See if Your Home is Ready for a Furnace Replacement
In the Midwest, we know that winters can get frigid, making a furnace the most vital part of any building. From Alton to Edwardsville to Granite City and beyond, people all over count on a working furnace to keep their homes and businesses comfortable. However, all good things must come to an end, and the tenure of a 20-year-old furnace unit is no exception. But how do you know? What are the signs of a furnace that’s costing too much to repair and not creating enough warm air? That’s where your local heating contractors come in, for the furnace repairs or furnace installation you need to stay warm throughout the winter season. Here are 6 signs of a failing furnace that your HVAC maintenance professional should know about…
Age
While a new furnace installation may not be your favorite option, you may not have any other choice. Like any other appliance, your unit has a lifespan and based on usage, maintenance record and even the air inside your home. Furnaces typically last between 10 and 30 years, but your local heating repair company will know exactly when it’s time to call it quits.
Out-Of-Control Energy Bills
If your eyeballs pop out of your head when you see your heating bill, that is a bad sign that it’s getting to be time for your heating unit to go. If the cost to heat your home steadily rises to the point where you’re spending too much on operation and repairs, it may be more cost effective to call for a furnace replacement and reap the benefits of a new high-efficiency system.
Inconsistent Performance
Typically, high energy bills will coincide with an inconsistent performance that kills the efficiency of your system. Warning signs of a system that’s rapidly losing efficiency could include:
- Clogged Furnace Filters
- Rising Humidity
- Unevenly Heated Rooms
- Dust Problems
- Short-Cycling Thermostat (turns on and off frequently to keep common temp)
Strange Sounds
Additionally, you won’t notice any strange sounds coming from a well-functioning system. If you hear buzzing, tapping, humming, thumping or clanking, it may be due to wear and tear of the interior components of your heating system. This could mean a furnace replacement is on the horizon. At the very least, this means you’re due for a heating inspection.
Physical Wear & Tear
Sometimes you can tell about the condition of a furnace just simply by looking at it. If you see cracks, rust, corrosion, or other signs of physical breakdown, that could be your cue. Combine them with any of the factors above, and you might be in position for a furnace replacement.
Foul Odor
Whatever type of furnace you have, a foul smell could mean big trouble for your heating system. In an electric furnace, the smell of burning plastic could mean a burnt out motor or bad electrical components. If it smells more like sulfur, or rotten eggs, this could be caused by a gas leak and needs to be checked out immediately.
Luckily, Granite City and the Metro East area has Morrison for all their heating and cooling needs. With knowledgeable techs and 24-Hour Emergency Service, it’s no wonder that people from the Illinois side call us before other heating companies!
