Winter Plumbing Tips for 2023
December 01, 2022As one of the most important appliances in your home, it pays to keep your furnace in good working order. After all, nothing can be more frustrating than having a faulty furnace in the middle of winter. The typical lifespan of a furnace can be anywhere from 15 to 20 years, depending on maintenance routine and usage. Some units can last up to 30 years. However, there comes a point when even the most reliable furnaces need to be replaced. As a homeowner, you need to know when to replace your furnace before it becomes a safety hazard or costs you much more in repairs. Fortunately, there are telltale signs that a furnace gives off when it’s on its last legs.
At Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air, we’ve put together common signs that you need a furnace replacement.
1. Your Furnace Is More Than 15 Years Old
The number one sign that your furnace needs to be replaced is its age. The average lifespan of a furnace is between 15-20 years, though this depends on the brand, furnace quality, and maintenance. If your furnace is older than 15 years and it’s showing signs of wear, you should begin shopping for a new furnace. As a furnace nears the 15-year mark, it may start to show signs of wear, and some energy efficiency features may become less effective. Pay attention to unexplained noises coming from your unit, soot buildup around registers, yellow furnace burner flame instead of blue, rising energy bills, and signs of wear.
2. The Cost of Furnace Repair Is Over Half the Cost of a Replacement
Occasional furnace repairs are expected. But if the cost of furnace repair exceeds 50% of the cost of furnace replacement, installing a new unit makes much better financial sense. For a furnace that is beyond 75% of its life expectancy, you should consider replacing the unit if the cost of repairs exceeds one-third of the replacement cost.
3. You’ve Noticed an Increase in Your Heating Bill
If your heating bills have been rising steadily each month, that’s a sign that your furnace is operating inefficiently. Again, if your furnace is approaching the 15-year mark, inefficiency is expected and will only get worse with time. If you start to see consistently higher heating bills, it might be time to call a professional HVAC company to help you install a new furnace.
4. Temperature Fluctuations Throughout the Home
Have you noticed hot and cold spots in your house? This could be an indication that your furnace is losing its ability to properly circulate heat in your house. Check if there are any blocked air vents or if the ductwork is leaking. If there are no leaks and the vents are clear, you may have to consider replacing your furnace.
If it’s time to install a new furnace in your home, you can rely on the HVAC experts at Rooter Hero Plumbing & Air to help you with furnace replacement. Our HVAC specialists can help you choose a furnace that fits your heating needs.