Should You Replace Your Furnace?

As fall returns and the weather starts to get chilly, you’ll find yourself switching from air conditioning to heating. Are you having flashbacks to last winter, when your furnace struggled to keep your family comfortable? You could keep repairing it—or you could throw in the towel and replace your furnace this season. Here’s how to tell if a heating system replacement could be in your best interest.

Your Furnace is Getting Old

Most furnaces last at least 12 years with proper preventative maintenance. Unfortunately, even the most robust, well-maintained systems give out eventually. If your furnace is over 10 to 12 years old, prepare for the possibility of replacing it, especially as it begins to show signs of wearing out.

You Hear Loud Noises Coming from Your Furnace

If you hear your HVAC system rattling, clicking, screeching, or booming, it’s best to shut it off and schedule furnace repair service. It’s often possible to fix a furnace making loud noises, but depending on the repair estimate and other factors, this may be the sign you’ve been waiting for to replace your furnace.

You Struggle to Stay Comfortable

Are some rooms difficult to keep warm in the winter? Does the furnace run for hours without raising the temperature? Your old, aging furnace could be to blame. Still, several issues can lead to hot and cold spots and poor heating performance, so it’s important to have your system inspected before you assume it’s time for a furnace replacement.

Your Energy Bills are on the Rise

As your furnace nears the end of its lifespan, it may experience a sudden dip in energy efficiency. Keep an eye on your utility bills, and if you notice an unexplained spike in energy usage, this could signal that your furnace is about to give out completely. To help you know for sure, arrange to have your heating system examined. If the technician spots a significant problem, you may choose to put your money toward an energy-efficient replacement instead of repairing a unit that’s on its last leg.

You’re Getting Tired of Frequent Furnace Breakdowns

No homeowner should need to repair their furnace more than once or twice a year. If you find yourself calling a heating specialist for help every month or two, this means the cost of upkeep probably isn’t worth it. There’s no need to put this extra strain on your wallet when a new furnace could deliver more reliable performance and lower energy bills to boot.

You’re Facing a Particularly High Repair Bill

Frequent breakdowns aren’t the only problem. Even if your furnace acts up for the first time in years, it’s probably best to replace it if the repair estimate is 50% or more of the replacement cost. This is especially true if your furnace is over 10 years old.

The Burner Flame is Yellow Instead of Blue

All heating systems that run on natural gas, oil, or other fossil fuels run the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. If you notice that the burner flame glows a flickering yellow color instead of steady and blue, this is a sign of excessive carbon monoxide. Your family could be at risk of CO poisoning, so it’s essential to turn off the furnace and schedule an inspection right away.

Other signs of carbon monoxide emissions from your furnace include:

• Excess moisture on windows, walls, and other surfaces
• Rusting pipes
• Soot streaks around the furnace or air registers
• Lack of an upward draft in the vent flue
• Nausea, disorientation, headaches, or flu-like symptoms that only appear at home

You’re Moving Soon

Savvy home buyers pay careful attention to the age and condition of the HVAC system. If your furnace has shown any signs of wearing out lately, replace it before listing your home. Then, you can use this upgrade as a selling point to attract more potential buyers.

You Want to Take Advantage of Energy Tax Credits

Perhaps your furnace is getting old or showing signs of wearing out, but you’re tempted to put off a replacement as long as possible. However, if you act before the end of 2021, you could earn a $150 federal tax credit.

To qualify, you simply need to install an Energy Star-rated furnace with an AFUE of 95 or higher. Tax credit deadlines have been extended in the past, but you can’t bank on that happening again. Local utility companies may also offer incentives for residents who invest in high-efficiency HVAC systems.

Schedule Furnace Installation in Fort Collins

With nearly 60 years of experience, Allen Service is your go-to source for furnace installation in Fort Collins. Our expert technicians know the ins and outs of selecting and installing heating systems. Plus, we offer money-saving coupons and flexible financing to make your upgrade as affordable as possible. For more information about our heating services or to request a home furnace installation estimate, please call us at 970-484-4841 or contact us online today.