Brrr: It’s Cold in Here
One advantage of living in the Pacific Northwest is the climate. December is the coldest month of the year, and the average temperature is 35 degrees. That’s not too bad when you are outside with a coat and other gear to protect you from the elements. However, if you don’t like wearing mittens in your home, it is time to determine if your furnace is operating effectively.
Here are six signs it may be time to replace:
1. WHAT DID YOU SAY?!?! If your furnace is unusually noisy and makes squeaking or grinding sounds, there is a problem. Even humming or buzzing sounds can be a concern. Furnaces should be checked every fall, and loud noises are a sure sign that something needs addressed.
2. IT CAME WITH THE HOUSE WHEN WE BOUGHT IT IN 1995. A furnace that’s older than 15 years may need replaced. Without regular maintenance, cleaning, and filter replacement, furnaces can become unstable and less useful as they age.
3. IT’S REALLY COLD IN THE BEDROOM, BUT IT’S WARM IN THE KITCHEN. That’s not only because the oven is in use! If your rooms are heating unevenly, the furnace may be the source of the problem. Old furnaces lose the ability to send heat to rooms evenly.
4. I JUST CLEANED! WHERE IS ALL THIS DUST COMING FROM? If you see more dust, soot, and debris in your home, the furnace may not be cycling the air properly. This can cause allergens and other air-borne particles to become a serious issue for some people. And it looks nasty!
5. MY ENERGY BILL IS OUTRAGEOUSLY HIGH! If you notice your energy bill has increased significantly, replacing your furnace will save you money in the long run. An efficient system not only keeps your home comfortable and fresh, but it can cut monthly heating bills down significantly.
6. DO YOU SEE YOUR REPAIRMAN MORE THAN YOUR FAMILY? If the cost for repairing a furnace (at any age) needs to be part of your monthly expenses, you probably need a new one. If you have the coffee ready for your HVAC repairman, it might be time to replace your furnace!
Before you replace
Have a professional inspect your system and make suggestions. Here at Ranger Heating, Cooling & Electric, our technician will check and clean all the connections, controls, sensors, drains, ignitor, pipes, burners, valves, motors, thermostat(s), and smoke/carbon-monoxide detectors, and instruct you on anything you could do between our service visits. Call us today.
