When to Start Planning a Furnace Replacement for Your Yorkville Home

Winter may be winding down soon, but time flies fast enough that it will be September again before you know it. While you won’t think of your furnace much this summer, it remains one of the most important appliances in your Yorkville home.

By the time winter rolls around again, you need to have had your furnace inspected and maintained. If it no longer works as efficiently as it should, you should also have it repaired in time for the cold weather.

Unfortunately, if your furnace is more than 15 years old; repairs may no longer suffice. To avoid a breakdown at the worst possible time, consider your furnace’s age and the factors below to know if you should start planning a replacement.

Get your Yorkville home winter-ready long before the cold arrives again. Summers PHC offers all the furnace-related services you need, including repair and replacement. Get a FREE service call with any paid repair. (Limited time offer).

A Steady Rise in Your Energy Bills

If there is no change in your energy usage, but your bills keep going up, it could mean your furnace is losing efficiency. If this is the case, your furnace must work much harder to heat your home. This is what causes your energy bills to keep climbing.

Upgrading your old furnace to a new high-efficiency model can quickly reduce your energy expenses. The new furnace will heat your home faster, using less energy.

Cold Spots and Poor Performance

The more your furnace struggles to heat your Yorkville home, the less effective it will become. You will notice cold spots throughout the house or find that one room is a lot warmer than the others.

If the temperature is consistently uneven, it may be a sign that your furnace is too old and worn out to repair.

Repairs Every Few Months

Speaking of repairs, if you call your HVAC technician every second or third month, your furnace is likely at the end of its lifespan. Before you call for another repair, consider whether it is worth paying for callouts and fixes.

If your next repair will cost you more than 50% of the price of a new furnace, it will be cheaper for you to invest in a replacement.

Unexplained Noises or Smells

Banging, rattling, screeching, or squealing from your furnace may indicate that the internal components have gone wrong. It is best not to try and figure out the issue alone but to call the professionals instead.

The same goes for if you smell unexplained odors emanating from the furnace. A burning or musty scent could mean a serious malfunction, while a rotten egg smell could indicate a gas leak.

Visible Signs of Wear

As your furnace ages, it will start to look worn out. You may notice rust, cracks, or corrosion on and around the furnace. These are clear signs of deterioration.

Moreover, a crack in the heat exchanger could result in a carbon monoxide leak, which is incredibly dangerous.

Planning a Furnace Replacement

The above signs could mean your furnace is about to break down completely. Before it does, you must have it assessed properly. A certified HVAC technician can inspect the system and advise you whether to repair or replace it.

If you need a replacement, planning well ahead of the coming winter is better. This will prevent the stress of dealing with a broken-down furnace when it’s already freezing outside.

Time Your Replacement Well

Ideally, you want to replace your furnace in the spring or summer. You can potentially wait until early fall, but you risk having to wait longer to have the system replaced.

HVAC contractors tend to be very busy during fall and the start of winter. When winter arrives, they also have their hands full with unexpected furnace breakdowns.

Consider Your Budget

Your new furnace should last you another 15 years. But this does not mean choosing the cheapest option on the market. You want to balance the new system’s lifespan, energy efficiency, and performance. Furthermore, you also need to compare the available features against your budget.

Generally speaking, you should opt for a modern, Energy Star-certified unit. You will pay less for heating costs while enjoying optimal comfort in your home. These units also allow you to cut down on your carbon footprint.

You may also take advantage of specific tax credits and rebates if you install an energy-efficient furnace. This makes your investment in a replacement furnace even more cost-effective.

What to Consider Before Replacing Your Furnace

When your furnace’s condition is inspected before a replacement, the HVAC professional will also check your home’s ductwork and insulation. This will allow them to ensure your new furnace is installed properly and provides maximum heating performance.

The technician must also do measurements and load calculations to ensure they get the right unit size for your house. The furnace won’t heat your home properly if it is too small. If it is too big, it may cycle on and off too much, reducing the heating efficiency.

It is important to prepare your Yorkville home before the installation. Ensure the area around the location of the furnace is cleared so technicians have easy access. If upgrading from an older model, you may need to update your ventilation system. This means the technicians may take longer to get the new system up and running.

Plan Your Furnace Replacement With Summers PHC

It is never too early in the year to start thinking about a furnace replacement. By recognizing the warning signs of an aging and failing system, you can avoid breakdowns and reduce your heating costs.

Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling can help you choose the best system for your Yorkville home. Our expert team will guide you through the replacement process to ensure long-term performance and reliability when needed.

For more information, call 630-409-0188 or book a service online. We also have great local specials for you to check out!