How Do You Know When Your Furnace Needs to Be Replaced?

It can be hard to know exactly when to replace a furnace. Due to the expense, you may want to stretch out your failing furnace’s life for one more year. However, if your furnace is no longer doing its job by heating your house properly, it may be time to consider an upgrade. 

At Dugan Air Heating & Cooling, our HVAC experts will help you decide when to call it quits with your current furnace without upselling you on extras or pushing the most expensive new model. Our goal is to create a comfortable home climate for you. 

Telltale Signs You Need a New Furnace

Some of the top signs you need a new furnace include: 

Its age

While the typical furnace lifespan depends on the type, size, how much it’s used, and how often it’s serviced, a furnace loses efficiency and starts breaking down after 10 to 15 years. If your furnace is getting older, it might be time for an upgrade.

Frequent repairs

There comes a time when the cost and inconvenience of frequent repairs get to be too much. If you need to have your heating system serviced more than once a year and it’s getting too overwhelming or expensive, a new furnace might be the answer.

High electric bills

A failing furnace uses more electricity to heat your home, which shows up on your electric bills. If you see a big uptick in electrical costs when it’s cold outside, a new furnace will help.

Yellow or flickering furnace flame

A yellow or flickering pilot light indicates that the furnace isn’t mixing oxygen and gas correctly. This dangerous problem could mean excess gas is leaking into your home. At Dugan Air, we’ll install your new furnace safely and properly and do a full safety inspection so you don’t have to worry.

Some rooms are colder than others

An ailing furnace will struggle to heat your home evenly. If some rooms are always cold, even when the furnace is blasting, you may want to consider replacing the old model. We can help you find the right size furnace to suit your home’s unique needs. 

Poor indoor air quality

Depending on the problem, a furnace on its last legs will force dust and allergens into the air, or worse, it could release harmful toxins and gas. If you or your family members start noticing chest congestion, coughing, sneezing, dry nose and throat, headaches, or allergy symptoms, it’s a good idea to check your furnace and possibly replace it. 

Strange noises

One of the most common signs of a malfunctioning furnace is strange sounds, like banging, grinding, or knocking. This could indicate anything from mechanical issues to a clogged air filter. In some cases, it’s a simple fix, but unusual noises could also indicate impending disaster. Your local HVAC technician can guide you in your options. 

Constant short cycling

Short cycling, or turning on and off quickly, is a sure sign of a problem with your gas or electric furnace. There could be easy-to-fix issues like loose electrical connections or a dirty air filter, or it might indicate failing sensors and mechanical parts. Constant short cycling may mean your issue isn’t easily fixable. Schedule an inspection with Dugan Air to find out what your furnace’s short cycling means.

Factors to Consider When Replacing a Furnace

Now that you know how to tell if you need a new furnace, you may wonder how to choose a new one that’s right for your needs. When it comes to furnace replacement, here are the most important factors to consider.

The size

The size is one of the most important considerations when buying a new furnace. You need a furnace big enough to heat all the rooms in your home consistently without overworking but not so big that you’re wasting energy and causing short cycling when you run it.

Generally, a furnace should produce around 30 to 60 BTUs per square foot, but this is a guideline and not a hard and fast rule. Consider the home’s layout, insulation, and other factors when choosing a furnace size. If you’re not ready to do the math yourself, don’t worry — an expert at Dugan Air will help. 

Energy efficiency

The more energy-efficient your new furnace is, the less money you’ll have to spend per month on heating your home, which equals big savings in the long run.

Another benefit of a new and more energy-efficient model is that they often qualify for rebates and tax credits. You can feel confident knowing your system is designed with efficiency and innovation in mind. They also last longer than older models thanks to updated technology, and they need less maintenance overall because they’re better sealed and more user-friendly. 

Programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat gives you the ultimate control over your home’s interior climate. You can set it to your desired temperature and program it to turn up or down when you’re away. Some smart thermostats remember your preferences to better enhance your home comfort. 

New furnaces may even offer voice controls, energy-tracking features, and geofencing technology that knows when you’re home and when you’re away, automatically adjusting the temperature to your preferences. If you want total control over your thermostat, you’ll love the new available furnace features.

The price

You’ll need to consider your budget when you purchase a major home appliance like a furnace. For many, price is a big factor. At Dugan Air, we understand that most families aren’t able to drop a large amount on a top-dollar model, which is why we offer financing options to help. This way, you can get the furnace you want in your home without sacrificing your savings. 

Extra features

Some top-of-the-line furnaces have additional features you can incorporate into your home, but they often cost extra. Are you looking for a basic model that turns on and off, or do you want your furnace to provide HEPA-quality air filtering capabilities or integrate into your smart home system? Our experts can help you decide.

Call Dugan Air For Your Furnace Needs

Ready to look at new furnaces? Need someone to check out that strange noise? Want to schedule your routine annual maintenance? We’re available now by phone or via our online contact form.

We’re passionate about helping our local community and work hard to ensure your home in Greenwood, Columbus, Franklin, and the surrounding area is warm and comfortable, even when temperatures fall below 32°F. Contact us today to experience the Dugan Difference! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a new furnace cost?

The cost depends on the type, size, and features. The cost of a new furnace can range from $10,000 and up. 

How long does a furnace installation take?

The installation time depends on the complexity of the job. We’ll try to be in and out of your house in a day, but we’ll give you a more accurate time estimate after seeing your home and determining the amount of work involved. 

How often should a furnace be serviced?

We recommend servicing your furnace at least once a year before the winter chill blows in. 

What are the new HVAC Refrigerant regulations?

New regulations require the use of updated refrigerants that meet current industry standards, phasing out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as part of the transition to modern refrigerant technology.