We find that winter is a busy season for us as we take a high number of calls from people whose furnaces have failed. Many times, the problem can be connected to a lack of regular furnace service and maintenance. To keep your furnace running well and warming your home, it’s crucial to have maintenance performed regularly. After maintenance, there are some symptoms you can be on the lookout for that may suggest that it’s time to have your furnace serviced or replaced before a breakdown leaves you in the cold.
Furnace Age
The anticipated 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 best to have time to find the best-suited furnace for your home rather than 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 well maintained. While you may think a new furnace will be expensive, think of the money you’ll save over the long term on your utility bills.
More Frequent Furnace Repairs
Furnaces break down more often during the last two years of their lifespan. If it seems like you’re doing repair after repair, start watching how much you’re spending. There’s a good chance a new system may be more cost effective.
Strange Noises
Is your furnace making strange noises? Often times, older furnaces start making strange noises when a replacement is needed. Also, be aware 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 as well as it needs to, nor does it humidify the air. Other signs that your furnace isn’t filtering or humidifying air are cracking woodwork and static shocks.
If any of this sounds familiar, you may want to begin looking for a new furnace. Call E.B. Air, LLC at 979-335-4262 and we can help you find the ideal system for your home.