4 Signs It’s Time for a New Furnace in Hope Springs, NC

Furnaces last a long time, but they don’t last forever. You don’t want to wait until cold weather arrives in Hope Springs, NC to replace it; at the same time, you don’t want to replace it for no reason. Instead, look for some of the following four signs that it might be time for a new furnace.

1. Age

Modern furnaces commonly last about 20 years before wearing out, so you may not need to replace ones newer than that. However, various factors can make the unit wear out sooner, such as maintenance and how often you have that completed. If you don’t know your furnace’s age, look for a yellow label or metal tag with a serial number that will help you find out.

2. Higher Power Bills

An older electric furnace will start to lose its energy efficiency, requiring more power to operate and heat your home. It may short cycle, shutting on and off in intervals, or stay on constantly, which uses extra energy.

Also, older furnaces don’t have the energy-saving mechanisms of a modern furnace, even if it is working properly. For example, variable speed technology changes the fan speed as needed instead of maintaining one speed, providing more even heating.

3. Constant Repairs

When furnaces age, it is normal to need a repair occasionally, but constant repairs commonly indicate a worn system. In most cases, a worn furnace will require more than an inspection or simple repair. If your repair records indicate your repairs are half the cost of a new unit, consider installing a new furnace.

4. Strange Noises

All furnaces make normal operating noises, such as a knock or rattle noise when turning on or off. An older furnace often makes more noise since it doesn’t have modern noise-reduction components, such as insulation. However, if your furnace constantly pops, bangs, shrieks, rattles loudly or grinds, it may be time for a new one.

Sometimes, a new furnace makes sense financially and for peace of mind. Contact us at Alford Mechanical for air conditioner repair, furnace maintenance and more.

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