Are you worried that your furnace may be on its last legs? There are a few warning signs to watch out for that will indicate that it may be time to get rid of your old unit and upgrade to a new, more efficient furnace.
Is Your Furnace More Than 15 Years Old?
Some sources suggest that a furnace should last for 18 years, but that isn’t always the case, Energy Star suggests homeowners replace their furnace every 15 years with an energy star rated unit. If you’re curious about the efficiency of new units compared to old units, look up the AFUE rating for the furnace you currently have and compare it to the one you are considering replacing it with.
Has Your Heating Bill Increased?
If your heating bills have increased, it could be a warning sign that it’s time to replace your furnace. There could be other causes for the increase in your monthly bills, but if you’ve scheduled annual maintenance every year and had your ducts professionally cleaned, it’s likely your furnace. Over time, even with regular maintenance, the parts inside your HVAC system will degrade and become worn, which can lead to a loss of efficiency. If your bills are increasing and there is no clear reason why, contact an HVAC specialist to evaluate the efficiency of your unit.
Has Your Unit Been Frequently Repaired Over the Last Two Years?
It’s common for furnaces to require frequent repairs in the last two years of their lives. At a certain point, it no longer makes sense to keep pouring money into costly repairs. If your unit has had more than two repairs in the past year, consider it a warning sign that it’s time to replace your furnace. Another rule of thumb is if the repair cost is more than 50% of the cost of a new unit, you’re better off putting that money towards a new furnace.
Is Your Furnace Making Strange Noises?
If your furnace makes strange banging, rattling, or popping noises when it starts up, you should consider those noises a warning sign that it needs to be replaced. When a furnace reaches the end of its life, the internal mechanisms are extremely worn, which creates a lot of noise when it starts up. If your unit isn’t that old, and it is making these noises, be sure to call a certified technician to come and service your unit.
Have you noticed some of these warning signs, and think it’s time for a new furnace?
Contact the experts at Team Harding for a free quote and find the best unit for your needs.
Harding Heating and Air Conditioning has been proudly serving Ottawa’s home comfort needs for over 25 years. We strive to provide our clients with the best service and equipment possible.
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