Twin Cities Furnace Replacement
While winter has nearly come to an end, it is never too late to think about whether you should consider having your furnace replaced. In fact, spring is often considered to be an ideal time for HVAC replacement as the mild weather makes it easier to go without heating/air conditioning for a day, and low demand for HVAC service means you may be able to find better deals in the spring.
If you encountered any issues with your furnace this winter, spring may be the time to consider having your furnace replaced. Yet, how can you be sure that it is time to have your home’s furnace replaced? If you are unsure whether your furnace needs replacing this spring, consider how your furnace ran the last few months; the following signs may indicate that it is time to have your furnace replaced.
Your Furnace is Aging
As you try to determine whether you should consider replacing your furnace, it is important that you take into account the unit’s age. The fact is that even a high-quality furnace only has an operating life of about 15-20 years. Once your furnace reaches this age range, it is likely that it will work less efficiently, and the chances that it will break down when you need it most will increase. If your furnace is almost 20 years old, then you may want to consider having it replaced preemptively before you start encountering problems.
If your furnace came with the house and you are unsure how old it is, try to see if there is an installation date or manufacturer’s date somewhere on the unit. If there is not a date, try to find a serial or model number on the unit; an internet search of these numbers should help you to determine the unit’s age.
Utility Bills Are on The Rise
One easy way to tell if your furnace may need replacing is to consider how much it cost to heat your home this winter. Compare your utility bills and energy usage from this winter to neighbors. Use the Xcel Energy Energy report that is sent out every month. If your energy bill has gone up and you used your furnace the same amount (and your energy rates have not gone up), then your furnace may be nearing the end of its usable life.
An increase in energy consumption is a clear sign that your furnace has lost its efficiency and is struggling to heat your home. If you do not replace your furnace, not only will your energy bills likely continue to rise next winter, but your furnace may break down altogether.
Your Furnace isn’t Keeping You Warm
One of the clearest indicators that it may be time to replace your furnace is if it is no longer heating your house sufficiently. Think back to this last winter, were you and your family comfortable? Or were you unable to stay warm no matter how many times you turned up your thermostat?
If your furnace struggled to warm your home this winter, then it is likely that it is on its last leg. However, there is always a chance that this problem was caused by a faulty thermostat. An HVAC professional can help you to determine what is wrong with your system and whether you should consider having it replaced.
Consider How Much Money You Have Spent on Repairs
Even if your furnace is not that old and is distributing heat throughout your home sufficiently and evenly, you may want to consider having your furnace replaced before next winter arrives if you have had your furnace repaired multiple times in the last 2 years. If you have experienced issues with your furnace breaking down, or major work has been needed to be done during your annual maintenance, it may be in your best interest to replace your furnace rather than continue to dump money into a failing unit.
You will ultimately have to weigh the costs of repairs against the cost of replacement and decide what would be best for you; however, replacement could save you money in the long run.
As winter comes to a close, if you are considering having your aging furnace replaced, please call Metro Heating & Cooling for a free estimate. Contact us to learn more about furnace replacement including the benefits of having your furnace replaced this spring.
