When To Replace Your Furnace
Your oil or natural gas furnace is an essential investment in your home. During those bitter cold seasons, your furnace proves to be an indispensable asset. Therefore, it is crucial that you track how effectively your furnace is running. Here are three warning signs that you need a new furnace.
Carbon Monoxide Emissions
If your system can potentially expose you to carbon monoxide, you need to have it replaced. When the combustion chamber of your furnace develops cracks, it causes carbon monoxide exposure. This gas is hardly noticeable and can result in death if inhaled for a long period.
According to the CDC, 2,244 people died from carbon monoxide poisoning between 2010 and 2015. The largest number of deaths occurred during winter when furnaces were frequently used. The main signs that your furnace is emitting carbon monoxide include:
- Rusting on pipes
- A yellow burner flame instead of blue
- Soot around the furnace
- Feelings of disorientation, nausea, and headaches.
If you notice these systems, make sure you evacuate your home and call the fire department. You should also contact a heating expert to replace your furnace.
Efficiency Trade-Offs
Your modern furnace should last between 15 and 30 years. However, if it does last this long, you should consider whether it delivers the efficiency and performance you want. Remember, heating technology is constantly advancing, and new furnace models come with energy-efficient features that weren't present in older units. Replacing an old furnace will guarantee better efficiency and valuable energy savings.
Furthermore, the efficiency of your furnace decreases every year. To determine whether it is time for a replacement, check your heating costs. If your energy bills have been rising over the last few winters, consider replacing your furnace.
Cost of Repair Is High
Consider replacing your furnace if the repair cost is more than 50% of the replacement cost. If you find yourself constantly repairing your furnace, you need to replace it.
However, if repairs are inexpensive and provide a lasting solution, it may not be a good idea to replace your furnace. As a rule of thumb, you shouldn't spend money on repairs if a furnace's life expectancy is almost over.
In Conclusion
Many homeowners don't welcome the prospect of buying a new furnace because they consider it more expensive than repairing their old one. However, sometimes repairs act as a temporary fix and delay the inevitable. A professional furnace contractor is the best person to consult regarding whether to fix or replace your furnace. Reach out to a heating services professional.
