During winter, your furnace is easily one of the most important pieces of equipment in your home. Not only does it keep you warm, but more importantly, it keeps everybody in the home safe from the dangers of extremely cold weather.
For this reason, it’s a good thing to monitor the efficiency and safety of your heating system, especially if it is older. A healthy and comfortable home environment needs a heating system that is both efficient and in excellent operational condition. It’s the kind of system that does its job well without using too much energy while maintaining good indoor air quality.
A trustworthy and honest heating company in Brooklyn Park or Maple Grove, MN can help you identify whether your existing furnace needs maintenance, repair work or replacement.
Below are warning signs you may need a new furnace.
Your Furnace is 15 Years Old or More
According to energystar.gov, if a furnace is at least 15 years old or more, you should replace it with a new model that has the ENERGY STAR seal, which is typically 15 percent more energy-efficient than other furnaces on the market. On the average, furnaces in homes today have a lifespan of between 16 and 20 years. (Source: homeenergycenter.com)
If your furnace is around this age or older and it needs constant repairs, you should look at replacing it with a new one.
Your Energy Bills and Equipment Repair Costs Keep Going Up
When a furnace is nearing the end of its life, it tends to work harder in order to provide the heating requirements of your home. As your furnace ages, it loses its efficiency, especially if it has not been regularly maintained by a professional. This results in higher energy consumption and frequent calls to your heating company as the furnace parts are likely to fail due to a heavier workload.
If you notice a steady rise in your utility bills without a comparable increase in use, consider replacing your furnace. The amount of money you save in the long run can help you pay for a new, more efficient heating system.
The Thermostat Stops Working
If you have to turn your thermostat higher and higher to heat your home but it doesn’t make much of a difference, it shows that your furnace is due for a repair. This is a sign that your thermostat lacks the ability to properly circulate the air to keep your home comfortable.
The main function of a thermostat is to tell your furnace how much heat it needs to generate; if it fails to do its job, then it needs professional attention. Electrical issues such as loose wiring, tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses are some of the common reasons for a thermostat to stop working. These repairs are dangerous to perform especially if you are not trained, so for safety reasons, let a repair technician do it for you.
Your House Has Become Dry and Dusty
If anyone in your family suffers from allergies caused by airborne dust, pollen, mold or viruses, it means that you have a poor indoor air quality. Old furnaces are unable to moisturize and clean the air to your home which not just triggers allergies but also affects other body organs such as the throat, nose and even the lungs.
Your Furnace Makes Strange Noises
It is quite normal for a furnace to be a little bit noisy when you turn them on or off, but if the sound starts to get considerably louder, your unit may need replacing. These noises indicate problems in certain components of your furnace. For example, if you hear popping sounds, it may be because of a delayed rough ignition due to dirty burners or a loose or dirty filter getting pulled against its frame, or a loose blower door.
If you hear a rattling noise, it may be due to unsecured ductwork, loose screws or sheet metal. It may also mean the blower motor is not properly balanced.
Call the Pros for Furnace Installation
If you experience any of these warning signs, consider replacing your furnace not just for comfort, but for safety reasons.
Our trained technicians at Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning can help you in identifying whether your heating system needs a replacement.
We have been the preferred heating and cooling company of our loyal customers in Brooklyn Park and other communities in the Twin Cities metropolitan area since 1974.
Call us for your new furnace installation.