Your heating system is one of the vital appliances in your home. It keeps you warm during the cold months and ensures that you don’t end up with a huge utility bill. Systems can last anywhere from 8 to 20 years, with proper furnace repair and maintenance.
When you decide to replace your furnace before it needs replacing, there are certainly no hard feelings. But if not taken care of well, your heating system might go out when you need it most—in the middle of winter.
A furnace that requires replacement can be identified in several different ways. If you notice any one of the following warning signs, it may be time to start shopping for a new heating system:
1. Furnace Doesn’t Come On
This is presumably the most obvious sign that your furnace is failing. If you turn on the heat and hear a loud clicking noise but nothing else, it’s time to call a maintenance specialist.
In Missouri, where winters can be harsh, a malfunctioning furnace can lead to discomfort and even health risks. Don’t ignore the warning signs and reach out to a reliable service such as Blue Springs Missouri Furnace Repair Service to diagnose and resolve the issue promptly, ensuring your home stays warm and safe throughout the cold season. With their expertise, they will not only fix the immediate problem but also perform thorough inspections to identify any potential issues and ensure the long-term reliability of your furnace.
2. Strange Smoke or a Burning Smell
If you see strange smoke coming from your vents or notice a burning smell when turning on your heat, this may indicate an electrical problem with your system. It can also mean that your blower belt has snapped but don’t take any chances. Turn off your heating system as soon as possible and contact a professional for immediate furnace repair or replacement.
3. Persistent Leaks
Furnace leakages often stem from faulty gaskets or cracks in the tubing leading to ducts. These can waste large amounts of fuel and cause a buildup of carbon monoxide in your home.
4. Unusual Noises
If you hear loud clanging or other unusual noises when the heat comes on, you may have a problem with one of your fans. Turn off the furnace right away and get it looked at by a professional to avoid serious damage.
5. Inefficient Heating
If it’s not working properly, your system needs to run for longer periods, wasting energy and fuel without giving you the desired amount of heat. If you feel cold even after the thermostat has been set for an extended period, this might be a sign that it is time for a new heating system.
Another way to check if your heater is performing poorly is to check your utility bills. If you notice that they’re getting higher than usual, this may show that the system isn’t working correctly. Furnaces also need yearly inspections and tune-ups to work at optimal efficiency.
6. Age
Most furnaces last between 8 and 20 years, depending on how well they are maintained. If your furnace is at least 12 years old, it’s a good idea to look into replacing it before you start experiencing heating problems.
7. Environmental Factors
Furnaces can last longer in homes not exposed to harsh environmental conditions. If you live in a place where the temperature drops below zero for extended periods or large amounts of humidity, this may put additional strain on your heating system.
High levels of moisture can lead to corrosion, rusting, and even electrical failures, which is why it’s imperative to take care of your furnace in humid climates.
So, what furnace should you buy if you want to replace your current one? There are several factors you’ll need to consider when choosing the perfect heating system for your home.
For example, how many rooms do you plan on heating? Will it be used mainly in the winter, or will it provide both heat and cooling? Answering these questions will help narrow your options.
After making some considerations about the place where the furnace will be installed, are some of the most important questions, you need to ask yourself:
Do You Want a Gas, Electric, or Oil Furnace?
Gas furnaces are usually more expensive than newer and energy-efficient models. They’re also bigger than most other types of furnaces, so keep that in mind if you have minimal space available for your heating system.
Electric furnaces are not very popular because they’re relatively heavy and require regular inspection by an expert. Oil furnaces are quieter than any other type but are expected to cost more to operate.
What is the Total BTU Capacity Required?
The higher the number, the faster your system will heat your home. Unfortunately, this number won’t give you any indication of how much it’ll cost to run it or how efficient it’ll be.
Do You Want a Forced-Air or a Heat Pump System?
Heat pumps do not burn fuel, and they’re generally very efficient, but they tend to be expensive and can’t provide warm air during extremely cold days. Forced-air furnaces have the capacity to warm up your home more rapidly than heat pumps, but they also cost more money in energy bills when compared to heat pumps.
What Size Heating Ducts Will Be Required?
It might be necessary to install new heating vents in some rooms when replacing an old furnace with a new one. Determining the size of these vents before choosing your system may lead to unnecessary materials and overpaying for a furnace that does not properly fit.
What Kind of Fuel Is Available?
Ensure you have enough natural gas or oil to operate the furnace; otherwise, choosing another type may be more cost-effective.
For homeowners living in colder regions with long winters, a furnace for sale might seem like an unnecessary expense that can wait until springtime. However, this piece of equipment is expected to do most of the heating during winter, so it’s essential to make sure you have a system that performs well. Improper use or low-quality equipment can lead to higher energy bills and more difficulties keeping your home warm when the temperature is extremely cold outside.
A furnace is an essential component of your heating system, so if you notice any problems with it, don’t wait for springtime to fix them. However, it would help if you also consider that new models are released every year with better features and increased efficiency. New high-efficiency furnaces are much cheaper to operate than older models.
Choose the best heating system based on your requirements and budget.
Featured photo: Carrier.
