Furnace Replacement
Furnaces can cost over $2,000 to replace, with some costing almost $4,000.
For most of us, this is a major expense, one that will require budgeting and planning to afford. We all want our HVAC system to last forever, but furnace replacement does happen.
Furnaces are rugged and durable and don’t often have problems. This can make it easy to forget about them, compared to air conditioners, which are more prone to breaking down. A furnace may last a long time, but like all appliances, it will have to be replaced.
Furnace Replacement
The average lifespan of a furnace is between 15 and 20 years. That means that most people will have to replace one several times in their life. If you’ve bought a house that already has a furnace in it, furnace replacement time may be closer than you think.
Knowing what signs to look for can help you be prepared for the furnace to be replaced. There are warning signs that indicate the furnace is nearing the end of its life. When these signs begin to manifest, you should start saving and shopping for a new heater and hope it doesn’t get too cold.
1. Rising Energy Bills
As with most appliances, furnaces will start to become less energy efficient as they age. This process can be slow and difficult to notice, but it can also happen fast. If you notice that your utility bills are varying, and in particular growing, it can be a sign your furnace is on the way out.
Most people don’t need a furnace year-round, so you will notice this in the cold winter months. This is the absolute worst time a furnace to go out. If you have a furnace that is nearing 15 years old, you should start saving as soon as possible.
Electricity and gas are both major contributors to energy bills. These are also what most furnaces use. They are either gas or electric. That is where you will see the increase if your furnace is about to need replacing.
2. Rust and Dust
Furnaces can be very dusty, even if they are new. A lot of that depends on the age and condition of the room they are in. If you notice that dust begins to build up faster in your house, it can be a sign that your furnace is on the way out.
You could also see a build-up of rust particles around the furnace, or even the vents. If this is happening, then corrosion is taking place inside the unit. Your furnace is on a one-way trip to replacement and has been since before you noticed in this case.
Corrosion and built up rust is inevitable on any appliances that are built out of metal. The amount of heat and regular wear and tear breaks down furnaces. The only way to slow this process is to make sure and maintain proper maintenance on your furnace.
3. Dry Air
If you notice that your air is getting really dry, that can spell problems for your home. This problem is more pronounced if you have wood floors or finish, but it will negatively impact any home. If working properly, your furnace should not dry the house out too bad.
This is again an issue that will become more common as the unit ages. As you may have guessed, if this happens to a newer furnace, you may consider contacting an HVAC repair technician. A company like Walrath HVAC in Lakewood, Colorado can help.
4. Strange Noises
If you begin to hear strange noises, such as banging or rumbling from your furnace, it could be a sign that age has caught up to it. While repair is always an option, the number of times you have to repair it will steadily increase towards the end of your furnace.
You may not hear these noises if you have the furnace in your basement. It is important that you monitor your furnace for regular maintenance. Make sure to observe a cycle of turning on and off in order to keep track of how your furnace is working.
Your animals may also alert you to this problem if it begins and you don’t notice. They will be alarmed, or even possibly bark at the sudden new noise they are hearing. If you have grandchildren, they may even think your basement is haunted.
Lots of Issues Can Happen
There are other issues that can easily arise when a furnace is about to need replacing. One of the best ways to tell what is coming is just that the number of repairs it needs are increasing. There comes a time when the cost of repairing a furnace becomes more than it is worth.
If you have had a technician out to repair your furnace on a regular basis, it is a good idea to shop around. The cost and expense of a new furnace is up to you, they can range from quite cheap to very expensive.
If you think your furnace is having problems, but haven’t repaired it yet, you should consult with an HVAC repair person. Residential services are a common part of HVAC work, and they will be able to help you determine what your next step should be.
Your Comfort, Your Home
Having a home that is comfortable is very important. Your home is a sanctuary against what is happening outside, and often beyond your control. Don’t let a furnace replacement cause you serious problems. Be prepared once your furnace starts to get old and be ready to have it replaced.
If you live in a cold area like Lakewood, Colorado, it is about more than just comfort. Exposing a home to temperatures that are below freezing can lead to a host of problems. You don’t want to have to replace pipes on top of getting a new furnace, nor deal with the water damage that could occur.
Contact us and we will get you taken care of before you suffer further. A new furnace is a big deal, but we will repair the problem, or let you know what the next step should be.