Is It Time To Replace Your Furnace?

Unless you’re living in the tropics, your furnace is a vital appliance. Even if the weather’s warm and sunny for the majority of the year, every now and then you need your furnace to kick on. However, sometimes your furnace may be struggling to heat your home, or it’s simply not turning on.

Now, you’re wondering if you need to call a furnace repair Centennial Co service or start thinking about replacing the old unit. Knowing when it’s time to repair or replace your furnace often means the difference between wasting money and staying warm when temperatures drop.

When You Should Replace Your Furnace

Yes, replacing your furnace is expensive; there’s no getting around this fact. However, sometimes it’s worth the cost.

Your Furnace is Getting Up in Age

Like everything else, furnaces have a lifespan. Unfortunately, this means you’re probably going to need to buy a new one at some point.

Pretty much the only way to avoid this expense is to be a renter for life—now, it’s your landlord’s problem. Since many people will own a home at some point in their lives, this means they’ll have an HVAC system to deal with. Whether it’s a single unit or separate, there’s a furnace involved.

So, how long do furnaces last? On average, your furnace should last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. However, a lot of this depends on the make and model. Some furnaces can last longer, especially with regular maintenance. However, don’t bet on yours lasting for decades, as this is a bet you’re probably going to lose.

If your furnace is creeping up on being around 15 years old or so, now’s a good time to start budgeting for a new one. Did you know if you get an Energy Star-rated model, you may even be eligible for rebates and even a tax discount? Anytime you get a tax discount is a pretty good day.

Utility Bills are Skyrocketing

You expect your energy bills to go up in the winter, but your costs shouldn’t put you at risk for a heart attack. You shouldn’t be afraid to open your utility bills, but an inefficient furnace can send your costs soaring. Instead of hiding from your mail, start comparing new furnace prices.

Yes, the initial sticker price is daunting; after all, furnaces aren’t cheap. A better way of looking at the situation is to think about your potential savings, which includes lower utility bills, and this can quickly add up—and don’t forget about potential rebates and other financial incentives. In the long run, a new furnace isn’t as expensive as you may think.

You’re On a First-Name Basis with the Furnace Technician

If your furnace technician is a neighbor or friend, then being on a first-name basis is perfectly okay. However, if the technician is coming out so often that you’re considering inviting them to your next holiday get-together, it’s probably time for a new furnace.

Go ahead and grab the repair bills from the last couple of years. If you’re replacing a component every time the technician comes out, you’re slowly building a new furnace. You can keep going this route, but it’s expensive. At this rate, you may spend enough on repairs to buy two or three new furnaces.

The parts you’re slowly replacing are also probably wearing out faster since they’re working harder to make up for other issues with your furnace. Did you know that furnaces tend to start needing more frequent repairs towards the end of their life, typically the last two years or so?

Carbon Monoxide is a Problem

Carbon monoxide is more than a little problem, the odorless and colorless gas is a deadly issue. This is something you don’t want to ignore. Whether you live alone or with your family, replace your furnace if your carbon monoxide detectors keep going off, even after repairs.

A few issues can cause carbon monoxide problems, like a lack of ventilation. If you’re not sure if this is an issue with your furnace, check the pilot light. If the pilot light is yellowish, call a furnace repair service and exit the building. There’s no reason to take chances with your health.

Prolonging the Life of Your Furnace

Eventually, you’re going to need a new furnace, but you can take some steps to keep it running efficiently as long as possible. Scheduling regular maintenance, about once or twice a year, is the best way of detecting and preventing problems.

Whether your furnace is brand new or several years old, have a technician come out in the spring and summer.