Increasing energy bills could be a sign that your furnace is losing efficiency. Also, noticing temperature shifts between different rooms could be a sign that your furnace isn’t properly distributing heat throughout your home.
Slight increases in your energy bill may not justify a furnace replacement, but drastic ones should prompt you to start shopping around. Contact Furnace Replacement Los Angeles now!
Furnaces are generally designed to last about 15 years, and although proper maintenance can help them to extend that lifespan, the fact is that at some point your furnace will reach the end of its useful life. This is why it is important to consider the age of your furnace when you are looking at the replacement options available for your home.
There are a few different ways that you can determine the age of your furnace. You can start by trying to find any paperwork or stickers that may have a date on them. You can also try to locate a manual for the system that lists the date of manufacture. If you cannot find any information like this, you can try to look for a serial number on the system. Before doing this, make sure that the unit is turned off to prevent any potential damage. The serial number will likely be somewhere on the system, such as the gas valve, electric relay, blower compartment, or fan blades. If you are unable to find the serial number, you can always conduct an internet search using the manufacturer name and the serial number to find out more.
When a furnace gets to be around 15 years old, it is probably time to start thinking about replacing it. This is because at this point, it will begin to show signs of wear and tear that will make it less efficient. This may not be apparent right away, but over time, it will make a big difference in how well the furnace works in your house.
One of the most common signs that your furnace is getting old is when it starts to make strange noises. This could include squeaking, rattling, or rumbling. These sounds usually indicate that the belt is wearing out or that there is another problem with the system. It can be difficult to repair these problems, so it is often better to simply replace the entire system.
The other thing that happens with older furnaces is that they start to lose their ability to properly clean and hydrate the air in the house. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including static shocks, drooping plants, and furniture that does not stay in tune. The best way to combat this is by having a professional replace your furnace with a newer, more efficient model.
Efficiency
Your furnace is a complex system that works by sucking cool air in through the bottom, heating it, and blowing it out the top. This conditioned air is then circulated throughout the house. If you’re replacing a furnace, you can leave the tubes and wires in place and simply attach the new unit to the old ones. Be careful not to break the tubes or wires when removing the old unit.
A furnace replacement will help you get a higher energy efficiency rating, which means that it converts more of the fuel it consumes into heat. A furnace with a high Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating typically saves homeowners about $200 dollars a year on home energy costs.
Older furnaces lose their efficiency over time, especially if they haven’t been properly maintained. A sudden increase in your heating bills is a sure sign that it’s time to replace your furnace with an energy efficient model.
Changing the filter on your furnace twice a year is one of the best things you can do to maintain its efficiency. It also helps keep pollutants like pet dander, dust mites, and mold from entering the airflow. If you haven’t done this in a while, you should consider hiring a professional to change it for you.
Clogged filters force the fan motor to work harder, which can shorten its lifespan. They can also cause your CO detector to go off. This is a very dangerous situation that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. If your CO detector has been going off, call the fire department immediately.
If your furnace is more than 20 years old, it’s time to replace it with a more efficient model. The latest models offer better comfort and safety while lowering energy consumption. Compared to older models, they use up to 20% less energy to produce the same amount of heat.
A new furnace is also better for the environment. It emits fewer pollutants, which helps reduce greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. It also uses less fuel, which cuts emissions from coal-fired power plants. These benefits have led the government to propose updated efficiency standards for furnaces in the United States.
Noise
A typical furnace makes some noise as it runs through a heating cycle, but the sounds should be relatively quiet and short. Anything that is excessively loud or lasting for a long time needs to be investigated immediately to prevent serious damage to the equipment. Some of these loud sounds are also a sign that your system is overdue for replacement.
Clicking noises are a normal part of the startup process, but repeated clicking throughout the heating cycle means that your furnace isn’t firing up properly. This is a dangerous issue that could potentially lead to carbon monoxide leaks, so you should contact a professional as soon as possible to get the problem fixed.
Rumbling sounds are also a sign of potential problems with your furnace, especially when they are more loud and last longer than usual. This is a sign that the heat exchanger isn’t functioning properly, which can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home. The rumble can also be caused by loose parts in the furnace, which should also be addressed quickly to avoid further issues.
Screeching and scraping sounds are a good indicator that something is wrong with your furnace’s fan blades or motor, which can be expensive to repair. It could be a simple case of a foreign object obstructing the blower fan, or it may require some special lubrication to fix the problem. Either way, you should turn off the HVAC system right away and call a technician to inspect it for you.
Whistling sounds can be a sign of a clogged or dirty filter, but they can also indicate mechanical problems with the furnace fan. The sound can be difficult to pinpoint, as it may come from different rooms in your home. If you hear the sound coming from one specific room, it’s more likely that there is a blockage or air leak in that vent or air duct.
High-pitched squealing sounds are often the result of a loose or worn-down belt in the furnace’s blower motor. This can be a very costly repair to replace, so it’s important to catch these problems early.
Cost
Furnace replacement costs can vary depending on the type of furnace you choose, as well as the fuel source. You should factor in the cost of electricity, natural gas, heating oil and propane to determine how much your new furnace will cost to operate over its lifecycle. Energy prices fluctuate, so choosing a more energy-efficient model may help lower your monthly bills.
Another factor to consider is the location of your current furnace. Moving your furnace to a different spot in your home or building will require more labor and equipment, which increases the price. Also, if you need to upgrade or repair your ductwork, this will add to the overall cost of furnace installation.
If you are experiencing a number of issues with your existing furnace, it is probably time to replace it. A few common problems include:
Uneven heating
If you notice extreme temperature shifts in different parts of your home, it could be a sign that your furnace is no longer distributing heat evenly throughout the house. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as improper ductwork or a poorly sized furnace. A hired technician should be able to identify the cause of the problem and advise you on the next steps.
Strange noises
Unusual or strange sounds coming from your furnace can indicate a mechanical problem that requires expensive repairs or a replacement. A few common sounds to look out for include rattling, popping, or screeching.
High energy bills
As your furnace ages, its efficiency declines, leading to higher energy bills. This increase in cost is usually a good indicator that it’s time to replace your furnace with a more energy-efficient model.
A yearly maintenance schedule will help extend the lifespan of your furnace and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs. A professional HVAC contractor can provide a maintenance plan and recommend the right products to keep your furnace running smoothly all year round. Additionally, comprehensive warranties offer peace of mind that your new furnace will last for years to come.