Probably one of the worst times to find out your furnace has stopped working is after you’ve been away for a few days. Maybe you’ve been enjoying the cold weather with a trip to the ski hills or opted for a sunny destination as a mid-winter getaway. You return home and when you open the door you realize right away that your reliable old furnace has failed you. And the last thing you need right now is to have to deal with furnace repair!
If you’ve had a complete failure you’ll probably be scrambling to find some electric space heaters to keep you going until you can get some help from a furnace repairperson. A call to a RESNET Qualified EnergySmart Contractor should be your first choice; specially trained in energy efficiency, they can handle your furnace repair needs quickly and efficiently, soon putting you right.
Now the question is how long can you reasonably expect a furnace to last? According to ENERGY STAR, once you’ve hit the 15-year mark you should be looking at a new unit.
Ideally you shouldn’t wait until your furnace finally gives up and leaves you in the cold before you consider replacing it. There are many telltale signs that that your furnace is struggling including:
- Your furnace needs frequent repair and your heating bills keep rising.
- Some rooms in your house are either too hot or too cold.
- You have excessive dust that is travelling through the vents and settling around the house.
- Your heating system is noisy.
Depending on where you live your furnace is mostly likely fueled by natural gas, propane, or oil. A RESNET certified contractor will be knowledgeable of these systems and explain which options are best for you.
Although a new furnace installation would normally be considered a major home update due to the cost, there are ways that you can benefit from a newly installed heating unit. A new ENERGY STAR rated furnace will be more efficient than your old one and will start saving you money immediately. In addition, the federal government offers incentives through tax credits on the purchase and installation of an approved ENERGY STAR rated furnace.
If your furnace is starting to feel the effects of old age or exhibiting any of those symptoms that indicate an impending concern, contact your local RESNET Qualified EnergySmart Contractor, who will be able to do routine maintenance and advise you on how to make sure you have a nice warm house this winter. Don’t wait until you’re forced to consider doing expensive furnace repair!