Your Guide to Furnace Replacement in Your Dayton Home

Getting a new furnace for your Dayton home is not a small decision. You have to decide which type of furnace you want and get the right size to heat your home properly.

But before you decide on a new furnace, you have to be sure that your old furnace has reached the end of its lifespan. Sometimes, a repair will last a few months to a year. In other cases, you are better off replacing instead of repairing.

The only way to know is to watch for specific signs of malfunctioning or lower efficiency.

Malfunctions and breakdowns are usually tied to your furnace’s age. New furnaces are less likely to cause problems. But the older your furnace is, the higher the risk of breaking down.

Gas furnaces that burn natural gas usually last between 15 and 20 years. Electric furnaces can last up to 30 years, and oil furnaces can last up to 25 years. You should consider a replacement if you have a furnace within these age ranges.

Don’t wait for your old furnace to break down on a freezing night. Repair or replace it now and enjoy a warm home during the winter. Get a FREE service call when you pay for repair or replacement with Summers PHC. (Limited time offer)

Obvious Signs Your Furnace Needs to Be Replaced

The following are the obvious warning signs that your furnace will not last much longer.

• Squealing noise. If you hear a high-pitched screeching or squealing noise, it could indicate a problem with your blower belt. It could mean that the ball bearings within your furnace need lubrication. In this instance, you could still have it repaired. But if your HVAC technician advises you to upgrade your furnace, you should do so.
• Scraping, rumbling, or rattling sound. Furnaces do not only squeal when there is a problem. They can also make scraping noises or rumble, and rattle. If you notice something that sounds like scraping, the furnace’s ball bearings are likely worn out. These bearings could potentially be repaired instead of replaced, but only if you turn off the furnace quickly enough to prevent more damage.

A rumbling sound in an oil furnace could mean the oil has traveled to the combustion chamber. This could cause toxic fumes inside your home, which is a huge problem. Do not wait to have this fixed or the furnace replaced.

Rattling noises could indicate a cracked heat exchanger. This is not something you should attempt to fix on your own. Call a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible.

• Flickering pilot light. If your gas furnace’s pilot light is yellow or flickering, it likely means excess carbon dioxide is being produced. If the light does not turn back to blue, shut the power off and wait for the technician to inspect the furnace.

There are also other signs you need to replace your furnace. If you keep having to remove your coat just to put it back on (indoors), your furnace is not heating your home consistently. This is usually one of the first signs that a furnace is struggling to keep going.

Along with fluctuating temperatures, you will notice a spike in your utility bills and drier air inside than usual. When your furnace cannot heat your home properly, it cannot maintain the right humidity levels. It may be time for a new furnace if you feel your throat becoming dry and see more dust floating around.

Considering the 50% Rule

If you are still unsure whether to replace or repair your furnace, consider the 50% rule. This rule states that if a repair is 50% or more of the total price of a replacement, you should get a new furnace.

The logic behind this rule is that you have likely already spent a lot of money on repairs over the years. Plus, if you keep spending money on repairs, it will not necessarily make the old furnace more efficient. This means you will spend double the money – you must keep paying for more repairs and higher utility bills.

Most professional HVAC technicians agree that when a furnace gets to 15 years old, it is less efficient than it should be. It does not matter what type of furnace it is and how expensive it was when you bought it.

So, if you consider the 50% rule and the age of your furnace, a replacement makes more sense.

Why Replacing Your Furnace Makes Sense

You cannot do without a furnace in winter, so why should you struggle with one that does not work properly?

When you get a new furnace, you will enjoy reliable heating when you need it the most. You will not have to call the repair technician every few weeks, and you will notice your utility bills decreasing.

Even better, when you have a new furnace, you can enjoy air quality inside your Dayton home again. Newer furnaces usually have advanced filtration features that reduce indoor air pollutants.

Choosing the Right Installer

Getting the best new furnace that suits your needs and your home depends on the contractor you use.

Ideally, you want a licensed and insured HVAC contractor with years of experience. It is important to check the reviews for the company you want to hire to install your furnace.

Furthermore, ask about service plans and warranties. If you are loyal to one contractor, you will likely get discounts and promotions.

Get Expert Furnace Services in Dayton With Summers PHC

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling specializes in furnace services, including maintenance, repairs, and installation of new furnaces. Our professional team can assist you in repairing and installing any type of furnace.

For expert furnace services in Dayton, call 937-400-3920 or book a service online. Remember to check out our local specials.