Signs That Can Indicate a Furnace Replacement May Be Needed
A fully functional heating system is essential for winter in New Hampshire. A broken furnace not only causes uncomfortable temperatures but can also cost more money. When repair jobs become frequent, knowing when to buy a new furnace can be difficult unless the following issues occur.
Is the Furnace Over 10 Years Old?
On average, furnaces live for 15 to 20 years. However, after ten years, they often show signs of age, such as a faulty pilot light or an unreliable thermostat. While these issues may seem new, they are easily repairable.
Serious complications are bound to occur once the furnace is over 15 years old. One of the top reasons homeowners replace their furnaces is a cracked heat exchanger. Repair jobs may work for a while, but they are almost as expensive as buying a new furnace.
Leaky ducts are a common indication that a furnace's lifespan is ending. Many homeowners do not know the exact age of their heating system and must rely on how often it needs to be repaired to determine whether it is worth buying a new one. Once there are tears inside the ducts, this usually means the furnace was installed several years ago.
Increased Heating Bills
Increased heating bills are a sign that the furnace is no longer efficient. When the furnace must work harder to provide the same hot air as in previous years, this can cause various problems.
Sometimes, a lack of heating efficiency can be easily fixed. An outdated thermostat can cause unusual heating cycles, and failing to replace furnace filters every few months can also force the furnace to work overtime.
Other times, a lack of furnace maintenance is to blame. If the furnace has not been inspected in over two years, minor problems can turn into critical problems. Regardless of the cause, inconsistent heating will cause high energy consumption. Newer furnaces are less likely to have this problem, but a routine maintenance inspection is still necessary for all heating systems.
All-Day Sweater Weather
If the home is chilly despite turning up the thermostat, one of the heating components is likely damaged. A cracked heat exchanger can cause cold air to go through the vents when the heat is turned on. The problem is not temporary; the heat exchanger must be replaced.
In New Hampshire, insufficient heat may be particularly dangerous for the elderly and the young. Prolonged exposure at night may cause hypothermia. In addition to health problems, consistently cold indoor weather can lead to frozen pipes.
A burst pipe is expensive and time-consuming to repair. If flooding occurs, home furnishings and structures may be ruined. If indoor heat is not working, temperatures below 35 degrees are susceptible to a burst pipe.
Household members are usually comfortable with an indoor temperature of around 70 degrees. Call an HVAC specialist if bundling up is required despite a comfortable thermostat setting.
About Skovron Mechanical Services LLC
Skovron Mechanical Services LLC provides furnace services in Manchester, NH. Contact them today to learn more about your heating service options and avoid a winter mishap due to a damaged heating system.
