Furnace Replacement in Stillwater, Oklahoma
A faulty furnace can almost make your home unlivable during winter. It is challenging enough to experience freezing temperatures but when you experience it inside, it can be downright miserable. There is a great risk of developing hypothermia if there is no heat generated in the home during winter. Whether your furnace needs two or three fixes or an all-out replacement, a heating expert can help examine and fix the issue.
If you want your furnace to run for more years then you need to have a professional conduct regular tune-ups on it. They are helpful in spotting issues before occurring and avoid sudden breakdowns on colder days when you need your furnace the most. If your furnace is beginning to have problems, but you’re not sure if it needs to be repaired or replaced, there are a few warning signs that can help alert you to a crisis.
Warning Signs That May Signal You Need Furnace Replacement
It is never an enjoyable experience to have a major appliance replaced. However, the list of red flags below will help you know what to look out for so you’ll have a better idea when a replacement is going to be needed. The most unfortunate time to encounter a furnace problem is during a cold day in winter. If your furnace is exhibiting the symptoms below then you need to give a call to an expert technician right away.
The furnace is 15-20 years old
A regularly maintained furnace can last for 15-20 years. Depending on the work rate and other environmental factors, some may even work for as long as 30 years. If your furnace is acting up and it’s already been used for 15 to 20 years then it is advised to start looking around for a new unit. The good news is that the newer models are more energy efficient now when compared to the older models.
Need frequent repairs
If you keep repairing the same furnace, it will eventually lead to expensive costs. Additionally, an older furnace is much more difficult to repair since most of the parts are no longer made or kept on hand by repair companies. It is advised to upgrade to a new unit if you are asked to spend more than 50% of the original price of the furnace in repairs.
Energy bills are skyrocketing
With all other factors being normal, a significantly increased energy bill could imply that your furnace is running overtime to meet your daily comfort demands. While it may just be that your furnace needs a tune-up, they do lose efficiency over time, so that may not decrease your energy bills. It might make more sense to buy a new furnace than to keep paying high energy bills.
Furnace making strange noises
Hearing unusual noises from your heating system is a bad sign. Sometimes that will even warrant an emergency call to a certified professional for assistance. A mechanical issue or clogged burner could be responsible for the bangs, pops, and squeals coming from the unit. An expert technician can survey it and determine whether it needs repair or replacement.
Carbon monoxide is present
If you have a detector of carbon monoxide that is located next to your furnace then it will be easy to know if there is a leak. Of course, there are some other signs of carbon monoxide that can help you find out if your furnace needs to be replaced. One sign that it is leaking carbon monoxide is that all of a sudden, your family is complaining of headaches and other flu-like symptoms.
One sign that there is leaking carbon monoxide from the unit is rust on the pipes connected to it.
Inconsistent or inadequate heat
Room-to-room temperature differences or inadequate heat despite your furnace running require the attention of an experienced professional. Sometimes a dirty filter or compromised ducts are the cause of the problem. Worn out heating elements, burnt components, and faulty pilot light are also the cause of many heating problems.
A specialist will look at all the issues and assess them appropriately. Also, if the furnace is already close to the 20-year mark, removing the device instead of fixing it may be more cost-effective.
