It can be tough to tell. There are plenty of reasons why you may want to hold off another year on the purchase of a new gas or electric furnace. Perhaps you spent all of your money on holiday gifts, or you’re looking to save as much as possible in the new year. And if your furnace is in good working order, then it probably just needs a tune-up and maybe the occasional repair. But if your system is on skids, and it’s over 12 years old, then it may be time to consider a furnace replacement. Here’s how to tell.
- How old is it? The average age of a furnace is anywhere from 15 to 20 years, sometimes longer if it’s been maintained, and sometimes shorter if it’s been neglected. If yours is between 12 and 15 years into its service life, then you may want to keep an eye on its performance and efficiency. Staying aware of your furnace’s condition with routine inspections will alert you to any signs that it’s about to fail.
- Does it break down frequently? There may come a time when it feels like you’re seeing a bit too much of your HVAC technician, despite his courteous demeanor and craftsmanship. If you find yourself paying out of pocket frequently for heating repairs, then it may be time to consider a new model.
- How efficient is it? Every furnace comes with an AFUE rating. The current standard is 78, which is a percentage of how much of the heat created by gas combustion is actually used for heating. Older furnaces may be as low as 60, and that means you’re paying for a lot of fuel that’s not even contributing to your comfort. If your gas furnace is old, consider upgrading to a mid or high-efficiency furnace to save money during the winter.
Contact Milton Frank Plumbing today for exceptional furnace services in the Spring, TX area.