Telltale Signs System Replacement is Needed
Back to BlogThe question of whether to repair or replace your furnace is one of the most common inquiries we receive at Conditioned Air, Inc. during the fall and winter months. Most furnaces have a lifespan of around 20 years, but sometimes a major component fails before the system has reached its life expectancy. You might even notice some tell-tale signs that your heating system is facing imminent failure. If you’re facing this situation, these tips from our Macon heating contractors will help guide you in your decision about whether to repair or replace your heating system.
Top Signs that Your Furnace Is About to Fail
Most furnaces will give homeowners some clear signs that the whole system is about to quit for good. Some of the most common signs you might notice include:
- You and anyone living in your home begin to have strange health symptoms, as if you had a lingering cold or the flu. Nausea, headaches, fatigue, body aches, slowed thinking, confusion, burning in the eyes and nose, and disorientation are signs of CO2 poisoning. Furnaces produce CO2 as a waste product of the combustion of natural gas. A crack in your furnace or a major problem with its ventilation equipment can allow this gas to seep into your home. A carbon monoxide detector can alert you to this serious health hazard. Any furnace with a gas leak should be considered for replacement—if you think you have a gas leak, call your gas company immediately!
- Strange sounds. If your furnace suddenly starts making a lot of loud or unusual noises, its motor, fan, or belts could be ready to fail. Replacing a motor is one of the costliest repairs that a furnace could need.
- Your heating bills are going up. If the cost of heating your home goes up every month yet there hasn’t been a utility rate increase or a change in the setting on your thermostat, the furnace is not operating efficiently. Old furnaces lose efficiency. In many cases, replacing it with energy efficient home heating is a more cost effective option than making a repair.
- Poor indoor air quality. If your home has strange odors, a lot of dust, and is generally less comfortable than it had been, a malfunctioning furnace could be the culprit.
- It’s old. If your furnace is over 20 years old, it’s time to start shopping for a new one. Waiting until the heating system stops working could literally leave you in the cold until you can get a repair or replacement.
Repairing vs Replacing
If a repair will cost more than half the price of a new furnace, you’re better off replacing. Replacement is also better if the furnace is old, inefficient, or no longer meeting your needs. Today’s furnaces offer up to 98 percent efficiency. They also feature a better level of comfort, indoor air quality, and performance.
To schedule new furnace installation, call our Macon HVAC technicians any time! You can reach us at 478-742-8768..
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