When A Furnace Replacement May Be Needed
Being unaware of the age of your residence's furnace or the types of problems that could be encountered could result in being faced with a serious problem that will require extensive labor and many replacement materials. Get accustomed to how your furnace operates and take notice of visual and audio cues that may require a furnace replacement.
The Model And A Cost Comparison
A forced-air system that uses the same ductwork for heating and cooling purposes used to be a fairly common heating source in homes. These systems have been less prevalent over the years and more efficient models that are smaller in size have become a favored alternative.
If you purchased your home with the furnace already present, you can refer to the unit's serial number, to acquire information about what year it was manufactured. There may be a manufacturer faceplate or printing on the unit, which can be used to research the unit's serial number in detail. An older unit may not necessarily need to be replaced, but it will be helpful to have an idea of how old the equipment is.
If a problem does occur, it may be harder to acquire parts for the unit, since many furnace systems are outdated and are no longer being manufactured. If you are able to locate parts and a service technician who can perform the repair that is necessary, however, you can conduct a cost analysis first. The analysis will help you determine if repairing the existing furnace is more beneficial than investing in a new one.
Common Problems With Older Units
When your furnace turns on, it blows heated air through the ductwork. Once the temperature within your home meets the one that your thermostat is set at, the unit turns off. Take notice of the cycling on and off schedule of the equipment. Some older furnaces that should be replaced may turn off more frequently, run for extended amounts of time, or blow excessive dust through the ductwork.
If you have checked the thermostat's batteries and filter and there isn't a problem with either one, have your furnace serviced. Additionally, if the furnace makes any clanging noises that sound unfamiliar, there could be an internal problem that needs to be addressed. If you want more information about furnace replacement, request that a local HVAC contractor provides you with details about some models that are adequate to use in a home of your size.
Share
