Winter is a busy season for us as we take a high number of calls from people whose furnaces have failed. Many times, the problem is caused by a lack of regular furnace service and maintenance. To keep your furnace working well and warming your home, it’s crucial to have schedule maintenance regularly. After maintenance, there are some symptoms you can be on the lookout for that may suggest that it’s time to have your furnace serviced or replaced before it breaks down at the worst possible time.
Furnace Age
The anticipated lifespan of furnaces can vary on a variety of factors, but it’s a good idea to start furnace shopping now if your furnace is 15 years or older. It’s always good to have time to find the best furnace for your home rather than having to replace your furnace in an emergency situation.
Increased Gas or Electric Bills
If your utility bills are going up, but you haven’t increased usage, it’s probably time for a furnace service appointment or even a replacement. As they age, furnaces lose efficiency. This happens more quickly to furnaces that haven’t been maintained properly. While you may think a new furnace will cost a lot, think of the money you’ll save over the long term on your utility bills.
More Frequent Furnace Repairs
Furnaces break down more frequently during the last two years of their lifespan. If you feel like you’re doing repair after repair, start watching how much you’re spending. It’s likely that a new system may be more cost effective.
Strange Noises
Is your furnace making strange noises? Often times, older furnaces start making strange noises when they need replaced. Also, notice if your furnace is cycling on and off too often or blowing cold air. These are most likely symptoms that it’s time to shop for a replacement.
A Dry or Dusty Home
If your home starts to feel drier or family members start struggling with allergy symptoms, an older furnace could be to blame. It may not filter air as well as it needs to, nor does it humidify the air. Other signs that your furnace isn’t filtering or humidifying air are cracking woodwork and static shocks.
If any of this sounds familiar, you may want to start shopping for a new furnace. Call Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating at 641-628-3621 and we can help you find the perfect system for your home.