How To Know If It’s Time To Repair or Replace Your Furnace

A functional furnace is a must-have as winter approaches. However, deciding to buy a new one or repair the existing one is not easy. Sometimes, the repair cost can be expensive, compelling you to opt for a new furnace.

1. Age of Your Furnace

The age of your furnace is a critical consideration. Many furnaces last up to 15-20 years; therefore, you must carefully monitor the performance of your old furnace. When a furnace ages, it wears out, leading to unreliable heating and subsequent breakdowns. Assuming you are considering replacing your old furnace, which has served you well, you should ask one of our technicians to evaluate whether a repair or replacement is needed the next time they visit the house.

2. Cost of Repairs

Assessing the cost of the repairs can help you make an informed decision on whether to repair or replace the furnace. Some repairs can be affordable, but extensive repairs are costly. The general rule of thumb is that if repairs cost more than 50% of the price of a new furnace, it may be time to replace it. In these situations, replacing your furnace may be more financially sound than continuously sinking money into repairs.

3. Discolored Flame

When examining your furnace, one of the things to look out for is the color of the flame. A healthy furnace flame should be blue with no tinges of yellow or orange. If you notice a discolored flame, it is a sign that something is wrong with your furnace and needs attention.

This warning is indicated by a yellow or orange flame, signaling that your furnace may be emitting carbon monoxide, which may impact you and your family negatively. The problem could also stem from factors like rust build-up, which may require a professional’s attention. The damage could be minor and require only repairs or, in extreme cases, necessitate replacement of an entire furnace.

4. Increased Energy Bills

Increased energy consumption leads to higher energy bills. When this occurs, it might imply that your furnace is not working well enough. Since old furnaces are more inefficient than newer models, they consume more energy and generate higher monthly bills. Although the idea of repairing your system might attract you, replacing it could prove less expensive. A new furnace with a higher energy efficiency rating can save you money in the long run, even if it’s a more significant upfront investment.

5. Warmth and Comfort

Your furnace’s main role is to ensure that your house remains comfortable throughout the winter. You should consider replacing or repairing your furnace if certain areas in your house experience uneven heating. However, this may also occur because of dirty or leaking ducts or closed vents.

6. Unusual Noises

Are there any strange noises from your furnace that you have never heard before? If so, it may mean you have old and faulty heating equipment for your home. Squealing, knocking, rattling, and other unusual noises may arise because of an obstruction inside, loosened or worn-out parts, or problems with the blower motor system.

7. Poor Indoor Air Quality

A malfunctioning furnace can impact the quality of the air in your home. If you notice more dust or family members experiencing more allergies than usual, it may indicate poor indoor air quality. Furnaces can produce toxic fumes like carbon monoxide that can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea in humans, pets, and other occupants in your home. It is crucial to fix these issues or replace your furnace to ensure that the air in your home is not a risk to your health and safety.

Are you looking for reliable heating installation or heating repair in Niles and the surrounding Ohio areas? Look no further! We have been providing award-winning services to the residents of the Mahoning Valley for almost 60 years, and the Better Business Bureau gives us an A+ rating. We offer a lifetime repair guarantee and provide 24/7 emergency service. You can’t beat that! At A To Z Dependable Services, our dedicated team is ready to provide you with the best plumbing, indoor air quality, and heating and cooling services. Contact A To Z Dependable Services today for more information or to schedule an appointment.