Although the seasons change and the arrival of winter comes as no surprise, many Albuquerque-area homeowners forget to examine and evaluate their furnace in the warmer months before a problem arises. It’s vital to ensure that your furnace is in good working condition before the unit fails and you wake up to a cold, frosty house. But what are the signs that a furnace is failing? Is it really necessary to replace an older heating system that seems to work sufficiently well? If you’re trying to decide if it’s time for a replacement or a furnace repair, talk the trained professionals at Harder Electrical & Mechanical to learn about your options and continue reading for tips on evaluating your furnace at home.
Replace: Your Furnace is Over 15 Years Old
The average furnace will last between 15 and 20 years from the manufacturer’s date according to the National Association of Homebuilders. Keep in mind that professional service and regular maintenance, such as continuously replacing dirty filters, can help prolong the lifespan of an older furnace. In addition, newer heating systems have longer lifespans than older units. However, it is recommended that if your furnace is 15 years or older, you should replace the furnace before it unexpectedly breaks down.
Replace: You Have Frequent, Costly Furnace Repairs
If you need to fix a problem with a newer furnace (less than 10 years old), it’s recommended to that you call licensed heating professional to repair your unit. However, it can be tricky to determine if you should repair or replace a 10- to the 15-year old furnace that starts to accumulate expensive repair costs. Here is a good rule of thumb: if the cost to repair the unit is 50% of the cost of a new furnace, you should replace it. Another way to gauge whether you should replace or repair your furnace is to multiply the cost of the repair by the age of the furnace. If the result is less than $5,000, repair the furnace. For example, if your furnace is 8 years old and its blower motor needs to be fixed for $450, you should repair the furnace instead of replacing it (8 x 450 = 3600).
Replace: You Have High Heating Bills
An older, inefficient furnace requires more energy to evenly distribute heat around your home, resulting in expensive heating bills. A furnace’s efficiency is measured by annual fuel utilization efficiency (A.F.U.E.), and the federal government began requiring in 1992 that furnaces have an A.F.U.E. rating of at least 78, although some heating systems now have ratings as high as 98 percent. A new, high-efficiency furnace may reduce your heating bills and use less energy to operate than your old furnace.
Replace: The Temperature Fluctuates Throughout Your Home
If at least one room in your home is either too hot or too cold, it may be a sign that your furnace is having difficulty distributing heat evenly throughout your home. Once a furnace reaches the 15-year mark, it will slowly start to become less efficient. If you’ve already adjusted the airflow to each room, checked for obstructions in the ductwork, determined that each room is insulated, and ensured that all windows are fully closed and in good condition, the problem may reside with the furnace.
Replace: Your Furnace is Producing Loud Noises During Operation
If you notice that your system running louder than normal—or is rattling, popping, buzzing, or humming—it may indicate structural issues such as cracks, damaged parts, and/or loose equipment. In addition, if you’ve noticed signs or rust or cracks developing around your furnace, it may indicate that the furnace could be failing.
Need Assistance with Furnace Repair or Replacement?
If you’ve noticed that your furnace is making strange noises, heating unevenly, or is 15 years or older, call the licensed contractors at Harder Electrical & Mechanical to discuss furnace repair and replacement options. It’s important to have an efficient, fully operational heating system throughout winter that will keep your family warm and safe. Ignoring problems with your furnace can lead to health hazards from carbon monoxide leaks, dust and mold, and other pathogens.
A new furnace will be more efficient and help reduce your heating bills. It will also give you peace of mind, knowing that you have greatly reduced your risk of a furnace malfunction. Harder Electrical offers furnace installation and repair as well as other heating services including boiler replacement, carbon monoxide tests, conversions from gas/propane to electric systems, the installation of ductless mini-split systems, and more. Schedule an appointment to receive assistance with your furnace repair or replacement today.
About Harder Electrical & Mechanical
Founded in 2003, Harder Electrical & Mechanical Services provides residential and commercial heating, cooling, and electrical services. We have proudly served the Albuquerque, Tijeras, Edgewood, and Moriarty areas for over 15 years. Locally owned and operated, Harder Electrical & Mechanical Services is open five days a week and on-call Saturdays.
Harder Electrical & Mechanical was founded with the philosophy of providing quality services for a fair price. With extensive training in electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration, Harder Electrical & Mechanical not only stands behind the work we do – we guarantee it.
Our experienced technicians provide residential and commercial heating, cooling, and air conditioning services. We can repair, replace, and install all brands of equipment, and we provide a 1-year warranty on labor along with any manufacturers’ product warranty.
Harder Electrical & Mechanical is your one-stop-shop for all your electrical, heating, and cooling needs. Call us today at 505-281-4807 for a free estimate.