Do You Need a New Furnace?

You do not want to go through a frigid Muncie winter without a reliable heating system. However, if your furnace is struggling and you ignore it, that is exactly what will happen.

It is important to know whether a repair or replacement is in order. In many instances, replacing an inefficient furnace can prevent an expensive breakdown. You will also pay less on your utility bills and enjoy better indoor quality.

This guide highlights the signs that it’s time for a furnace upgrade before winter strikes.

Let the Summers PHC team inspect your furnace and get the necessary repair or replacement done. Get a FREE service call with any paid repair. (Limited time offer).

Is Your Furnace Wasting Your Money?

One of the first red flags you must take seriously is a sharp increase in your heating bills. It is normal for energy costs to fluctuate, but a constant rise when your usage has not changed is a problem. It means that your heating system is no longer as efficient as it should be (most likely due to aging).

Why Older Furnaces Consume More Energy

An older unit’s components inevitably show signs of wear and tear. They are no longer able to help the unit run optimally. This means the unit has to work harder to heat your home, increasing the energy bill.

Older units also lose heat when they do not work properly, resulting in inefficient heating.

In contrast, a new, highly efficient furnace will save you on energy costs in the long run, especially during harsh winters.

When Repairs Cost More Than Replacements

If you have had to call an HVAC technician more than twice in the past year to fix your furnace, the unit is reaching the end of its lifespan. Occasional maintenance is not an issue, but repeated breakdowns mean you should consider a replacement.

Consider this: If the furnace repair cost is more than 50% of the price of a new unit, you should replace the furnace instead.

The same applies if the furnace needs major repairs to the blower motor or heat exchanger. If you keep repairing instead of replacing, it will lead to diminishing returns. This means replacement is usually the smarter choice.

Are There Cold Rooms in Your Home?

Your furnace is supposed to provide consistent heating throughout your house. If some rooms are colder than others, it could be a thermostat issue. It could also be a furnace failure issue.

Aging furnaces lose power, so they cannot distribute heat evenly. It is also possible that your ductwork has cracks or leaks or that the unit’s blower motor is wearing out.

In this instance, a new furnace is the better option. Modern heating technology will allow you to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.

Warning Sounds and Smells

Generally speaking, your furnace should operate with minimal noise. A hum here and there is acceptable, but loud banging, rattling, or screeching signals an issue.

For instance, banging sounds inside the unit could be a dangerous gas buildup. Squealing could indicate motor or blower belt problems. If you hear a rattling sound, the system may have loose components.

Strange sounds are not the only signs to look for. If you smell any unusual odors coming from your unit, never ignore it. Burning, mustiness, or rotten egg smells could indicate a gas leak. If this happens, you and your family (and pets) must leave the house immediately while you wait for help.

Is Your Furnace Old?

It is common for furnaces to last up to 20 years, but this does not mean they will continue to be efficient for the full 20 years. If your unit is between 15 and 20 years old, it is time to consider a replacement.

Old furnaces do not have the modern features to meet your home heating requirements. There is also the risk of a complete breakdown in the middle of winter.

Even worse, there is an increased risk of a carbon monoxide leak as the furnace components become worn out.

For example, if your heat exchanger is cracked, you will likely have a CO leak in your house. CO is odorless and colorless and can go undetected, especially if you have no CO detector.

You may have a leak if you experience frequent headaches or dizziness and notice rust or soot around the furnace vents. If your CO detector goes off, turn off the furnace and call emergency services.

Increasing Dust and Declining Air Quality

If you notice more dust in your Muncie home or feel like you are inhaling stale air, your furnace has likely stopped filtering and circulating air effectively.

You and your family may experience an increase in allergy or asthma symptoms. Your skin may become dry and your sinuses irritated.

When you upgrade to a modern furnace, the advanced air filter will eliminate these issues by improving your home’s air quality.

Choosing the Right Furnace for Your Muncie Home

If you want to replace your furnace, investing in the right model is crucial. You want a furnace with the appropriate technology that ensures comfortable temperatures in your home.

This means considering an Energy Star-certified model. Additionally, you should choose the best fuel type for your budget. This can be either electric oil, propane, or gas.

You must get an HVAC professional to help you find the right furnace size for your Muncie home to ensure consistent heating. Ask about smart thermostat compatibility for better temperature control.

With the perfect system for your home, you will enjoy long-term cost savings and improved comfort for as long as winter hangs around Muncie.

Summers PHC Can Help You Recognize the Signs of a Failing Furnace

If you need more guidance on when to replace the furnace in your Muncie home, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling can help. Our expert team provides professional furnace inspections, repairs, and replacements.

If you schedule an inspection today, you will save with our local specials. Call 765-444-6128 for more information or book a service online.