Winter is a busy season for us as we take a high number of calls from people whose furnaces have broken down. Many times, the problem is due to a lack of regular furnace service and maintenance. To keep your furnace working well and warming your home, it’s crucial to have schedule maintenance regularly. After maintenance, there are some symptoms you can be on the lookout for that may indicate that it’s time to have your furnace serviced or replaced before a breakdown leaves you in the cold.
Furnace Age
The usual lifespan of furnaces can vary on a variety of factors, but it’s not a bad idea to start furnace shopping now if your furnace is 15 years or older. It’s always good to have time to find the best-suited furnace for your home over having to replace your furnace in an emergency situation.
Increased Gas or Electric Bills
If your utility bills are rising, but you haven’t increased usage, it’s most likely time for a furnace service appointment or even a replacement. As they age, furnaces lose efficiency. This happens more quickly to furnaces that haven’t been taken care of. While you may think a new furnace will cost a lot, think of the money you’ll save over the long term on your utility bills.
More Frequent Furnace Repairs
Furnaces break down most often during the last two years of their lifespan. If it seems like you’re doing repair after repair, start adding up how much you’re spending. It’s likely that a new system may be more cost effective.
Strange Noises
Is your furnace making odd noises? Many times, older furnaces start making strange noises when they need replaced. Also, take note if your furnace is cycling on and off repeatedly or blowing cold air. These are most likely symptoms that it’s time to shop for a replacement.
A Dry or Dusty Home
If your home starts to feel drier or family members start having allergy flare-ups, an older furnace could be to blame. It may not filter air enough, nor does it humidify the air. Other signs that your furnace isn’t filtering or humidifying air are dried out woodwork and static shocks.
If any of this sounds familiar, you may want to start shopping for a new furnace. Call Scott Temperature at 785-269-0465 and we can help you find the perfect system for your home.