Three Signs That You May Need A New Furnace

If you are a homeowner and your furnace has been giving you problems, you might not know whether to continue to make repairs or whether you need to have a new furnace installed. Here are some signs that it is time for you to talk to a contractor about a new furnace installation.

The Furnace Needs Constant Repairs

It is not unusual for your furnace to need repairs every now and then. There are even some minor problems you can solve yourself, such as replacing a faulty thermostat or cleaning out the air filter. However, when you start to notice that you always seem to be calling HVAC contractors to fix your furnace, you need to start thinking about replacing the furnace altogether.

In particular, you should consider buying a new furnace is when your repair costs are approaching about 50% of the value of your system.

The Furnace Is Getting Old

Furnaces generally last between 13 and 20 years, so if your furnace is that old, it may be time to replace it. However, If you have lived in your home for some time and the current furnace was there when you arrived, you may not know how old the furnace is. To find out, try locating a sticker from the manufacturer that has the date on it.

If you don't see a sticker, copy down the serial number, which might also help you figure out the age of the furnace. You can also directly contact the manufacturer for information about the particular furnace model and how to determine how old it is.  

Your Energy Bills Are Skyrocketing

It is natural to have fluctuating energy bills, due to changes in weather over the years and other factors. However, if you notice that your energy bills are drastically higher than you expect, that is a sign that your furnace is working much harder and it might need to be replaced.

One reason the furnace is working harder may be that you have a cracked heat exchange, which is caused by expanding and contracting over time. A crack in the heat exchange can affect the ability of the pilot light to stay lit and cause other problems.

Even if you don't have a cracked heat exchange, older furnace models are typically less energy efficient than newer models; a new furnace would likely provide you with some savings on your energy bill.

Now that you know some of the reasons you might need a new furnace, contact a local HVAC contractor. They will be able to provide guidance about which furnace may be best and then install it for you. One company that may be able to meet your needs is Laroc Refrigeration-Metal Division.