Replacing your furnace can be a complex matter requiring the investment of time, effort, and money. Before spending thousands of dollars to replace your furnace, give some careful though to the following factors. It’s possible your current furnace might not be ready for replacement after all.
Age of furnace
In general, furnaces can be expected to last 15 to 20 years before they need to be replaced. Furnaces that are still in good condition after that time, and that have been properly maintained, may last a few years longer. Check the owner’s documents you received when the furnace was installed, or if you don’t have those, look inside the furnace’s cabinet for a manufacture or installation date. Remember, even if you have an older furnace, if it still works like it should, a replacement probably isn’t necessary.
Reliability of furnace
You should be able to rely on the furnace to heat your home adequately without malfunctions or breakdowns. Is the furnace breaking down more often than usual? If the system has had a major failure during the previous two years, it could mean a replacement is necessary. Furnaces break down more frequently during the last two years of their expected lifespan.
Performance of furnace
Is the system still providing consistent amounts of heat throughout your home, or are there colder areas? Have you noticed odd noises or louder operation than usual? Decreased performance can indicate a need for replacement.
Efficiency of furnace
Older furnaces typically have lower efficiency ratings. However, a definite sign of decreased efficiency is an unexpected sharp increase in your monthly heating costs. This means the furnace is wasting more fuel since it has to burn more fuel to maintain the temperature settings at the thermostat.
Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company has been in business since 1952, and in that time has provided superior HVAC services to customers in Yuma and the neighboring Arizona communities. Contact us today for expert advice on whether to replace your furnace and for help choosing a new furnace that will keep your home comfortable for the lowest cost.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
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