This summer has been hot, and the cooler months are a relief for many people around Oregon. The first day of autumn is September 22nd, and with that change of season, it’s important to make sure your home’s furnace is in good operating condition.
While regular professional maintenance will extend its lifespan, unfortunately all furnaces will come to the point when it doesn’t make sense to keep repairing it. But how do you know when it’s truly time to make the leap to a full furnace replacement?
Here are the key factors that indicate it’s time to replace your furnace.
Age:
Most furnaces last 15–20 years with regularly scheduled professional maintenance. If yours is approaching that number or has exceeded this time frame, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new unit. Our team at Specialty Heating and Cooling understands that furnaces are one of the biggest purchases you’ll make for your home. That’s why we work closely with you to find the right product for your budget. We also provide a variety of convenient financing options.
Increasing Energy Bills:
It’s a fact: older furnaces start to lose efficiency over time. That means they need to work harder to heat your home and that results in rising utility bills. Take a look at your heating and cooling bills over the last months or years. If there has been a spike in your bill, your aging furnace could be the reason.
Frequent Repairs:
Depending on the part or complexity of the problem, HVAC repairs can be costly. If you’ve had to call our technicians at Specialty Heating and Cooling more than once each season, it may be time to consider installing a new machine. We generally recommend following this rule of thumb: if your repairs total more than half of the price of a new furnace or if there are continuous breakdowns that add up to this amount, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Unusual Sounds or Odors:
If you’ve turned on your furnace for the first time this autumn and you were greeted with a weird sound or smell, don’t ignore that. Banging, rattling, or humming sounds could mean there are mechanical issues that need attention.
Leaks:
Older furnaces, especially gas furnaces, can develop cracks in the heat exchanger. This can cause carbon monoxide leaks, which are dangerous and potentially life-threatening. If your system shows any signs of leaking or rusting, call our team right away to assess the issue.
Next Steps
If you’re still unsure if a replacement is necessary, call our team at Specialty Heating and Cooling for a professional inspection. Our experienced, licensed HVAC technicians will give you an honest assessment of your system and recommend if it has some more life in it, or if an upgrade is imminent. If a replacement is needed, we’ll work with you to find the best one within your price range. And while it is a larger investment, you’ll save money in the long run – in energy usage and repairs. You’ll also enjoy improved air quality and peace of mind knowing your home will stay warm and comfortable for the upcoming cooler months.
Call us today for more details!