Heating systems are a vital part of nearly every Shawnee, KS household. When the freezing winter weather rolls in, you need your heater to be healthy, reliable, and energy-efficient. However, as your furnace gets older, its performance will gradually start to decline, and serious equipment problems will become more common. This is why it’s essential that you choose the right time to upgrade an aging heating unit. Most people want a furnace to last as many years as possible, but when the time comes to replace it, you shouldn’t delay the decision too long. Here, we look at the telltale signs that it’s the right time to upgrade your furnace.
1. Furnace Needs Frequent Repairs
One indication that it’s time to replace your furnace is the occurrence of frequent mechanical problems. Over time, your heating appliance will accumulate wear and tear. This means that one or more components may eventually become worn out or damaged, which can significantly affect the system’s performance. The older the furnace gets, the more likely this is to take place. As a result, homeowners often observe that their aging heaters need professional attention far more frequently than when they were newer.
With a relatively new furnace, paying for needed repairs is a good investment, as they can help the unit run more smoothly in the long run. However, with a furnace that’s nearing the end of its life, it usually isn’t worth it to spend large amounts of money on repairs. Even if you do invest in repairs, there’s a good chance that the issues will continue to occur, potentially getting worse and worse over time. So, if your aging furnace has been experiencing regular mechanical problems, your best bet is likely to upgrade the appliance. Instead of spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on repairs, you can put that money toward a brand-new, high-efficiency heating system that will provide reliable comfort and reduce utility costs.
2. Furnace Taking Longer to Heat Your Home
If you’ve noticed a decrease in the comfort of your home, that’s another sign that your furnace might need an upgrade. When a furnace is new and healthy, it will have no problem consistently circulating warm air throughout the house. This means you’ll have reliable comfort in your home, even during the coldest months of the year. However, as your heating system gets older, it will gradually need to work harder and harder to do its job. Over time, circulating heat will become more laborious, which may mean it takes longer than you’d like to reach a comfortable temperature. When the Kansas winter is at its harshest, you’ll want your heater to do its job as quickly as possible. If your current furnace is more than 10 or 15 years old, though, you may need to upgrade to a newer unit to enjoy consistent, reliable comfort.
3. Hot and Cold Spots Around Your House
Have you noticed that the climate of your home tends to vary from one room to another? Ideally, when your heating system is running smoothly, the temperature of your house should be relatively consistent. This is because the furnace evenly distributes the warm air. However, when a heating unit begins to decline, it may start having issues maintaining a stable climate throughout your dwelling. For example, if the furnace is struggling to circulate heat, it might not be able to effectively push hot air to certain rooms or areas of the house. This situation is typically referred to as having “hot and cold spots.”
If you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in your home, upgrading your furnace may be the most effective solution. After investing in a brand-new heater, your HVAC system shouldn’t have any problem evenly circulating warmth. Most likely, you and your family will enjoy full-time comfort and a consistent home climate throughout the winter.
4. Monthly Heating Costs Rising Significantly
One important part of being a responsible homeowner is keeping an eye on your household’s monthly utility costs. During the winter, you’ll likely rely more heavily on your furnace. So, it’s normal for monthly energy costs to rise during this part of the year. However, the increase should be roughly the same from each winter to the next, so you should have a good idea of what to expect. If you notice that your heating bills have jumped up even higher than usual, that likely means your heating system is losing its energy efficiency.
As a furnace nears the end of its lifespan, its efficiency will continue to decline. Once you notice a significant rise in your heating costs, they will likely continue to increase until you choose to upgrade the system. When you invest in furnace replacement, though, you should observe a substantial drop in your utility bills. A brand-new heater will run at maximum energy efficiency, which will have a direct impact on how much you’re spending each month. Plus, with many high-efficiency models available, homeowners now have the opportunity to save more money on utilities than ever before.
5. Furnace Making Unusual Noises
When your heating system is running smoothly, it should be fairly quiet. You may hear a soft whooshing of air, but that’s about it. If you suddenly start hearing loud, unusual sounds from your furnace, that’s a major red flag. Sounds made by a furnace can vary quite a bit. For example, you might hear a screeching, a buzzing, a rattling, or even a whistling noise while the appliance is running. Different noises can indicate different problems, but they almost always mean that your furnace needs professional attention.
If your furnace is still relatively new, then unusual noises may not be as big of a deal. In most cases, the unit will simply need to be serviced or repaired. It may require only a quick, simple solution to get rid of the noise. However, with an older heating system, unusual sounds may be a symptom of something more severe. For example, the appliance may need a major part replaced or repaired, and even that may only be a short-term solution. Generally, when an old furnace starts getting noisy, it’s a good time to invest in a system upgrade.
6. Furnace Is Over 15 Years Old
While every heating system is different, most furnaces will only last for around 15 to 20 years before they start to decline significantly. If you’ve had your current furnace for over 15 years, it may be time for an upgrade. You can safely assume a heater this old isn’t operating at peak performance or energy efficiency. By upgrading to a new system, you can enjoy many benefits.
- Improved indoor air quality
- More reliable home comfort
- Increased peace of mind
- Lower likelihood of equipment problems
- Reduced monthly heating costs
At Air Care Heating & Cooling, our friendly, knowledgeable team will guide you through the process of upgrading your furnace. We’ll help you select a heating system that will handle your household’s unique needs effectively and efficiently. Our skilled technicians will promptly get your new furnace installed and set up to run smoothly and efficiently for many years to come.
Your Trusted Local Heating Experts
We at Air Care Heating & Cooling have been trusted providers of expert heating and cooling services in the greater Shawnee area since 1981. In addition to furnace installation, we offer heating repair, heating maintenance, and a full slate of air conditioning services. Additionally, our team can handle all of your needs regarding indoor air quality, water heaters, mini splits, commercial HVAC, and geothermal heating and cooling. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment, simply contact us at Air Care Heating & Cooling today!
