As we near the end of the year, temperatures in Dover, DE, are beginning to plummet. You may wonder if you need to repair or replace your furnace when it starts failing to adequately heat your home. If you’re trying to decide between those two options, here are a few factors to consider.
How Old Is Your Gas Furnace?
Like any other household appliance, a gas furnace that is getting older will probably start requiring more frequent repairs. Industry experts say a gas furnace typically lasts between 16 and 20 years. If your unit is older than that, it may no longer be worth the repairs and need a replacement instead.
Since temperatures in our area are so cold, you don’t want to wait to begin shopping for a new gas furnace until yours completely stops functioning. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it’s a good idea to start looking into replacements now.
What’s the Cost?
As a homeowner, you probably already have a budget in place, and part of that budget should include how much you’re willing to spend on furnace repairs. When the cost of ongoing repairs matches or even exceeds the cost of installing a replacement, opting for the upgrade is a wise investment. A furnace that begins costing too much to repair will continue to cost more money while failing to provide adequate heat for your home.
While it’s easy to believe a new furnace is the more expensive option, thanks to energy efficiency advances, that may not be the case long term. Make sure to consider how much you can save on utility bills with a newer, more efficient furnace.
Temperature Inconsistency
If you notice that some areas of your home are comfortable while other zones are much colder, you clearly have some kind of furnace issue. While there are possible solutions that can fix this problem, if it becomes a consistent issue, it’s a sign it’s time for a new gas furnace. When a furnace begins to fail, it can no longer provide enough heat to the entire home, and you need a replacement.
Are You Hearing Noises?
As a gas furnace nears the end of its lifespan, it typically begins to make strange noises. While some of these sounds can come from something as simple as loose ductwork, the banging, rattling, humming and whistling noises can also signal that something is critically wrong with your gas furnace. While it’s always wise to have a professional HVAC technician check out these noises, if they are a constant issue, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Different noises typically indicate different issues. While a banging sound may just be a sign of loose ducts, squealing and whistling can often be signs of a malfunctioning belt or fan. Let your service tech help you decide if the cost of repair outweighs the cost of replacement based on what’s wrong.
A Dry and Dusty Home
As gas furnaces age, they often lose the ability to provide the needed amount of moisture in the air. While you certainly don’t want your home to be unbearably humid, you also don’t want it to be overly dry. When a furnace is beginning to wear out, you may notice that the air in your home is too dry, leading to watery eyes, itchy skin and other symptoms.
Not only will the air not be damp enough, but there may also be issues with dirt and dust. Particularly hazardous for anyone in the home with asthma or severe allergies, an older, failing furnace can often produce a layer of dirt and dust over the surfaces of your home.
Whether you find yourself in need of repairs or replacement, we are your top source for heating services in Dover. Call us at Griffith Energy Services today to find out how we can make sure you have a gas furnace that’s ready for winter in the Northeast.
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