Winter is here, and with it comes the worst time for your heat to fail. Before it happens, it’s a good idea to check if a furnace replacement is your best option so as not to put your home in danger or suffer through the cold without any respite. To help you figure out if you need a furnace replacement at your home in New Haven County, CT, we’ve put together this checklist of signs that your furnace needs to be replaced.
Your Furnace is Getting On in Years
A furnace that was installed 15 or 20 years ago may be nearing the end of its useful life, creating a hazard to your home. Before deciding to change it, have it inspected to determine if it can still be in service for a while longer, or if you have to change it sooner rather than later.
Your Energy Use Increases Suddenly
One of the most important signs of your furnace needing to be replaced is an unexpectedly high energy bill. Keep an eye on your bill as winter advances, and if you notice an unnatural increase in comparison to the previous winter, you may need to pay attention to your furnace.
Your House Feels Cold
If your thermostat is in good working order, but your house feels chilly, it may be time to take a good look at your furnace. It may seem that the easy solution is to set the thermostat to a higher temperature, but it’s best to call in a professional. Otherwise, you may be placing your property in a dangerous position, as well as driving up your energy bill even more.
Your House Smells Funny
When you first turn on your furnace at the start of winter, it’s quite normal to smell “something strange.” This is usually due to accumulated dust and particles burning off your heating system, but if a few days have gone by and you still smell something strange, your furnace may be in trouble, and you will need a professional to take a look. The same stands true for strange noises coming from your furnace.
Your Furnace is Not Acting As it Should
All furnaces should turn on and off periodically during their normal operation. When it reaches the temperature programmed on the thermostat, it will turn off, and when the temperature goes down, it will turn on again. This is known as a cycle. If your furnace seems to be running all the time or it cycles too often, it may be a sign that you may need a furnace replacement, and you should call the pros at Air Specialties.
Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature this winter is no laughing matter. An old or broken furnace can cause many problems and may even become a hazard. So, don’t hesitate if you notice any of the previous signs, give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help!
