You aren’t sure if you need to replace your furnace. You are wondering if it’s performing as well as it used to. It is getting up there in age. But how do you really know if now is the time?
The best way to know for sure is to call upon the expert knowledge of an experienced HVAC specialist like Presidential Heating and Air Conditioning in Gaithersburg.
But there are some simple, yet important factors you can consider, when determining if it’s time to replace your furnace.
The age of your heating system
Although it’s impossible to know the exact lifespan of a furnace, the average lifespan is 15-20 years. This assumes, of course, that the equipment was correctly installed and has been properly maintained. Unfortunately, unless you’ve owned your home since the furnace was installed, you have no way of knowing if this is your case.
At approximately the 8-10 year mark, you should start paying closer attention to your energy bills – have they started to rise – and the frequency and the cost of your furnace repairs.
The cost to heat your home
Energy costs increase incrementally from year to year, but usually not enough to cause a noticeable increase in your heating costs. If you notice your winter energy bills creeping – or leaping – upward, it is likely due to your furnace. .
Heating systems lose efficiency over time, making them more expensive to run. Thanks to advances in HVAC technology, today’s newer units are more efficient. Replacing an older, less efficient furnace with a newer, more efficient one can result in cost savings in energy bills.
The frequency of breakdowns
If your heating system is frequently breaking down or not heating your home as it once did, it’s time to start keeping track of those repair calls – and repair bills. Not only can it be uncomfortable to be without heat but, during a long cold snap, it can potentially put you and your family’s health at risk. You might be spending money you shouldn’t in order to keep that old unit going at the cost of your family’s comfort…and their health
The comfort of your home
Are you constantly fighting with rooms that are hotter or colder than others? Are you wearing three layers of clothing indoors and counting on space heaters to keep you comfortable?
There are several factors that could be contributing to the fluctuation and inconsistencies of temperatures. The age of your HVAC system is but one of them.
Holes, cracks, or just loose ductwork can cause air to leak. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that as much as 30% of conditioned air is lost to leaky ducts. A heating and air conditioning contractor can examine your ductwork to determine if this is the cause.
Installing a smart thermostat can help you better maintain room temperatures. They allow you to automatically adjust individual rooms based on your behaviors.
The size of your furnace
If your furnace was not properly sized to your home and your needs, it can significantly reduce the potential lifespan of the system. If the unit is too small, it has been running longer cycles for years, drawing larger amounts of energy while struggling to keep the house warm. If the furnace is too large, the house heats to the desired temperature too quickly – a situation known as short-cycling. Either one can lead to needing to replace the furnace sooner that you otherwise might have.
When choosing an HVAC contractor, look for a company that has the knowledge and experience to recommend the right equipment. Choose a company, like Presidential Heating and Air Conditioning, who will conduct a thorough inspection of your home. You have a range of options when installing a replacement furnace. Getting the right type and size for you will give you the longest, most efficient lifespan possible.
The potential safety risks
If you’re having an experienced HVAC contractor service and maintain your furnace, you’re helping to ensure the system is operating safely. As furnaces age, they can pose some safety risks, such as the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Talk to your furnace repair contractor to learn more about this risk and what signs to keep an eye out for.
As Montgomery County’s experts in all things heating related, Presidential Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. understands how important…and daunting…a decision to replace a furnace is. Since 1982 we have been providing our expert guidance to the families of Montgomery County, MD.
If our inspection reveals replacing your furnace is the best and most economical decision, then we will help you choose a new unit that will cost less to operate, use less energy, and provide peace of mind.
If our inspection reveals there is still good life left in your furnace, we will help it run efficiently and safely through our award winning maintenance and repairs.
Contact us today to request furnace repair or to get a cost estimate for furnace replacement in Gaithersburg.