Your furnace (forced air heating system) is a pretty hearty soul. While older models have an average expected lifespan of 10 – 15 years, newer models can give you up to 20 years of reliable performance, provided they’re well-maintained.
But notice that nowhere in that equation did we use the word “forever”. No furnace will last that long, which then results in an obvious conclusion: if you own your home long enough, sooner or later your furnace will need to be replaced. The only questions are “when”, and how will you know that time has arrived?
Here, from Nero Air Conditioning & Heating, are several telltale signs that your furnace might be on its last legs.
Ripe old age
If your furnace is at least 15 years old, you would do well to consider replacing it before you have no other choice. That way, you can search carefully and at your own pace for a new heating system to ensure you get the most system for your money.
Repairs piling Up
Remember that car you used to love and what great care you took of it? Then one day, it broke down. A month or so later, something else went wrong, and it didn’t stop there. That sort of trend can befall any mechanical system, your furnace included. How patient are you willing to be before you declare “Enough is enough!”
Hot & cold spots
Over time, furnaces lose their ability to distribute heat evenly throughout your home. The problem could rest with the furnace itself, your thermostat, or even your ductwork. This could prove to be a simple repair or yet another occasion to search for a new furnace.
Rising utility costs
The older the furnace, the less able it becomes to heat your home. That, in turn, drives your heating costs ever upward. Which is a shame, because the extra money you’re paying the utility companies could be applied to a new, energy-efficient replacement system.
How are you feeling?
As a furnace ages, they’re more prone to develop cracks in the system’s heat exchanger. Carbon monoxide, if present, could leak into your home undetected. Signs of this may be frequent headaches, a burning feeling in nose or eyes, nausea, disorientation, and flu-like symptoms. Should you experience any of these, air out your house, open the window nearest the furnace room, and call Nero for professional assistance.
If your furnace is getting up there in years and you want to know what to expect going forward, contact Nero Air Conditioning & Heating today. We’ll thoroughly inspect it and give you our best recommendations on possible next steps. Whatever you choose, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.
