One of the most neglected parts of your home or commercial space can be your furnace. Winter only comes once per year and home and business owners often neglect to properly maintain their furnace during the warmer months of the year. However, furnace maintenance is necessary to extend the life of the unit and ensure your family or coworkers stay warm and toasty when the temperature begins to drop. Even with proper maintenance, eventually, your furnace will need to be replaced and it can be difficult to realize the signs, so here are some tips on knowing when to finally replace that old furnace.
IT HAS BEEN 12 YEARS
The life expectancy of a standard furnace is between 12 and 18 years. Warranties can last generally for the first 12 years, but after that, the owner is subject to any parts and labor associated with the unit. On average, the last 2 years of a furnace’s life tends to be the most costly, so if you notice your unit breaking down or requiring more repairs, it might be time for a new furnace installation.
INCREASED UTILITY COSTS
Monthly expenses for running your furnace can be up to ½ of your general home or office total monthly costs. When you have owned a furnace for more than a few years you can begin to see a pattern in how much the monthly costs are and budget accordingly. However, when you notice a significant increase in these costs, the efficiency of the unit could be in jeopardy. If your monthly expenses begin to get too high, the furnace might be working too hard to heat the space and it can be time for a replacement.
HEAT IS INCONSISTENT
A warm cozy home and commercial space is highly desired in the winter, especially when you live in a climate known for intense winters. Proper heat distribution is essential for a properly running furnace and if you notice little heat coming from the vents, your unit might be going out.
PILOT LIGHT DISCOLORATION
Pilot lights are a great indicator of how well a furnace is functioning. A blue flame coming from the pilot light when lit is the ideal color, so if your furnace produces anything but a blue flame, the heat may not be hot enough to heat the home or office properly.
POOR AIR QUALITY
The temperature of your home or business might be perfectly fine, but that is not the only thing to consider in regard to your overall comfort level. Poor air quality can be a sign your furnace is not working as it should and repairs can only take you so far with this issue. The unit could, potentially be leaking harmful carbon monoxide, so always ensure you have a carbon monoxide detector and notice if anyone begins showing flu like symptoms or seems disoriented as this can be signs of exposure to this odorless gas.
KORYCKI MECHANICAL INC.
When you notice any of the above signs coming from your furnace, contact Korycki Mechanical Inc. right away. We have an array of furnace options ideal for both residential and commercial spaces, so let the professionals at Korycki Mechanical Inc. install you a new furnace today to keep you comfortable all year long. Does your furnace need to be replaced?
