Winter is around the corner, and if you’re already using your heating system, you might have noticed that it’s not performing as well as last year. Furnaces are durable when well-maintained, but they don’t last forever.
You can look for some telltale signs that show it’s time to replace your furnace or book a technician for a cleaning and tune-up service.
Has Your Furnace Reached Retirement Age?
A new furnace today can last for 15 – 20 years, but older models aren’t quite as durable. If your current furnace is over 15 years old, it’s time to book a detailed inspection. Soundview HVAC is your local HVAC contractor in Suffolk County. Our technicians can check your system for damage and wear, and recommend the next step.
- If the furnace is still in relatively good condition, we will recommend a seasonal tune-up in preparation for winter. This includes cleaning, safety inspection, testing core components, and lubricating any moving parts.
- If the furnace is beyond its serviceable lifetime, we will recommend the most cost-efficient solution to upgrade your furnace. One bonus of a new furnace installation is that newer models are more efficient than ever, so you can save on long-term operating costs.
Have Your Gas or Oil Bills Suddenly Skyrocketed?
Check your oil or gas bill compared to last year. Are you paying more than before? If you compare total consumption, is your system now using more fuel to heat your home? This is a common problem with older furnace systems. They lose efficiency as they age. This inefficiency means higher costs, and these will only go up with each passing year.
Replacing your old furnace with a new model can dramatically reduce your heating bill, especially if you upgrade to a more efficient condensing furnace.
Have Repairs Become More Frequent in Recent Years?
Frequent repairs can indicate that you need to replace your furnace. Most furnaces can be maintained with constant maintenance, but the cost of this quickly adds up. Eventually, you need to consider whether it’s worth continuing with repairs or if you should invest in a new furnace with a fresh warranty.
For individual repairs, there’s a simple rule you can follow. It’s called the $5,000 rule:
- Start by multiplying the age of your furnaces by the estimated repair cost.
- If the total is less than $5,000, then a repair is probably the best option.
- If it’s more, then replacement is likely more economical.
Consider this example. You had your furnace installed 10 years ago, and now it needs a $650 repair to get it up and running for winter. Multiply the 10 years by $650 and you have a total of $6,500. This is beyond the $5,000 rule, so it’s more economical to replace the system rather than repair it.
Remember, a new furnace includes a complete warranty, as well as guarantees from your HVAC installer. Soundview Heat and Air Conditioning provides several Peace of Mind Guarantees that ensure you get the most value out of your next furnace.
What Furnace Problems are More Likely to Need Repair than Replacement?
In most cases, the following problems can be fixed with affordable repairs:
- Soot or Yellow Flame: A repair is usually the best option here. These are symptoms of incomplete combustion, which is usually caused by a dirty burner or heat exchanger. A local heating and cooling professional can easily clean or adjust the system.
- Blower Motor Failure (Blower Fan Hums but Doesn’t Turn On): Repairs are usually cost-efficient. This issue is commonly caused by a capacitor failure. The component is low-cost relative to the whole system, and there’s minimal labor involved in the replacement.
- Clogged Condensate Line (High-Efficiency Furnaces): Modern condensing furnaces produce moisture that must drain away. If the line clogs, the system will shut down. Clearing this is a simple maintenance fix and quite affordable. Checking the line is included in a seasonal furnace tune-up.
- Faulty Thermostat: If your furnace won’t start and the issue traces back to the thermostat, your technician will recommend a replacement. The underlying cause could be damaged wiring, a faulty sensor, or dead batteries. The actual components are inexpensive to replace, so this type of issue is best solved with a system repair rather than a complete replacement.
It’s essential that you choose a trusted HVAC contractor in Suffolk County for accurate diagnostics and fair quotes. Soundview HVAC has served local families and businesses for 25 years. We proudly offer fully-transparent troubleshooting services with fair and accurate quotes.
Do you suspect that it’s time to repair or replace your furnace? Don’t wait for the cold weather to arrive. Contact us at 631-209-1744 to book a technician, and we will ensure your home has a dependable winter heating solution.
