situation immediately. Call for expert assistance and an in-depth furnace inspection. Then, decide! These are basic things we can do to maximize the resources we have and save money and be able to get the service we deserve.