Winter is coming… have you been thinking about your home heating needs? One thing’s for certain, you’ll want to be sure your furnace is prepared for the chilly weather ahead. If you noticed last winter that your furnace might be in need of a major repair, or that it’s reaching an age where replacement is inevitable, it’s time to start thinking about replacing your old furnace. The Better Business Bureau offers some solid advice on how to know it’s time for furnace replacement.
Here are five signs that you may need a furnace replacement:
An Increase in Utility Bills. Have you noticed that your energy bills increase year after year, beyond the increases in fuel costs? If so, it may be time to consider replacement. But take heart – if you haven’t had annual furnace maintenance in a while, that could be a prime factor. A good cleaning sometimes is all it takes; however, if your utility bills don’t improve even after annual maintenance, your system could be on its way out.
A Lot of Expensive Repairs. If your furnace is being maintained regularly, but you’re still experiencing system breakdowns – and the subsequent repairs – your furnace could be failing. The older your furnace gets, the more likely this is to occur. You’ll need to carefully evaluate whether the cost of repairs outweighs the purchase price of a new, more efficient furnace. Often, a new furnace is far more cost-effective than making repeated, costly repairs.
Static Cling and Creaky Floorboards: Older heating systems were made in such a way that they kept household moisture levels very low. This led to people experiencing dry, flaky skin, woodwork and furniture drying out, static electricity and even respiratory concerns. While damp air can be problematic, so can overly dry air. Modern furnaces account for that and allow for the right amount of moisture in the air.
Strange Noises from the Basement. Clanging, popping, rattling – none of these noises are ones you want your furnace to be making. These sounds are more than just annoying; they’re an indication that there could be real problems going on with your furnace. These noises can be a sign of pressure buildup or other hazards, and you should call Stafford right away to get to the root of the problem.
Fluctuating Temperatures. You may notice that you need to adjust your thermostat on a frequent basis in order to stay comfortable. Or, that your home takes an unusually long time to heat up. Of course, when you can’t regulate the temperature in your home, the first place to look is the thermostat. If that isn’t the issue, it’s probably time to have a professional look at your furnace – especially one that is older and/or has needed frequent repairs.
Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. can help you get the furnace you need.
When you choose Stafford to help you with your furnace needs, we’ll provide you with top-of-the-line equipment, installed by our highly skilled HVAC technicians. We want to help you save money and most importantly, to stay comfortable no matter how chilly the winter weather gets. When you need furnace installation for your home, rely on us to help. We proudly provide Carrier® equipment for your home comfort needs. Simply give us a call at 860.684.9485 and we’ll be pleased to assist you.