Every Missouri resident knows the winters here can get extremely cold. That is when homeowners rely on their furnace to keep their houses warm and cozy. However, furnaces, much like any mechanical system, have a finite lifespan.
The longevity of your furnace depends on a variety of factors. These include the furnace’s type, usage frequency, quality of installation, and consistent maintenance throughout its service. On average, a furnace can serve you faithfully for a period spanning from 15 to 30 years. If your heating system has kept your home warm in the winter for less than 15 years, there’s typically no need to consider an immediate replacement.
However, suppose your furnace has been generating warm air for over 15 years, and you’ve begun to encounter performance issues. In that case, it might be a unit teetering on the edge of a significant breakdown. A furnace close to the 30-year mark is past its prime and should be replaced before it succumbs to a total failure. You don’t want to get stuck in a Missouri winter without heat!
Recognizing the Signs: When to Replace Your Furnace
Is it time to replace your furnace? Here are some of the obvious signs that should motivate you to consider replacing your heating equipment.
Recurring Noises
Furnaces should operate quietly and smoothly with minimal sounds when you turn the thermostat up or down. If you’ve started hearing strange noises such as popping, rattling, humming, or clicking from your furnace, it indicates your heater is experiencing problems that could lead to a breakdown.
Rising Energy Bills
Their efficiency drastically reduces as furnaces near the end of their life cycle. That inefficiency translates into higher energy consumption, which leads to inflated heating costs. If your utility bills have recently shot up, it might be time to say goodbye to your old furnace.
Inconsistent Heating
Do you experience “cold zones” in your home? That is when one room always seems colder than another even though the heat is on. A properly functioning furnace should evenly distribute warmth throughout your house. If you’ve noticed that certain areas in your residence remain colder than others, it’s a clear sign that your furnace is struggling to heat your home.
Declining Air Quality
The older your furnace, the more likely it is that there will be issues with the air quality in your house. You might not see them, but that old furnace of yours could be pushing around more dust flecks and other airborne particles throughout your space whenever you turn it on. In turn, that could trigger more coughing, sneezing, and runny noses among your family members. Those symptoms might not be caused by the latest bug going around; they could be a sign that your old furnace is circulating bad air.
Frequent Repairs
Of course, you’re familiar with the expression “throwing good money after bad.” It refers to a situation in which you keep spending money on something while knowing you won’t get the desired outcome.
If your furnace has been demanding frequent repairs, it’s a clear red flag, especially when it has surpassed the 15-year mark. In such cases, attempting to extend its lifespan may prove much more costly than it’s worth.
The Benefits of Installing a New Furnace
Is it time to replace your old furnace before winter sets in? If you need more convincing about furnace replacement, consider the following benefits.
Improved Energy Efficiency
One of the primary benefits of having a new furnace installed in your home is its ability to improve the overall energy efficiency of the HVAC system. Older furnaces might have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating as low as 56%, but modern, high-efficiency models can boast ratings as high as 98.5%. That translates into substantial savings on your monthly energy bills.
Enhanced Comfort
Another compelling reason for a new furnace is its boost to your overall comfort. After all, you don’t want to spend the winter wrapped up in blankets and sweaters.
Current new furnaces are engineered to deliver consistent warmth, ensuring your house remains cozy during the harshest of Missouri cold spells. Many newer models feature variable-speed blowers and two-stage heating. Those design features further enhance your indoor comfort.
Improved Air Quality
A new furnace provides more than just cozy comfort. It also elevates your indoor air quality. Modern furnaces have advanced filtration systems capable of purging airborne contaminants from your living space. That improvement in air quality will contribute to better respiratory health and a more comfortable environment in general.
Quieter Operation
If you dread turning on your old furnace because of the clanking and knocking noises, you’ll be pleased to know that the newer furnace models are significantly quieter than their predecessors. Technological advancements have allowed manufacturers to craft furnaces that produce minimal noise, ensuring peaceful living. That can be a significant benefit at night. In other words, your new furnace won’t keep you awake.
Increased Safety
Modern furnaces incorporate safety switches and flame sensors that are pivotal in accident prevention. Furthermore, many newer models are furnished with carbon monoxide detectors. Those detectors serve as an early warning system for this potentially lethal gas.
Boosted Home Value
A new furnace can boost the value of your house. That can be a significant benefit if you want to refinance your mortgage. When the time comes that you decide to put your home on the market, having that new furnace will be an important selling feature.
Extended Furnace Life
You’ll get to “reset the clock” with your new furnace. Newer models frequently come with more robust warranties than older ones had, providing additional confidence. Proper furnace installation and maintenance will further extend your heating system’s lifespan.
Peace of Mind
Last, but certainly not least, peace of mind ranks among the most invaluable benefits of new furnace installation. Knowing that your home will be heated efficiently and safely is a profound comfort in itself.
Put the New Furnace Plan Into Action
If you’re ready to invest in a new furnace, you can rely on our experts at Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing for top-notch furnace installation services. We take pride in providing a wide array of furnace system options tailored to meet the unique heating requirements of properties of any size. Our team of helpful technicians is dedicated to ensuring the seamless and efficient installation of your new furnace. In addition, we offer annual maintenance check-ups on the system, which is the best approach for extending the equipment’s lifespan.
Besides a full range of HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance, at Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we also offer plumbing repair and installation services. We’ll get the water flowing again fast and help with any kitchen or bathroom remodeling project. We can also improve the air quality in a home with recommendations for humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air filtration systems, and air purifiers.
Our team serves all of St. Louis, Washington, and Des Peres. You can trust us to simplify the new furnace installation process and make it as cost-efficient as possible. Reach out to us at Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today to put your plan for a new furnace into action.
