Winter is a great time of year, but it can also bring its share of challenges. One of the biggest is trying to stay warm in a home with a faulty furnace. If you’ve noticed a decrease in the efficiency of your furnace, it may be time to replace it. In this article, we’ll discuss how to determine when it’s time to replace your furnace and what to consider when making the decision.
When Should You Go for a Furnace Replacement?
The first step is to call a professional heating and cooling contractor to evaluate your furnace. They can assess the condition of the unit, determine the current efficiency, and advise when it should be replaced. A professional can also help identify potential causes of your furnace’s problems, such as a clogged filter, blocked vents, or a faulty thermostat.
Here are more indicators to know if you need a furnace replacement:
Reduced Heat Capacity
Gas furnaces can produce much heat, but some heat capacity is lost over time. The furnace’s thermostat will turn on and off more frequently as efficiency declines.
The more often the furnace runs, the more strain is placed on the blower motor and other mechanical parts. This has a cyclical impact. Even if your system runs almost constantly, you could see further signs of declining efficiency. Renters on higher floors of bigger buildings could get less heat.
Old Age
Replace your furnace if it is about to end its useful life, normally between 15 and 30 years. Most furnaces built before the mid-1990s have an efficiency rating of around 65%. Modern furnaces are more efficient and can save you money on energy bills in the long run.
Producers of central furnaces and boilers are required by the Federal Trade Commission to determine each unit’s annual fuel usage efficiency (AFUE). The Department of Energy states that the typical AFUE range for out-of-date gas furnace systems is between 56% and 70%. In other words, an older system may waste between 30% and 44% of its gasoline.
Your energy costs will drop significantly if you switch to a new heating system, especially if it uses eco-friendly technologies. Heat pumps with an air source typically utilize 50% less energy in heating systems.
Poor Air Quality
Regarding furnace replacement, poor air quality is often one of the main indicators that it’s time to look into a new system. Various factors, including a malfunctioning furnace, can cause poor air quality. If you think your furnace is the culprit, it’s important to assess the situation and determine whether or not a furnace repair in Louisville or replacement is necessary.
Strange Noises
Fossil fuel combustion furnaces can make noise even when functioning well, but some noises are warning signs of a problem with the machine or an impending failure. Some examples of the noises are as follows:
Clicking: A furnace compressor issue may cause persistent clicking noises.
Pops, Bangs, and Rumbling: These noises may indicate that fuel is still burning in the furnace’s combustion chamber or that the burners cannot function properly.
Thumping: Imbalances in the blower motor may result in a thumping sound that may be constant or present only when the appliance is turned on or off.
Grinding: Grinding noises may indicate a blower motor problem.
When it comes to strange noises, there are several signs that your furnace may need to be replaced. One of the most common signs is if you notice that your furnace is making loud banging or banging noises. This can indicate that the motor is beginning to wear out or that the fan is becoming unbalanced. If these noises persist, it is important to inspect your furnace as soon as possible to determine the cause.
Conclusion
It is important to note that replacing your furnace is not something to be taken lightly. It is a large investment and should be carefully considered before deciding. If your furnace is too old, is not providing adequate heating, or is not running efficiently, it may be time to replace it. Researching the best furnace replacement for your home and your budget can help ensure you make the best decision for your home.
Thompson Heating & Cooling has offered premium whole-home comfort services to locals in La Grange, Louisville, and the neighboring areas since 2003. The company uses high-end equipment from producers like Ruud, Mitsubishi, ClimateMaster, and Nest. Stay warm with our furnace replacement services in Louisville. Contact us now!