Ross and Witmer Winter nights in the Charlotte can get very cold. The last thing you want is a furnace failure in the middle of a very chilly night. If that happens, you’ll have to figure out how to stay warm for as long as it takes to get your heating and cooling specialist into your home and to decide on a new system. This is never the ideal time to make such an important decision. A furnace is a costly investment and will affect your home comfort for many years.
So it’s best to stay on top of the situation. If you suspect that you might soon need a new furnace, pay attention to these telltale signs: the age of your present system, breakdown frequency and your equipment’s energy efficiency.
Age
Furnaces have limited lifespans. Some can last for as long as 30 years, but most don’t make it quite that long. If you’ve had your furnace for 15 or so years, you might want to be thinking about a replacement. If you don’t know the age of your furnace, contact the manufacturer and provide the serial number. This should be located somewhere on the unit. If the manufacturer is no longer in business, you might have to do a little more digging. The company that manufactured your furnace might have been purchased by a larger company, so start there.
Breakdown Frequency
If your furnace is constantly experiencing minor issues that require repairs, then the clock is ticking. Don’t ignore this telltale sign. When you need your next repair, or you’re having routine service done, ask your HVAC-system professional for his opinion. Eventually, the mounting cost of repairs can justify getting a new system.
Sudden Drop in Efficiency
If your heating bills are rising while your comfort level is falling, you may well need a new furnace. Furnaces tend to lose efficiency as they age, but a sudden drop could indicate an impending failure.
Other Telltale Signs
- Uneven heating.
- Constant running.
- Excessive humidity.
- Rust or leaks.
- Unusually rattling or humming.
How Do You Know for Sure?
The best way to accurately determine if your furnace needs to be replaced is to consult your professional heating and cooling system expert. In the Charlotte area, contact the team at Ross & Witmer.