Have you been hoping year after year that your heating system survives “just one more” heating season? If so, it’s likely that your furnace has been showing you signs that it is reaching the end of its life.
While many homeowners opt to wait until their HVAC system breaks down beyond repair to consider replacement, there are some warning signs that you can look for to determine whether or not you should move this project up further on your “to-do” list.
Aged System
If your furnace is 15+ years old, you should absolutely take any issues or concerns with it’s operation very serious. Because you rely on your furnace every day and it is so heavily and frequently used, it’s very common to see an average heating system retire after 15 years, even with proper maintenance. If your system has made it to retirement age, we strongly advise you to not ignore any of the following warning signs.
High Home Utility Bills
While weather is typically the main culprit of a spike in utility bills, it can also occur when there is an issue with your heating and cooling system. Because HVAC typically accounts for 40-50% of your home energy usage, it’s a great place to start when you are trying to determine a reason for climbing bills.
Any malfunction with the furnace or A/C units can cause stress on your system, making it work harder and run longer, which can certainly make an impact on your utility bill.
Increasing Levels Of Dust/Allergy Symptoms
If you’ve noticed excessive dust collecting in your home, as well as elevated allergic reactions, it could very well be the result of a poorly operating HVAC system. While it true that it is your furnace filter’s job to help block dust and allergens from being distributed in the air, your ductwork and blower fan also play a role. If you are good about keeping your filter clean and are still noticing an abundance of dust, heed the warning sign and make the call for help; it could be the result of poor airflow and overall output from your furnace.
Unfamiliar Noises Coming From Your HVAC
There are a lot of different components that make up your heating system, and it’s natural to hear noises associated with normal HVAC operation. However, if you start to hear a noise that sounds unfamiliar, do not ignore it. Some sounds can be corrected with a quick fix, while others are telltale signs that your HVAC system is heading towards a breakdown.
Multiple Heating Breakdowns and Repairs
Have you had multiple furnace repairs done in the past few years? What you may not know is that furnaces have the most breakdowns in the last 2 years of their lives. Consider how frequently you are patching up your system. Now might be the time to be proactive and look at the benefits of furnace replacement over the cost of ongoing repairs.
Furnace Performance Issues
Do you have humidity issues or hot and cold spots in your home? Problems with indoor airflow are caused by poor HVAC operation, inadequate equipment, and ductwork inefficiencies. Certainly, consider calling a professional HVAC technician out to your home to assess these comfort concerns, and if the system is beyond repair, get an estimate for replacement. A new HVAC system can lead to better airflow and all-around better home comfort.
If you have heating needs during this last stretch of winter, trust the fast, friendly team at Logan Services A/C, Heat & Plumbing!
Call Logan Services of Dayton, Columbus, and Cincinnati, OH today at (800) 564-2611!
