A new furnace can keep your home at comfortable temperatures for years without requiring a furnace replacement, but motor malfunctions, outdated parts, and unusual noises or smells could mean its time to replace your unit. Getting a new furnace could save you money and reduce energy usage. Here are some situations where getting a new furnace installation might be the best option:
Mounting Repair Costs
Repairing specific components of the furnace is often enough to restore it to its proper working condition. But when you have to start replacing major parts like the heat exchanger, circuit board, heat pump, or boiler, the repair cost might approach that of a new furnace. If there are persistent electrical issues, getting a new furnace installation might be cheaper than replacing them. You also have to think about high diagnostic costs and mounting labor costs.
Aging Units
If your unit has been in use for several years, the components will experience natural wear. The unit could have outdated safety features, and the metal parts may have experienced corrosion. As different components start aging, the overall efficiency of the furnace falls. It may also be incompatible with the latest thermostats and can reduce the resale value of your property. As the risk of breakdown increases, the quality of indoor air lowers. Finding replacement parts becomes challenging as their performance declines in extreme weather. Old furnaces may start to generate strange sounds, such as rattling and banging. Replacing the furnace with a more efficient model can reduce carbon emissions.
Increasing Energy Bills
If each winter you receive a higher utility bill than the previous winter, it may be due to an inefficient furnace. The increased energy costs could be caused by ineffective insulation or frequent component replacement. Older models also cause unnecessary energy wastage due to improper calibration and uneven air flow. If there are frequent unsealed drafts or the burner performance is poor, the furnace will use more energy than necessary. Energy inefficiency can also occur due to inefficient cycling patterns and worn-out fan motors. It can also happen if the filters are dirty or the ventilation system has leaks.
Uneven Heating
If specific areas of your home are colder and the temperature varies from floor to floor, you might have to replace your furnace. The problem could be malfunctioning zone control systems that cause uneven airflow distribution. You may also notice inconsistent thermostat readings and inadequate blower strength that cause different temperature zones within the house. Your furnace’s heat exchangers may be damaged, causing insufficient return air supply. The fan speeds could also be inefficient due to poor installation. If the furnace is too small, it may fail to produce enough heat for the entire room or house. A new furnace may come with sufficient customization options that allow you to set the correct temperature for each room.
Frequent Repairs
The repairs might not be too costly, but could be happening too often. Most of the time, the furnace has frequent blower motor malfunctions that reduce its reliability. You also have to replace the burners frequently, and the sensor may malfunction. Frequent electrical failures and an overloaded breaker circuit may follow this. You may need to spend most of the time working with the technician to identify weak airflow issues and repair damaged pressure switches. The furnace may also be out of operation due to regular capacitor replacements.
Unusual Smells or Noises
While a furnace can occasionally produce some noises, there may be a serious problem if it produces persistent banging sounds. Whenever you turn on the furnace, it rattles during operation. The furnace might start producing whistling noises, and click sounds could occur during ignition. Other suspicious noises may include the motor making a humming sound. You might start to smell gas leaks and musty or moldy smells. The smell of rotten eggs might fill the house whenever the furnaces are in operation. All these noises and odors point to a serious breakdown in the function of the unit, requiring replacement.
Schedule New Furnace Installation
The latest furnaces models have enhanced safety features and include humidity control options. They don’t produce as much noise as the older furnaces and come with improved air filtration systems. You can easily integrate the latest furnaces with your home energy systems. If your furnace has significant issues, contact a technician for furnace installation.
