Have you been thinking about replacing your furnace? The colder months have been pretty unpredictable lately, and you might need to get a new heater to make sure you, your family, and your home stay warm throughout the season. But how do you know if it’s really time? There are many ways to tell when you should invest in a new heater or furnace!
How Old is Your System?
The age of your system can drastically change how it runs. When looking to buy a new furnace make sure to check the age of your current furnace, to see if it really needs to be replaced or not. You can find the age of your furnace by checking the system’s model number, which can be found on the heating unit itself. A good quality furnace has an average lifespan of 15-20 years, but this all depends on how well you take care of it! If your furnace is already around 15 years old, you might want to look into replacing it.
High Energy Bills?
If you’ve noticed that your energy bills have increased lately, this could mean that you need a new heating system! When your furnace/heating system is worn out, it has to use more energy in order to run properly. When you get a new furnace, it won’t need as much energy as your old one to run smoothly.
Your Home is Dusty
Have you noticed that your home is filled with dust, dander, or even dirt buildup? This may be a sign that you need a new heater. This could also mean that your air filter is also in need of a replacement. Check your air filter at least once a month, or replaced if necessary. This will ensure a longer life for your heater, but if it’s too late for that, it might be time for a new heater altogether!
Noisy Heater?
If your system has been making strange noises such as bangs, hums, or rattles, and running louder than usual it might be time to put your heater to rest. These signs are important to note, and are one of the easiest signs to tell whether you need a new furnace or not!
What Color is Your Furnace Flame?
If you have a gas furnace, check on the flame. Have you noticed that the flame within is yellow rather than blue? This is important to check, because if the flame is yellow it could be a sign your furnace is producing carbon monoxide! Checking your furnace is essential for your family’s comfort as well as safety. A yellow flame could also mean that the fuel is not burning as efficiently or cleanly as it used to. A yellow flame in your furnace is a major sign you should get your furnace replaced.
Some tell-tale signs your furnace is producing carbon monoxide:
- Absence of an upward draft in your chimney.
- Streaks of soot around your furnace.
- Flue pipes or other pipe connections start to rust.
If you notice any of these signs, leave your home immediately, call your utility company and make them turn your gas off.
Fixing and/or replacing your heater is essential for your family, not only does it lower your energy bill, and keep your home comfortable, but it keeps your family safe from faulty furnaces and gas production you DO NOT want in your home! Call the experts at Orbit today for a free energy assessment to see how much energy you’re really using, and see if you need a new heater!
