As you get deeper into fall and really start putting your propane furnace or oil furnace to work, it’s important to know whether the system is truly up for the task. Heating a home is a big job, and it takes a well-maintained, efficient furnace to get it done right. And one thing is for sure: no one has the time or the money for an unnecessary, dead-of-winter breakdown. It’s much better for you to know the warning signs so you can decide whether your furnace is on the brink of calling it quits.
Replace or Repair? 5 Warning Signs That It’s Time
Here are a few ways to know whether a furnace replacement may be in your near future.
Is your furnace more than 10 years old? Once you’re a decade in with a furnace, it’s time to start evaluating whether an upgrade is in order. Can some furnaces last longer? Absolutely, but the 10-year mark is especially important if the furnace has not received annual tune-ups and proper ongoing maintenance. Tune-ups on oil furnaces and propane furnaces alike help prevent breakdowns, which are more likely to happen as time goes on.
Are you spending a lot on repairs? If you’re not getting regular tune-ups, or if your furnace is really getting up there in years, it’s worth looking into an upgrade. It’s important to make sure you’re not spending more money than it’s worth to maintain your system. Here’s a good rule of thumb: if you’ve spent half the cost of a new furnace on repairs, it’s a better investment to go ahead and get a new furnace. The long-term advantages in terms of comfort and efficiency will make a big difference in your life—and in the value of your home!
Is your furnace operating efficiently? As time passes, so does your furnace’s ability to operate at maximum efficiency. In fact, if it’s ready to be replaced, it might be operating at an efficiency level that’s as low as 60%. This means that you’re only getting 60 cents worth of heat for every dollar you spend on your fuel! The rest is just…gone. On the other hand, an upgraded furnace can perform at an efficiency level of up to 98%.
Do you hear strange noises coming from your furnace? If you’re hearing screeches, or pops, or loud hums coming from your system, you might be in store for a replacement sooner rather than later.
Will you be moving in the near future? If you’re planning on selling your home in the next couple of years, an upgraded furnace will be well worth your while. While you’re still there, you’ll enjoy the comfort of a more highly efficient system as well as the lowered bills from running that system. Plus you won’t have to worry about needing serious repairs anytime soon. And then once you put your home on the market, you’ll enjoy a boosted resale value and easier inspection for buyers.
