At this time of year, homeowners often fear they might have to replace their furnace but wonder if they can just make a repair – or “do something” – to make their heating system last one more season.
It's a good and practical question because a new heating system is a major financial investment. Moreover, just because a furnace might be acting “quirky” doesn't mean that it can't be brought into line.
There's nothing like a full-fledged furnace inspection to render an expert prognosis. But to save yourself a service call, there is an eight-part assessment from the U.S. Department of Energy that you can go through first. At the end, it should be clear whether your aging furnace can be fixed or whether a new furnace is the smarter investment.
To begin, it might help to think of your furnace like an old car. It's probably exhibiting warning signs of slowing down; the key is to be willing to acknowledge the overt signs and pay extra attention to the subtleties. But remember: no matter in which direction you're leaning after the assessment – to repair or replace your heating system – a heating system service company should follow through with a complete inspection to help you avoid a "panic purchase."
As your initial furnace assessment consider the following:
- Your furnace’s age. Furnaces that have been well cared for can last 20 years or more, which is an impressive run even in a mild climate like Northern California. But like all mechanical systems, furnaces have a definite lifespan.
- The frequency and nature of your furnace repairs. Repairs aren't the same as your annual furnace checkup; repairs on broken and worn components are much more commonplace toward the end of a furnace's life. If you’re spending more and more money just to keep your furnace running, chances are that it’s telling you that the end is near.
- Your gas or electric bills. If you’ve been making a concerted effort to conserve energy and still can’t stabilize your bills, it’s possible that your aging furnace is simply showing signs of age; older furnaces are inherently more inefficient.
- A yellow burner flame instead of a bright blue one. A yellow flame could mean that your furnace is producing dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
- If the flame literally burns two different colors, assess the health of your family members. The presence of carbon monoxide mimics the flu, with coughing, sneezing, headaches and dizziness being the most common symptoms.
- Unusual noises emanating from your furnace, including squealing, screeching and rumbling. Recall the aging car analogy; “healthy” mechanical systems don’t sound like they're ailing.
- Uneven temperatures in your home, even if your doors and windows are caulked and sealed with submarine-like force. This is a sign that your furnace may no longer be able to distribute air properly.
- Dry, stuffy or musty air in your home – a sign that your furnace is not capturing dust, dirt and other airborne particles as it should.
If you suspect that a new heating system is in your near future – a heating system service company like Experts In Your Home can confirm your suspicions. Try to remember that a new system is an investment that will pay off in the form of lower utility bills. When properly sized and installed, Energy Star furnaces can operate at between 90 and 95 percent efficiency – in other words, near perfect.
We realize that purchasing big-ticket items can trigger second-guessing and even regrets. So let Experts In Your Home heating technicians guide you to the most practical and economical decision regarding your heating system – and help ensure that you never once regret this important decision. We are experts in your home!
