Most households consider the fall months to be a time of preparation, which can include tough chores like stocking up on firewood or less tedious tasks like simply pulling your sweaters out of storage.
Regardless of what your fall preparations include, the end goal for everyone is to get ready for the ensuing cold months ahead. And while most homeowners prioritize their focus toward routine home maintenance, one seriously major task that sometimes gets overlooked is a thorough furnace evaluation.
We recently reached out to the Apex Clean Air furnace installation pros in Aurora, Colorado to learn more about the most common red flags that homeowners neglect when it comes to needing a new furnace, and if your home’s furnace is over 15 years old, then you’re going to want to listen up…
No one wants to find themselves in a dangerously cold situation during the heart of the winter season, so check out the below sections to see how you can make sure that your property stays energy-efficient, safe and warm as temperatures begin to drop soon!
Red Flag #1: Your Furnace System Is Over 15 Years Old
The vast majority of furnaces in today’s marketplace are capable of lasting between 15-20 years, and this is especially the case for older models that were purchased around 2005-2010.
If your home’s furnace is in this age range or getting near it, the odds are that you should at least start considering a replacement unit. Even if your current system seems to be running fine right now, you’re likely going to lose a lot of efficiency—which will drive up your energy bills this winter.
Older furnaces are also far more prone to needing repairs, which are always inconvenient during months like January and February. But by installing a new furnace during the fall months, you’ll give your household the peace of mind in knowing that you’ll be fully prepared well before the first snowstorms arrive.
Red Flag #2: Abnormal Energy Bill Increases
If you’re seeing abnormally high energy bills this fall, it could actually be your furnace that’s to blame.
As residential heating systems get older, they inevitably become less efficient in terms of converting fuel into tangible heat. Even with routine maintenance, older units can struggle to keep up with a household’s demands—which leads to the system working much harder than it’s actually supposed to.
But the good news is that a furnace installation will go a long way to improve your property’s overall efficiency and ultimately lower your utility costs. This is particularly the case when you choose an energy-efficient standard model.
Red Flag #3: All Too Frequent Furnace Repairs
Although it’s no big deal when your furnace system requires a professional repair appointment every now and again, it’s a serious red flag when you’re getting multiple service appointments within the last couple of years.
What’s especially troubling for older furnaces is that it can become more difficult for technicians to source older parts and components, which can create longer wait times and higher repair costs.
So, at a certain point, it’s often a better option for homeowners to invest in a new furnace installation and simply get rid of the stress and annoyance associated with a failing, outdated system.
Red Flag #4: Uneven Household Heating
It’s also common for people to notice when certain rooms feel cozier than others, and this is referred to as uneven heating—which is a sign that a furnace isn’t working properly.
Although it’s also possible for minor vent or ductwork issues to contribute to this dilemma, persistent temperature fluctuations almost always point to furnace failures.
But by upgrading your home’s heating and cooling system this fall, you’ll avoid this type of uneven heating this winter.
Red Flag #5: Strange Furnace Odors or Noises
Your home’s furnace is supposed to operate almost silently, or at least with very limited noises.
This means that if you’re hearing any rattling, banging or screeching sounds coming from your unit, it’s a clear red flag that you have failing or worn-out internal components.
Unusual odors like musty or burning smells are also very problematic, and they’re warning signs that your furnace is slowly but surely failing.
And although some of these related issues are definitely repairable, recurring odors or noises are a whole other ball game in which your best option is a system replacement.
Red Flag #6: Your Furnace Can’t Keep Up With Your Household’s Heating Demands
If your furnace system seems to be constantly running and isn’t quite capable of reaching your thermostat settings, it could mean that it’s on the brink of its functional lifetime.
Overworked furnaces waste a ton of energy due to added component stress, which subsequently leads to increased chances of breakdowns.
But when a home invests in a properly sized and licensed HVAC system and an energy-efficient furnace, they’ll inevitably reap the rewards of more effective heating on the coldest days of the year!
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late & Schedule A Furnace Installation At Your Home Prior To Winter!
There’s no denying how the fall months are the perfect time to schedule a new furnace installation at your home, and this is partly because you can jump ahead of the masses who’ll be scheduling installation appointments later this year when they realize that their furnace is exhibiting one or more of the above red flags.
And by watching out for these types of warning signs, you’ll be doing your part to save on monthly energy bills, avoid unexpected breakdowns, and ensure that your family is safe and warm all winter long!
