Is it Time to Replace Your Furnace?

At Gilmore Heating, Air and Plumbing, we provide expert advice on your queries on anything heating and plumbing. Homeowners have an issue with deciding whether it would be more economical to repair their faulty heating system or replace the furnace. The answer isn’tstraightforward as furnaces are of different types. However, if you’ve been searching Should I replace my furnace? then you’ve come to the right place.

Today on the blog, our Sacramento HVAC company will discuss the most common occurrences that may help youdetermine when you should replace your furnace with a new energy-efficient system. Our company provides furnace repair, replacement, and installation services. We would love to assist with you for your furnace replacement Sacramento needs.

Many factors need to be put into consideration in making a decision on whether to repair or replace, from sudden temperature changes to loud noises to the system’s age. Below, we discuss some of these factors.

The duration your furnace has been in use

A standard furnace is designed to function for a time span of 15 to 30 years in a house. Nevertheless, experienced Sacramento heating and air conditioning experts advise that you start searching for a replacement furnace if your furnace has passed the 15-year mark. The usability of an aged furnace also depends on the fuel type it uses to heat your dwelling. Many people prefer installing an electric furnace. This is because they have a longer lifespan between 20 to 30 years. Gas furnaces, however, have a 15-20 year usability range. 

Despite gas furnaces having a shorter lifespan, fewer funds are used to keep them in operation. This is in comparison to the new electric furnaces. When compared with electric systems, gas furnaces are noted to circulate heat in your home at a faster rate. 

To extend your furnace’s usability, continually replace dirty filters to ensure it operates at its optimum level. Additionally, if you would like to stop heat from escaping from your home, we recommend sealing the doors and windows or invest in an adjustable thermostat to increase the efficiency of your furnace. If you’d prefer to replace your furnace, get in touch with furnace replacement Sacramento technicians.

Is your furnace producing loud noises while it’s in operation?

There are many different sounds that may show a serious issue with your old electric or gas furnace. Humming, rattling, clicking, screeching, popping or booming noises indicate that you require a new furnace. For example, rattling sounds may be caused by loose equipment or ducts. Please get in touch with an expert HVAC Sacramento contractor to find out whether you should replace your furnace or perform needed repairs. 

A booming sound may be an indication of a dangerous gas emission problem with your furnace. The noise is often caused by a short hold-up in the ignition process. A lingering gas odor smell is dangerous and a clear indicator that it might be time to employ a professional to install a new furnace in your home.

If you would prefer other options, consider changing to other heating sources like heat pumps, ductless mini-split systems, boilers, radiant heating, or zone control systems.

Is your temperature fluctuating?

Our Sacramento HVAC techs explain that the changes in the temperature of different rooms in your house are a clear indication that it might be time to start scouting for new furnaces. At Gilmore, we’ve seen that furnaces that are older than 10 years lose their efficiency slowly. They also lose their ability to disperse heat evenly throughout your home the longer they remain in operation. 

Is soot accumulating near your furnace register?

Dust and soot are generally followed by dry air. Dry air can damage wood flooring, shelves, and plants. This is a clear indicator that the furnace is releasing too much carbon dioxide into the air. Soot usually accumulates mostly near the grille and the furnace register. The register is an air duct cover that regulates airflow around your house. A furnace that produces excess soot and dust needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Consider the best HVAC Sacramento company, Gilmore Heating, Air, and Plumbing for the task. 

How much is it costing you to repair your furnace and pay your energy bills?

Old furnaces do not distribute heat evenly in your home, and this leads to a rise in your energy bill every month. If the total cost of your furnace repair accounts for more than half of the cost of buying and installing a new furnace, the time has come to upgrade.