Your furnace may have given you years of indoor comfort in Hampton, VA, but the time will eventually come when it needs replacement. If your furnace is short-cycling, raising your energy bill despite no change in performance or pushing 15 years of age, consider replacing it.
Persistent Short-Cycling
Before a heating system breaks down for good, it’ll normally shut down repeatedly before reaching your set point. You may also notice temperature differences between rooms, another clear sign of inefficiency. While repairs may solve this issue, they may not be worth it when you balance the cost with the next two factors.
Higher Energy Bills
Together with inefficient performance, you may have noticed a sharp increase in your monthly heating bill. The furnace is using more energy to deliver the same level of performance as before. Replacing it would be worthwhile, especially if you’ve already invested in repairs and seen no improvement in operation.
Old Age for a Furnace
With the proper yearly maintenance, a gas furnace can run efficiently for up to 15 years, and an oil or electric furnace could serve you for up to 25 years. Take your furnace’s age into account if you’re facing a repair. For example, if your furnace needs a new heat exchanger and it has passed 10 years of age, such a costly repair won’t be a good investment in the long run.
Also, remember that your heating system from 10 or more years ago can’t match the energy-efficient performance of the newest systems on the market. New furnaces can also qualify for rebates, saving you even more money.
To schedule a furnace installation consultation in the Hampton, VA, area, give the team at Kearney & Sons a call today. Our NATE-certified service technicians will provide an honest assessment of your heating system and an upfront estimate for a replacement.
Image provided by iStock
