When to Replace Your Furnace

Knowing when to replace your furnace is not always easy. A number of good motives to do so are money saving, energy conservation, security and comfort. Some points to think about to make certain you are making the right decision at the appropriate time are the age, safety and possible alternatives of your heating system. Find a trusted service repair person to help you figure out what is best for you.

First, establish how old your unit is. Even if it runs fine now, most do not live past 25 years and might need regular repairs before then. However, older heating systems were designed to last longer than newer ones. So, you must decide if the cost to replace your furnace is worth it, or whether your existing one still has some life left.

Efficiency is a critical factor in deciding if your existing system is up to snuff. An inefficient system may cost you an arm and a leg in energy expenses in the long run. Figure out the amount you could save in energy costs to see if it is a smart financial move. It is advisable to have a certified service repair person check it for efficiency after 15 years.

Specific maintenance, when neglected, can pose serious health risks. A part called a heat exchanger divides the combustion materials and gasses in the unit from the air that circulates in your dwelling. Due to the heat and pressure it constantly receives, it fails over time. When this occurs, carbon monoxide is released into the air. This takes place sooner on more recent, energy-efficient models, though twenty percent of systems over 15 years have compromised exchangers. The cost to install a heat exchanger can be equivalent to replacing the entire heating system.

A popular option is a heat pump. As opposed to a furnace, which only delivers heat, a heat pump can make both heat and air conditioning. Heat pumps  work by simply moving heat from the outside ground or air into the home. The process is reversed to cool the air. While they are very efficient and safe (they do not run on combustion or gas), they do cost more to install upfront. Crunch some figures to see if this is a practical option for you and your family.