Do You Know When to Replace Your Furnace? Signs That Your Stockton Home Needs a New Heater

By now, you probably have a pretty good idea of whether or not your furnace is doing its job. We hope the only work you’ve needed so far was a tune-up at the start of the cold months! But if your furnace has needed lots of repairs over the last few years, or isn’t working as well as you’d like, you may be thinking about furnace replacement. Today we’re discussing three common symptoms that can help you decide when to replace your furnace. These signs are good indicators that it’s time to call an HVAC contractor and discuss furnace replacement.

If Your Furnace Is Old Enough to Drive

If your furnace is over 15 years old, replacement should be on your radar. Even if it seems like it’s working all right, it’s likely already slowing down a bit. Get a jump on it before you really notice: figure out how old the furnace is, and go from there. There are some ways to determine your furnace’s age; if you’re unsure (or not comfortable doing it yourself), any good HVAC contractor will be happy to help you figure it out over the phone or in person.

One benefit of the furnaces on the market today is a much longer lifespan than models built in previous decades. Not only will new heaters work better than your old one (and cost less to operate), they’ll last anywhere from 20 to 30 years if kept in good repair.[2. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/furnace-replacement/#.VmkQYWSDGko] Factoring in inflation, they don’t cost more than yesterday’s furnaces did–they’re just designed better.

The Darn Thing Keeps Breaking Down

Our first car was an old Ford that cost us a couple hundred bucks. Even then, it was at the end of its rope and it took every opportunity to break down. Eventually it got to be too much–we spent more time wrenching on it than we did driving it! We saved up, sold that Ford for parts, and bought a new(er) car with almost no problems. It was a learning experience, but thankfully not too expensive of a learning experience.

Like our old Ford, your furnace will tell you when it’s on the way out. If your repair bills are higher every year, and the darn thing still doesn’t work right, it’s time to spare yourself the yearly headache and just get a new furnace. Just like replacing a very old car, it’s money well spent and often less costly than people think.

Lastly, if you have a gas furnace that frequently malfunctions, you really want to stay on top of it. Gas is affordable and safe if your furnace is in good shape, but in a faulty device gas can have serious complications. Talk to your HVAC contractor about any concerns you have with your gas furnace, and do so sooner rather than later.

It’s Making Noises

“Huh, never noticed that noise before” is generally a sign that something is up with your furnace. So is “Well, that doesn’t sound right but it’s always sounded that way,” and “Good lord, what is that horrendous noise?!” If you’ve caught yourself or family saying any of those, call a professional to give their opinions. Furnaces make noise, but you’ll likely know when something sounds wrong. Go with your gut–it’s always best to call and be sure. In addition, ignoring these symptoms until they get worse may be the difference between being able to repair your furnace and having to replace it.

Making The Call on When to Replace Your Furnace

Ultimately, you’ll need a solid HVAC contractor to take a look at your furnace. They’ll give it to you straight and tell you what your options are. If it can be repaired, they’ll let you know.

Unfortunately that’s not always the case. We hate telling people their furnaces are no longer viable, but sometimes that’s what we have to do. If, after reading this blog post, you’re worried you might be looking at a new furnace, call us and have us take a look. We’ll give you a straight summary of the situation as well as an estimate for a new system–and financing is usually available.

Remember, though, that furnace replacement isn’t all bad news. From the peace of mind of knowing your furnace is brand-new and installed by the experts, to the lower cost of heating each month, to the long lifespan of today’s models, furnace replacement can be a great thing for your home and your family!