Signs It’s Time to Replace the Old Furnace in Your Home

A furnace is like any other mechanical unit: as it ages, its performance, efficiency, and reliability wane. Sooner or later, just as it is with a car you’ve had for many years, there comes a time to replace that old furnace with a newer model. And for the best and most reliable Newton furnace installation, Sinclaire Home Services is the top choice in the Boston area.

Even if you think you might have a few more years left from your old furnace, replacing it with a new one, especially before the next winter arrives, might make sense. Why is that? Well, first of all, having a new furnace installed in advance of winter makes it far less likely you’ll experience a breakdown in frigid weather. In addition, newer furnaces operate more efficiently, which translates into lower energy bills.

Unless your furnace has stopped working or you’re pretty sure it’s close to the end of its lifespan, you might not know when it’s time to make the decision to switch out an older furnace for a new one. So, let’s look at some of the most telling signs that it’s time to replace the old furnace in your home.

Your System Is Getting Old

Since we mentioned this already, this will just serve as a reminder. The older a furnace gets, the more likely it is to malfunction or operate at reduced efficiency. On average, a furnace lasts 15 to 20 years, so if you’re the original homeowner, you should be able to tell if your furnace is approaching the end of its expected lifespan. If you’re moving into a pre-owned home, always take care to find out how old the existing furnace is so that you can set some reasonable expectations as to when it might be time for a replacement.

Repairs Are Becoming More Frequent

You might want to avoid the expense of installing a new furnace, but at some point, the repair costs are hard to justify as they come more frequently. Plus, as your furnace needs repairs more often, it’s getting closer and closer to breaking down for good. No one wants to be stuck with a broken furnace when one of our bitter nor’easters rolls in.

Energy Bills Are Going Up

Rising energy bills during periods of the year when you’re running your furnace are a sign that it’s time for a new furnace. If costs are noticeably up over the previous winter and there haven’t been significant increases in rates, then your furnace probably isn’t working as efficiently as it used to. Even if it’s still getting the job done, the fact that it’s costing you more to do so might be the stimulus you need to get a new furnace, which will save you money in the long run.

It’s More or Less Humid Inside Than Usual

Furnaces and air conditioning systems don’t just keep temperatures comfortable; they also manage humidity. It’s a troubling sign when the air inside a home is too dry and, for example, people are experiencing itchy skin and nosebleeds, but too much humidity is also a concern. This can especially be the case when you have wood floors, which are more susceptible to damage from damp conditions.

Rooms Aren’t Heating Evenly

When a furnace is running properly, the rooms it’s heating should be heated evenly unless you’ve taken specific steps such as closing vents, running fans, or opening windows to change conditions in particular rooms. When you haven’t and you’re noticing uneven heating, your furnace might be struggling, and it might be time for a new one.

You’re Hearing Excessive or Unusual Noises from the System

If your furnace is noisier or louder than usual, it might be under strain and/or about to malfunction. Likewise, sounds such as buzzes, hums, and rattles are signs that cracks, leaks, or other structural issues exist. If you’re actually seeing cracks or rust, both of which are more likely to occur as the system ages, then it’s time for a repair or replacement.

You’re Seeing More Dirt, Dust, Etc.

During times when your furnace is running, you might see more dirt, dust, soot, and other particles building up inside your home. These are clear indicators that the system isn’t running properly. A fix might be as simple as replacing air filters, but if you do that and the problems persist, then it’s probably time for a new furnace.

For Furnace Installation, Repair, and More, Rely on Sinclaire Home Services

If it’s time to replace your old furnace with a new one, don’t throw away valuable time searching out “furnace installation in Newton” or something similar if you’re in the Boston region. All you need to do is call Sinclaire Home Services or schedule a service through our website.

We’ve been a family-owned regional leader since 1948, building a reputation for excellence and integrity throughout all those years. Our technicians are professionally trained and licensed; our company is fully certified and insured.

When you call us for a new furnace installation, we’ll get out to you quickly to make sure you and your family can stay comfortable on the coldest days.

Even if you don’t think it’s time for a new furnace, Sinclaire Home Services is here to help. We perform repairs and routine maintenance and aren’t limited to furnace installation, maintenance, and repair. We also install and service air conditioning systems, provide plumbing services, and deliver home heating oil.

Do you need some professional attention in any of those areas? If you do, contact Sinclaire Home Services today!