7 Signs You Need A New Furnace
Posted: December 13, 2021 by Andy

A new furnace is a serious investment for any Northeast Ohio homeowner. Although it's not something that needs to be done often, most folks will face needing to purchase a new central heating system at some point when owning a home.

Our caring team at Hey Neighbor LLC | Ron the Furnace Man wants to help you understand how your furnace works and what signs to watch for that indicate it's time to replace your heating system.

It's decades old

Your furnace's age is arguably the most significant factor when deciding when it's time to replace it. The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years, but this can vary greatly depending on how well the unit has been maintained. If your furnace is a teenager or older, it's time to start planning for its replacement.

Repairs are more often and more costly

Another sign that it might be time to swap out your furnace for a new model is its service record. As your heating system ages, you'll find yourself calling our HVAC experts out for repairs more frequently. In addition, you'll likely see the cost of each service call increase as well.

If your repair costs reach half the price of a new furnace in one year, it's a wise financial decision to invest in a new heating system.

Utility bills are rising

A savvy homeowner keeps a close eye on their monthly energy expenses. If your energy cost doesn't rise, but your bills do, it's a safe bet that it's time to replace your furnace. HVAC equipment tends to work less efficiently over time, requiring more energy to generate the same amount of heat.

New models are considerably more energy-efficient than older ones. As a result, you'll immediately begin to recover your equipment investment in the form of lower utility bills.

Here's an example. If your annual heating cost is $2,000 and your new furnace has an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating that is 15% better than your old unit, you'll save $300 each year. Naturally, if your new system is more efficient than that, you'll save even more!

Your home is humid, dusty, or dirty

Although many factors affect your home's indoor air quality (IAQ), your furnace makes the largest impact. If routine maintenance like regular tune-ups and changing your air filters don't solve dust, humidity, or other air quality issues, it may be time to replace your furnace.

Strange odors or noises

It's wise to pay attention to your furnace's daily behavior. Buzzing, rattling, or excessive vibration may each warrant a service call. If one of our professional technicians discovers that your furnace has visible wear or damage, it's a wise decision to upgrade to a new, quieter furnace.

An older furnace can also produce a danger that you can't hear or smell - carbon monoxide gas (CO). Your furnace's heat exchanger can crack over time and leak poisonous CO gas. We use a state-of-the-art detection camera during each furnace service call, to help ensure your family's safety. A furnace with a cracked heat exchanger must be replaced immediately. By law, and for your protection, a heat exchanger cannot be repaired.

You're not comfortable

If your home doesn't feel as cozy anymore when your furnace is on, you may want to investigate the cause. An older furnace that is working inefficiently can cause different areas of your home to vary in temperature, leading to hot and cold spots. When you upgrade to a newer model, you'll certainly enhance your family's overall comfort level.

Your furnace looks rough

Finally, take stock of your furnace's physical appearance. Signs of rust, cracks, or other visual defects indicate that it's a smart time to explore your new furnace options.

Contact Hey Neighbor LLC | Ron the Furnace Man for all your furnace needs

If you'd like a professional evaluation of your current heating costs and how they compare to a new furnace's return on investment (ROI), give our helpful team a call. Our friendly Comfort Consultants can help you assess your current system and share information about the new models available to help you make the best decision for your household. Call us at 877-247-7661 or request service online today!