- 16821 PARK CIRCLE DR. CHAGRIN FALLS, OH 44023
- (440) 543-1777
REPAIR OR REPLACE FURNACE
6 BENEFITS OF SCHEDULING YOUR FURNACE INSPECTION
August 8, 2022
IS IT TIME FOR A FURNACE REPLACEMENT?
September 9, 2022
REPAIR OR REPLACE FURNACE
Here in Geauga County, Ohio as we anticipate another glorious fall, it may be time for us to turn on our furnace and check out its overall efficiency! I know … Buzz Kill, right?! But who wants to find out, they need a new furnace right before Christmas… no one, that’s who! Like every other major purchase in life, an HVAC system needs to be planned for.
It can be hard to determine whether a furnace needs some minor repairs or if it’s time to replace your furnace. The following are 6 things to consider before you decide whether to repair or replace a furnace.
1.FURNACE AGE
The average age of a forced air furnace is between 16 to 20 years. The general rule is that if your furnace is less than 15 years old and the cost of repairs does not exceed 50% of the cost of replacement, then by all means, repair. If your furnace is nearing the end of its life expectancy, then you might want to start putting a plan in place to replace the unit. However, there are many factors that can either lengthen or shorten that life expectancy. While regular annual maintenance and inspections, programmable thermostats that even out heating demands can extend the life of your unit, harsh weather that increases furnace use and improperly insulated homes may take a few months or years off your unit.
2.CHANGE IN ENERGY BILLS
When energy bills go up without an increase in usage, this is an indication that your system is not working efficiently, and that the unit is working harder to put out the same amount of heat. Now is the time to call a professional HVAC company. They will be able to tell you if the problem is as simple as updating the thermostat or if it’s something more serious.
3.FURNACE NOT CYCLING PROPERLY
When a furnace is cycling normally, the thermostat is set for the desired temperature and when the temperature drops below that setting, the furnace kicks on. Once the thermostat reaches its set temperature, the furnace turns off. If the furnace seems to cycle on and off frequently or seem to run all the time, this is clearly a sign that you need to call a professional.
4.UNEVEN HEATING
Feeling cold in your home even though the heat is on might be the most obvious sign that there is something amiss with your furnace. Again, this could be something as simple as a malfunctioning thermostat, but a professional would know for sure.
5. STRANGE NOISES AND ODORS
It’s surprising what you can learn from just standing next to your furnace and looking and listening. Check the surface for rust or corrosion and listen for any unusual buzzing, humming, or rattling. Also notice if there is an unusual odor. If you notice any of these issues call your HVAC professional to take a look, it could be nothing or it could prevent a mid-winter emergency!
6.BURNER FLAME
A furnace flame should always burn blue and be stable and clean. If the flame is yellow or orange and unstable that is a sign that the furnace is not producing the correct mixture of gas and oxygen. If this situation is noticed, call a professional to inspect it..
So, to avoid any mid-winter emergency calls to your HVAC guy, have your furnace checked now while there is no imminent need for heat. Hopefully we will find that your furnace is good to go for the season. Call AUBURN HEATING PLUMBING & AIR CONDITIONING at 1-888-543-4328 Serving Chagrin Falls, Chardon, Chesterland, Solon, Aurora, Twinsburg, Macedonia, and Mayfield Heights. And who knows, it might be an easy fix or if not, you will have plenty of time to prepare for the next step.
Here in Geauga County, Ohio as we anticipate another glorious fall, it may be time for us to turn on our furnace and check out its overall efficiency! I know … Buzz Kill, right?! But who wants to find out, they need a new furnace right before Christmas… no one, that’s who! Like every other major purchase in life, an HVAC system needs to be planned for.
It can be hard to determine whether a furnace needs some minor repairs or if it’s time to replace your furnace. The following are 6 things to consider before you decide whether to repair or replace a furnace.
1.FURNACE AGE
The average age of a forced air furnace is between 16 to 20 years. The general rule is that if your furnace is less than 15 years old and the cost of repairs does not exceed 50% of the cost of replacement, then by all means, repair. If your furnace is nearing the end of its life expectancy, then you might want to start putting a plan in place to replace the unit. However, there are many factors that can either lengthen or shorten that life expectancy. While regular annual maintenance and inspections, programmable thermostats that even out heating demands can extend the life of your unit, harsh weather that increases furnace use and improperly insulated homes may take a few months or years off your unit.
2.CHANGE IN ENERGY BILLS
When energy bills go up without an increase in usage, this is an indication that your system is not working efficiently, and that the unit is working harder to put out the same amount of heat. Now is the time to call a professional HVAC company. They will be able to tell you if the problem is as simple as updating the thermostat or if it’s something more serious.
3.FURNACE NOT CYCLING PROPERLY
When a furnace is cycling normally, the thermostat is set for the desired temperature and when the temperature drops below that setting, the furnace kicks on. Once the thermostat reaches its set temperature, the furnace turns off. If the furnace seems to cycle on and off frequently or seem to run all the time, this is clearly a sign that you need to call a professional.
4.UNEVEN HEATING
Feeling cold in your home even though the heat is on might be the most obvious sign that there is something amiss with your furnace. Again, this could be something as simple as a malfunctioning thermostat, but a professional would know for sure.
5. STRANGE NOISES AND ODORS
It’s surprising what you can learn from just standing next to your furnace and looking and listening. Check the surface for rust or corrosion and listen for any unusual buzzing, humming, or rattling. Also notice if there is an unusual odor. If you notice any of these issues call your HVAC professional to take a look, it could be nothing or it could prevent a mid-winter emergency!
6.BURNER FLAME
A furnace flame should always burn blue and be stable and clean. If the flame is yellow or orange and unstable that is a sign that the furnace is not producing the correct mixture of gas and oxygen. If this situation is noticed, call a professional to inspect it..
So, to avoid any mid-winter emergency calls to your HVAC guy, have your furnace checked now while there is no imminent need for heat. Hopefully we will find that your furnace is good to go for the season. Call AUBURN HEATING PLUMBING & AIR CONDITIONING at 1-888-543-4328 Serving Chagrin Falls, Chardon, Chesterland, Solon, Aurora, Twinsburg, Macedonia, and Mayfield Heights. And who knows, it might be an easy fix or if not, you will have plenty of time to prepare for the next step.
