Tag: needs

Furnace Replacement: When Is It Necessary?

Winter is here, and the question for folks in Indiana is: Is the furnace working? Temperatures in this part of the country can be harsh, even without the threat of snow. Furnaces and other heating systems must be ready for the cold just as much as people prepare themselves or their vehicles for the cold slog of a journey over the next few months. People often take their HVAC system for granted until it is not working. 

Just like any other appliance, furnaces only last for a certain period and will eventually need to be replaced. This article will cover three major indicators that a home’s furnace might not last the season. 

Warning Sign #1: The Furnace Is Older

No matter how good a homeowner’s furnace maintenance plan is, there will come a time when the heater is just too old to function properly, or the professionals working on it will be unable to find the proper parts. Furnaces usually last between 10 and 15 years. If a home’s furnace is within this age range and often needs repairs, it will likely begin costing more to perform furnace repair than to replace that furnace with a new, fully functioning furnace.

Warning Sign #2: Energy Bills Are Climbing

Rising costs during the winter do not always mean a problem with the furnace; it could simply be rising fuel costs. If the bill is suddenly much higher than expected, the homeowner should have someone look at their heating system. The reasons a malfunctioning furnace or heater can cause an increase in energy bills are part of the following list.

• Poor Energy Efficiency: As any machine ages, it needs more and more energy to run properly. It may be sucking too much energy to heat the home.
• Not Heating as Well: If the furnace is not producing the optimal amount of heat, it will have to run longer and more often to keep the home at a comfortable temperature.
• Duct Problems: The ducts need attention, too. If they are damaged, it can cause the precious temperature-controlled air to be lost; this means the furnace will have to use extra energy to keep the house at the proper temperature. 
• Damage: Some sort of external damage can cause the unit to become less efficient. Furnace repair will be needed to restore it. 

Warning Sign #3: Inconsistent Home Comfort

The furnace may also need to be replaced if the home does not seem to stay consistently comfortable. This can be a problem that is caused by anything from the furnace pilot light to the air filter. Some of the discomforting things that can happen with a malfunctioning furnace include:

• Humidity
• Too cold
• Too hot
• Temperature is constantly fluctuating

If a homeowner notices any of the above problems, they should seek help from a licensed HVAC professional. 

About Bedell Home Services

For more than 30 years, Bedell Home Services has provided excellent workmanship in home comfort for the people of Carmel, IN, and the surrounding areas. Call today for 24-hour emergency HVAC repair and service.

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