Dependable warmth is crucial when the temperatures start to drop. Whether you have an old furnace or heat pump, it’s important to recognize the signs that it’s no longer functioning optimally. Doing so can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns, rising energy costs, and uncomfortable winter days. It also allows you to make informed decisions in the best interest of your home and heating system. This is particularly important if winter is fast approaching or has already arrived.
Age of Your System
Heat pumps typically last between 10 and 15 years, while furnaces generally have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. The older your system gets, the less efficient it becomes. This can result in a wide range of problems, such as increasing utility costs despite standard usage. Additionally, an older system is more at risk of needing repairs or experiencing an unexpected breakdown. It’s not something a homeowner ever wants to encounter, but it can be particularly stressful during frigid winter days and nights. This means a large expense to manage and that you’re without reliable heating until the furnace or heat pump replacement appointment.
Rising Energy Costs
Due to standard wear and tear, aging heat pumps and furnaces have to work harder to maintain your preferred temperature. Using all this extra energy means it’s not operating as efficiently, which can increase your utility bills. This can be especially problematic if you live in a home with young children, seniors, or health-compromised individuals. These populations are usually more sensitive to the cold and need consistent heating to stay comfortable. With older systems, that typically means increased heat usage and corresponding higher utility bills. Unfortunately, you may not see significant monetary relief until you replace the unit, even if general utility rates decrease.
Moving Into a New-to-You Home
If you’re moving into a new-to-you home, it may be a good idea to replace the heat pump or furnace. However, this only applies if it has an older unit, not if the current heating system was replaced within recent years. Even if the current older unit seems to be in great shape, there’s no telling how well it was maintained. Without this information, it can be challenging to anticipate when it might experience problems. You certainly don’t want to find out unexpectedly that the previous owners didn’t maintain the unit as well as you thought.
Frequent Repairs
As your heat pump or furnace ages, you should expect that it will need repairs at some point. For example, the thermostat may malfunction, or there might be issues with the blower motor. Frequent repairs are a surefire sign that your system might be nearing the end of its lifespan. Consistently having to pay for repairs often doesn’t make the best financial sense when you can put that money toward a new system. Some homeowners attempt to fix the problems themselves to save money. However, this can be dangerous and costly, especially for someone without professional training.
Expensive Repairs
It’s not just frequent repairs you have to worry about. Another problem arises when the unit needs expensive repairs. Following the general 50 percent rule may be in your best interest. If the cost of fixing the equipment is less than 50 percent of the price of a new one, repairs may be worthwhile. If it’s more than 50 percent, replacing the system is usually the ideal choice. Your best option is to compare the price of a new system against the current one’s age and the cost of repairs. This can help you make an educated decision about how to proceed.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Your furnace or heat pump plays an important role in your indoor air quality. When you first get your system, you might notice your indoor air quality improves, including that there’s less dust. However, as your equipment ages, issues like worn components and outdated filtration reduce its ability to manage airborne contaminants. If you’re dusting, washing, and vacuuming and still experiencing subpar indoor air quality, your older system may be to blame. Make sure you’re also changing or cleaning the filter regularly, depending on whether your particular model has a reusable or disposable filter.
Uneven Heating
Uneven temperatures throughout your home might be a sign that it’s time to replace your heat pump or furnace. For instance, there may be hot or cold spots, or some rooms may be too warm or chilly. However, there are other factors involved. Make sure there are no drafts coming in from windows and doors, and that your air ducts are in excellent condition. After ruling out other common problems, it’s possible that your equipment itself could be the culprit. The issue won’t resolve on its own and needs professional intervention.
Unusual Noises or Odors
Your furnace or heat pump should produce minimal sounds and odors. They’re designed to operate in the background without being distracting. However, abnormal smells or noises are often a sign of a problem. For example, you may hear grinding, screeching, or banging sounds. A burning odor is another serious warning sign, as this may indicate a severe electrical issue. Don’t continue to use your heat pump or furnace as normal; shut your system off immediately at the electrical panel. Contact our team, who can determine whether the problem is fixable or if it’s time for a replacement.
Cracked Heat Exchanger
If your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, repairs typically aren’t recommended. There’s a severe risk of a carbon monoxide leak. Replacing the equipment is usually the safest option rather than simply repairing or replacing the heat exchanger itself. Additionally, if the furnace is at least 10 years old, replacing it generally makes more financial sense.
Outdated HVAC Equipment
Understandably, some homeowners don’t want to wait until a complete system breakdown occurs to replace the furnace or heat pump. Even if the system seems to be working fine, there’s the understanding that it’s nowhere near as efficient as it once was. There are some homeowners who choose to take a proactive step. They’ll replace the system instead of anticipating that something may go wrong with it at any moment. Typically, the 10-year mark is when the heat pump or furnace really starts showing its age and causing problems.
Get the Comfort That You Deserve
You deserve to have a furnace or heat pump that operates perfectly, providing you with the comfortable warmth you deserve. Environmental Heating & Air Solutions in Benicia and Roseville offers installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance services to keep the heat flowing. Call us today to schedule an appointment or book services online through our website as soon as you notice heat pump or furnace replacement signs.
