It’s not surprising that winter is a busy season for us as we take many calls from people whose furnaces have broken down. Many times, the problem is due to a lack of regular furnace service and maintenance. To keep your furnace working well and warming your home, it’s crucial to have it maintained regularly. After maintenance, there are some symptoms you can watch for that may indicate that it’s time to have your furnace serviced or replaced before it breaks down at the worst possible time.
Furnace Age
The expected lifespan of furnaces can vary on a variety of factors, but it’s a good idea to start furnace shopping now if your furnace is 15 years or older. It’s in your best interest to have time to find the perfect furnace for your home over having to replace your furnace in an emergency situation.
Increased Gas or Electric Bills
If your utility bills are going up, but you haven’t increased usage, it’s most likely time for a furnace service appointment or possibly a replacement. As they age, furnaces run less efficiently. This happens more quickly to furnaces that haven’t been maintained properly. While you may think a new furnace will be pricey, think of the money you’ll save over time on your utility bills.
More Frequent Furnace Repairs
Furnaces break down more frequently during the last two years of their lifespan. If it seems like you’re doing repair after repair, start watching how much you’re spending. It’s likely that a new system may be more cost effective.
Strange Noises
Is your furnace making odd noises? Often times, older furnaces start making strange noises when a replacement is needed. Also, notice if your furnace is cycling on and off frequently or blowing cold air. These are most likely symptoms that it’s time to shop for a replacement.
A Dry or Dusty Home
If your home starts to feel drier or family members start struggling with allergy symptoms, an older furnace could be to blame. It may not filter air well, nor does it humidify the air. Other signs that your furnace isn’t filtering or humidifying air are cracking woodwork and static shocks.
If any of this sounds familiar, you may want to start shopping for a new furnace. Call Titan Heating & Air Conditioning at 541-286-6617 and we can help you find the ideal system for your home.