How to Know It's Time to Shop for a New Furnace

In a few weeks, we will notice the temperatures getting lower and the climate getting colder, which tells us, "It's time to prep that heating system!" Minnesota winters can be rather harsh; that's why you must be prepared before the temperature goes sub-zero.

If you have a relatively old unit, how do you know if your existing furnace can keep up with your family's heating needs? Are there any signs telling you to start looking for a brand-new unit?

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your trusted heating company in Centerville MN. This article provides you with helpful information to determine whether your current heating system is due for a replacement. Here are a few things you need to consider.

Your Furnace's Age

When it comes to HVAC systems, age does matter. If you have a decade-old furnace, you may have noticed a decline in its performance. If your furnace is around this age, you might need to start thinking about investing in a new one. While your existing furnace may still run, but you must have observed that it's no longer as efficient as it once was.

Usually, an older furnace costs more to operate. When a heating system is nearing the end of its life, it tends to suffer from recurrent failures, which costs you a lot of money. However, the difficulty doesn't stop there because finding replacement parts is the real stressor. All of this, including the issues an aging furnace brings to you and your family, should cause you to consider investing in a new heating system.

Subpar Heating

Since you're paying to operate your furnace, you'd expect it to heat every area of your home. But that's not always the case, especially for older furnaces. If you notice rooms that are much warmer than others, your furnace may be struggling to provide your heating demands. It's important to note that if there's ice forming anywhere inside your home, this could mean there is a leak somewhere in the ductwork. This calls for a professional check-up and a possible repair job.

Excessive Operational and Maintenance Costs

As mentioned earlier, an old furnace uses more fuel to perform its task. Because of working under pressure, it also tends to overheat due to its declining heating capacity. As a result, your heating costs get considerably higher, not to mention the constant trouble your inefficient furnace causes. Depending on how often the system needs service calls when these costs are summed up, they can be almost as much as the cost of a brand-new heating system.

Therefore, if you notice a steady increase in your maintenance and usage costs, it must be time to think about investing in a new, more efficient, and better-performing furnace. The amount of money you'll be saving on repairs and high utility bills is too significant to disregard.

Loud Operational Noises

The operation of your furnace involves mechanical processes that create sound. Still, when the noise begins to get excessive, it may indicate problems in the system's interior.

Any of several issues could cause loud sounds coming from your furnace while it is running. For instance, you may have a problem with the fan that blows hot air through your vents. That might be due to failing fan bearings. In that case, these bearings require replacement.

If you hear popping sounds, a loose part may be caused, such as a blower door, a filter, or a rough ignition. A banging noise can be due to faulty ductwork or loose screws. An improperly balanced blower motor can also cause similar noises.

If your furnace is making a loud noise just as it starts, this could be caused by a severe problem called "delayed ignition." This happens when unburned oil builds up in the firebox chamber and is ignited all at once. This can be dangerous, and you should call a qualified technician as soon as possible.

Bottom Line

If you are experiencing any of these issues, this could mean you need to look into upgrading to a brand-new heating system. Should you need help or unbiased professional advice, call Four Seasons Air Specialists, your reliable Lino Lakes furnace installation contractor.