Six Signs It’s Time to Replace the Furnace

A burn-out furnace is a headache for every home or business owner. It costs more than it’s worth, and you still can’t feel comfortable. Knowing when to replace your furnace can save you time, energy, and aggravation. 

A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling specializes in furnace replacement in Louisville, Kentucky. Our team knows all a furnace’s tell-tale signs that it’s on its way out. Read through those signs and find out how to get ready for a new, improved heating system. 

How You’ll Know When to Replace a Furnace

Every furnace works a little differently. Even the same two models have varying efficiency and heating levels when installed in different buildings. Yet, most HVAC systems communicate the same way, especially when they are a hair away from permanent failure. Find out what your outdated furnace is saying below. 

#1 The Unit Has Served You for a Whole Decade or More

The age of the furnace is among the most important signs that you need to replace it. Most heating systems last 15 to 20 years. Their longevity depends on maintenance consistency and whether you schedule timely repairs. 

Kentucky’s bitter winters can also take a toll on how long your furnace will last. Check your warranty. Has it expired yet? If so, that’s your first sign that your furnace’s remaining service life is short. 

The next sign is that your furnace has topped the hill at ten years old. It’s time to start saving money for a new system, even if it still works at the moment. 

#2 Coughing or Sneezing Fits Haunt You

Aging furnaces don’t effectively filter dust and allergens from the air. So you can probably blame those sneezing attacks and coughing episodes on your old heating system. A fully functioning HVAC system eliminates:

• Dander
• Dust
• Dust mites
• Pollen
• Smoke particles
• Pollution

Those irritants perpetually circulate in your home or business when the system no longer filters them. That means you’ll sneeze, cough, and wheeze no matter where you go. Plus, outdated furnaces come with fuel leaks and subsequent carbon monoxide risks, which can endanger all building occupants. 

#3 Your skin is extremely dry

Heated air already dehydrates almost everything it touches so you might notice that your skincare habits change when winter comes. You need more moisturizer to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

But somehow, things seem worse within the past couple of years. Your ancient furnace takes even more moisture out of the air. You might use more lotion or wake up each morning with congested yet dry nasal passages. Recognizing poor humidity is part of knowing when to replace your furnace.

#4 It’s Sweater Season in Some Rooms But Tank Top Season in Others

Does the indoor climate change from room to room? You might pull on a sweater in the bedroom but peel it off in the kitchen. Your furnace can only offer uneven heating now that its age is showing. 

Use a thermometer to record different rooms at their base temperatures. That means with no heated appliances operating or space heaters. If you find that no recordings match, you may need a new furnace. 

#5 Repairs and Utility Bills Bleed Your Wallet Dry

Repair services are part of owning almost any modern appliance. Sometimes, issues arise without warning, and you need an expert to fix them. But those repairs shouldn’t consume a considerable portion of your annual budget. 

Do you find yourself scheduling frequent repairs that cost more and more with each call? A new heating system will likely be the more cost-effective option long term. Plus, you may also allot a significant amount of money for those rising energy bills since the system definitely has poor heating efficiency.  

#6 You Can Smell, Hear, and See Problems

Use your senses to identify upcoming furnace issues:

1. Look for noticeable patches of rust, cracks, or loose paneling. Inspect the indoor and outdoor equipment. Rusty hardware, flaky paint, and noticeable fractures mean your furnace is slowly falling apart. 
2. Listen for distracting noises when the furnace starts up. Loose components make an unnerving rattling sound while tight, corroded parts might screech upon startup. 
3. Smell for off-putting odors wafting from the vents. That musty smell typically means mold coming from the unit and colonizing your ducts. Burning odors could indicate something more dangerous. 
4. Feel for airflow issues. Hold your hand up to the vent grate. Does the air flow freely or in a frustratingly weak stream? 

If your mini-inspection doesn’t return satisfying results, it’s time to pave the way for a brand-new furnace. 

Preparing for Your New Furnace

No one wants to drain their bank account on a new furnace. The right HVAC provider will ensure you don’t have to. You can adequately prepare for your modern source of newfound comfort by:

1. Setting a budget and saving. Put back some cash so you can get a head start on paying off your new furnace. Consider the average price for the service and system in your area. 
2. Shopping around and researching which system you might like the most. Think about your comfort desires and building size. 
3. Consulting with three different Louisville HVAC companies. Providers like A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling will send a representative to discuss your options. They can also find the property’s square footage and recommend systems that suit your needs.
4. Exploring financing opportunities. You don’t have to bear the brunt of that price by yourself. Many HVAC companies in Louisville, Kentucky, offer financing plans. 
5. Asking about current discounts. Your technician can explain how to use any ongoing specials that might benefit your service. 
6. Considering additional air quality solutions to optimize your new furnace. Duct cleaning services, purifiers, and other air quality enhancements may prolong your system’s lifespan and improve your health. 

Contact A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling When the Time Comes

Now that you know when to replace your furnace, call 502-708-2247 to reach A1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling in Louisville, Kentucky. You can also peruse our other informative articles, such as what to do when your furnace is making a clicking noise.