Many Northern California homeowners wait until their furnace has a total meltdown before they replace it. However, this can lead to an untimely emergency that is more stressful than it is worth.
Fortunately, you can usually spot warning signs that your furnace is on its way out. Then, you can strike a good deal on a planned furnace replacement from Vaughn’s AC and Heating before your aging unit costs you more money or becomes unsafe to operate. Here is how to tell you need a new furnace this winter.
The Heating Equipment Is Getting Old
Many furnaces reach the end of their useful lifespan when they reach 15 to 20 years old. If your heater is within this age range, it is wise to start shopping for a new furnace. This way, the replacement is an anticipated home improvement project, not a frantic emergency on the coldest day of the year.
Not sure how old your furnace is? Start by checking whether it has a pilot light. If so, it could be over 25 years old, indicating that it is undoubtedly time for a replacement!
Your Bills Are Steadily Increasing
Many factors may cause your heating bills to increase, from leaky ductwork to rising energy costs to colder-than-usual winters. However, your furnace could also be to blame. Schedule a furnace repair to pinpoint the problem. A little maintenance and cleaning could be all you need to restore lower heating bills.
Still, if your furnace is getting old, its performance will only continue to decline. Remember, you could put the money you spend on excessive heating bills toward a high-efficiency replacement furnace.
The Heater Has Required Multiple Repairs Recently
Furnaces break down most often during the last two years of their lives. Before long, it becomes evident that keeping your old, inefficient furnace running is no longer worth the cost. So the next time you are faced with an expensive repair—perhaps the third or fourth in two years—seriously consider the cost benefits of replacing the unit instead of fixing it.
Your Home Often Feels Uncomfortable
Do you notice hot and cold pockets around your house? Does your family regularly adjust the thermostat to stay comfortable? Your ductwork or leaky windows and doors could be to blame, but it’s also possible your furnace is losing the ability to distribute heat evenly throughout your home.
The Furnace Operates Loudly
After all these years, you know how your furnace should sound. Any rattling, banging, or popping noises could point to serious problems. The first step is to have one of our furnace repair technicians take a look. If a simple fix can restore your heating equipment to proper working order, great! If not, consider replacing it.
The Burner Flame Is Yellow Instead of Blue
When operating normally, the burner flame should burn steady and blue. If it flickers or turns yellow, this is a sign of excessive carbon monoxide production. This odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas is toxic at high enough concentrations. Other carbon monoxide indicators include soot streaks around the furnace, excess condensation on cold surfaces throughout your home and rust on flue pipe connections.
If you suspect elevated carbon monoxide gas in your home, step outside and call your utility provider. Consider replacing your heating equipment if a repair cannot remedy the problem.
Contact Vaughn’s for Furnace Repair or Replacement
If you spot any of the above warning signs, you should seriously consider replacing your furnace this heating season. For help making the most cost-effective decision, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Vaughn’s at (916) 458-1057 today.