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Things to Consider While Buying a Replacement Furnace

Buying a replacement furnace, unfortunately, happens. With an average warranty of about 15-30 years, all furnaces burn out eventually. It’s more of a matter of when is it time to bite the bullet and buy a new furnace. If your furnace is old, it’s at risk of breaking down, which not only costs you in higher utility bills; it’s a major safety hazard. Gas leaks, carbon monoxide, and house fires are all real dangers associated with old or broken furnaces.

What to Look Out for in a Broken Furnace

Sometimes knowing when it’s time for a furnace replacement is trickier than it seems, especially when the appliance in question sits somewhere tucked away in your basement. Old furnaces are a safety hazard, costly, but also an uncomfortable nuisance since you have to deal with a home that’s not properly heated. Luckily there are plenty of warning signs for when it’s time for a furnace replacement. Here’s what to look for.

• Old age. The most obvious sign that it’s time for a furnace replacement is old age. If you’re moving into another house, for example, you might need a furnace replacement. The older your furnace gets the more it shows. Make sure to check for any cracks, rust, or damaged pipes, as those are all warning signs of a damaged furnace.
• High utility bills. Your furnace breaks down over time, and that means it won’t run as efficiently as it used to. If you notice your utility bills are gradually hitching in cost over time, it might not be your usage, but your furnace.
• Uneven temperatures. If you notice some rooms feel warmer than others, there’s either something off with your thermostat, but the more likely problem is either your furnace or ductwork. It’s a good idea to check if your ductwork needs cleaning, as the issue can just be improper ventilation.
• Yellow burner flame. A good gas flame should be blue in color, but if you notice a yellow flame, that either indicates your furnace is not burning gas completely or worse, there could be a toxic gas leak such as carbon monoxide.
• Strange noises. Your furnace shouldn’t make much of a peep, but if you start hearing loud noises such as banging, rattling, popping or squealing, there’s a good chance something is wrong with your furnace.

What to Think About While Buying a Replacement Furnace

It’s understandable to hold off on a furnace replacement, especially when cost is involved, but all furnaces need to be replaced at some point. It’s more than a matter of cost, however, as you want a furnace that will fit your needs. If it’s time for a furnace replacement, here are a few things to consider.

• The size of your furnace matters, as a furnace too small, won’t be able to properly heat up your house. A furnace too big means you’re paying more than you need to. If it’s time to for a furnace replacement, a good place to start is by having an HVAC technician inspect your home and suggest the right size for you.
• Fuel type. Different fuel types will generally depend on your budget. Gas furnaces are the most economical, but propane furnaces are an alternative if you don’t have a gas line or live in an older home. Although more costly, some electric furnaces can function to both heat and cool your home, rid the need for a separate air conditioning unit.
• System type. Deciding on the system type is generally a matter of how much space you have in your house, and how much you’re willing to give up for an HVAC system. Split systems are most people think of when they think furnace, that big bulky thing that sits in your basement. If you don’t have that space available, you’ll want to look into a packaged system that combines all your heating and cooling needs into one outside unit.
• Energy efficiency. Although it generally costs more upfront to install an energy efficient furnace model, it can pay off in the long run. The more efficient your furnace runs, the cheaper your utility bills will be. Some energy companies will even offer rebates for installing energy efficient appliances.

 

Don’t Wait for the Furnace to Bust

If you’re considering buying a replacement furnace the worst thing you can do is put it off. Nobody wants to be caught in the dead of winter with a broken furnace. You deserve a furnace that can heat your home properly, without the headache of safety hazards and expensive utility bills. A professional HVAC technician will not only offer you a furnace that will best fit your needs, they can install it, and guarantee it functions properly.