Since September days in the Raleigh area are often still feeling like it’s summer, you probably don’t want to think about your furnace or the cold weather that is around the corner for North Carolina. But it’s better to be proactive and think about it now while it’s still warm enough out to not need your furnace. There are signs that an aging furnace may need to be replaced. Keep an eye out for the following.
Loss of efficiency due to age
If your furnace is 18 years old or older, it has lost much of its efficiency. It simply doesn’t have the newest technology to heat your home efficiently and affordably. According to ENERGY STAR, you should replace a furnace that is over 15 years old. They recommend replacing your old unit with an ENERGY STAR rated furnace, which is 15 percent more energy efficient than other furnaces on the market.
Increasing energy bill
Because energy bills tend to climb slowly, you may not realize you are paying far too much to heat your home. As your furnace gets older, its internal components will gradually begin to breakdown and not operate as efficiently as they once did. This is normal. However, this could cause your monthly energy bill to increase each month. The reason is simple. Your system has to work harder and longer to keep up with your heating demands, especially in the winter months.
Frequent repairs
Furnaces incur the most repairs during the last two years of their lives. It’s much like an old car that requires frequent repairs. At some point, the investment simply isn’t worth it. If you’ve incurred more than two furnace repairs in the last year, it’s probably time to seriously consider a replacement. Another way to tell if you should replace or repair it is if the repair cost is over 50 percent the cost of a new furnace.
The thermostat doesn’t seem to work
Are some of your rooms too hot or cold? Are you constantly adjusting the thermostat to stay comfortable? If so, it may be because your furnace can no longer distribute the heat properly throughout your house. This is a sure sign to have a professional come in and inspect your furnace.
If you live in the Raleigh area and are looking for a trusted HVAC company with highly-skilled technicians, then look no further than Weather Master! Give us a call at (919) 853-7910 or schedule an appointment online!