Deciding To Replace Your Furnace
You may take one of the most important appliances in your home for granted. That situation will change when you wake up one December morning freezing because the furnace has died. The demise of your furnace will probably not be without warning. This appliance will provide clues that you need to replace it.
Age
The most obvious sign that your furnace needs to be replaced is its age. Furnaces are expected to effectively function for 15 - 20 years. Some furnaces will outlast that estimate, but at fifteen years, you need to watch your furnace for signs of failure. At that age, a series of small breakdowns may be a sign that your furnace needs to be replaced.
Comfort
If your home's heat is uneven, you may need a new furnace. For instance, your bedroom may be freezing while your child's bedroom is too warm. This problem can be the result of equipment failure or of problems with the duct work. Humidity problems are also another sign of furnace problems. If the air in your home is too humid in the summer and too dry in the winter, your heating equipment may be breaking down.
Noises
If your older furnace sings, wheezes, pops, and groans, it is probably running on borrowed time. You may also notice that the blower turns on and off too frequently. Healthy furnaces run smoothly and quietly.
Carbon Monoxide
Another sign of a serious problem is if your furnace produces yellow flames instead of blue ones. This phenomenon may indicate that your furnace is producing carbon monoxide, a dangerous and odorless gas. Other signs of carbon monoxide include signs of soot or rust on your furnace.
Frequent Repairs
Even if your furnace is not very old, frequent repairs may indicate that you have a "lemon" that needs to be replaced. Although the expense may seem daunting, the cost of constantly repairing your furnace adds up quickly. Also, a faulty furnace costs you more in energy consumption. Putting in a new one may be the best financial option.
You can avoid having an inconvenient and uncomfortable furnace breakdown if you replace it before it dies completely. No furnace can live forever, and most will break down somewhere in the 15 - 20 year range. Your furnace will send you signals that it's time to replace it. When you get those signals, consult with your air conditioning repair professional about installing a replacement.
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