How Often Should Homeowners Replace Their Furnace
A faulty furnace may not be noticeable in the early fall months, but efficient indoor heating is crucial by December. Because a broken furnace can still provide warm air, homeowners may not know when to replace it. A few signs can help detect problematic heating in the winter.
Frequent Repairs
The average lifespan of a furnace ranges from 15 - 20 years. As it approaches old age, more repairs are necessary just to keep an even heat distribution.
Home repairs and annual furnace maintenance are two separate services. Annual maintenance is recommended so that homeowners can prevent future repairs. This is one way to cut down on monthly bills and replacement parts. Repairs occur when there is already a problem with the furnace. If annual maintenance is consistent throughout the decade, sudden repairs are likely a sign of old age.
Common repair problems happen in different parts of the furnace. While rattling noises can indicate a fixable HVAC issue, a cracked heat exchanger is expensive and imperative for the furnace to function.
It can be tempting to forgo repairs, which may lead to earlier furnace replacement. A professional technician should always be notified if the furnace pilot light is flickering or the heating cycles change. A few issues can cause these problems and do not necessarily indicate immediate replacement.
Fluctuating Energy Bills
A large, malfunctioning appliance usually causes a sudden sharp increase in energy bills. The heating system is one of the first places to check. When the furnace can no longer heat each room efficiently, it must work harder to provide the desired temperature. This extra energy expenditure costs homeowners a significant amount of money due to poor efficiency.
A broken furnace may be deceiving. If only one room is warm, the furnace can appear to be doing its job. Unless vents are closed in the other rooms, the furnace is probably over 10 years old and may need significant repairs. It is not always cost-efficient to repair a faulty heating system. Furnace replacement can save homeowners money in the long run.
The average monthly energy bill in Danbury, CT is $279. Depending on the size of the home this may vary, but rarely do heating costs exceed $300. Homeowners are encouraged to monitor their bills throughout the year to compare costs during the winter.
Chilly Indoor Temperatures
When heating systems malfunction, they run more often. This may seem like the furnace is working because of a steady background hum. Unfortunately, when heating cycles fluctuate, this can signify a broken furnace.
A broken furnace ultimately creates discomfort in the home. Not only is this due to a drop in temperature, but humidity levels also change. A broken furnace cannot remove moisture from the air and causes indoor humidity even in the winter. Since humidity helps keep the home warm, homeowners must increase their thermostats to combat the cold.
Multiple repairs can foreshadow a complete heating system shutdown. If this happens, the temperature will drop quickly and can be hazardous for the entire household. The best time for heater maintenance is before a New England winter.
About Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning provides furnace repair, maintenance, and installation services. Their heating contractors have years of experience and offer personalized solutions to every homeowner. To learn more about their financing options in Danbury, CT, call Carmine's Plumbing, Heating & Air today.
