Furnaces don’t see nearly as much use as air conditioners do in the Inland Empire, where winters are mild and extremely brief. But we still need them during this time of year, when temperatures can get quite chilly (especially late at night). And it can be easy to overlook the signs of trouble with your furnace, especially if they don’t result in a flat-out shutdown. If you have an older furnace and you spot signs of trouble, you may want to consider replacing it before too much time goes by.
Is Your Furnace Warranty Still Valid?
The question of whether to replace your malfunctioning furnace starts with the status of the warranty. That covers the cost of the original parts of the furnace for a given period of time. Should the warranty still be good, then you should usually consider repairing your furnace instead of replacing it. Only when the warranty has expired and the trouble costs more to fix than the furnace is worth should replacement be an option.
Warning Signs Your Old Furnace May Need Replacement
If your furnace isn’t functioning the way you normally expect it to, you should turn it off and plan for repairs. Common symptoms of trouble can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Strange noises that start and stop with the starting and the stopping of the furnace.
- Low air flow out of the vents
- Air that isn’t as warm as you expect.
- Unexpected spikes in the monthly bill.
- Sort cycling (turning on and off multiple times throughout the day).
- A heating system that refuses to turn on at all, even after you’ve checked the thermostat and breaker box.
If you spot these signs, turn off the furnace and call in a repair service immediately.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Old Furnace?
If you call in a repair service and the warranty is still in effect, you’re usually better off repairing the system than replacing it. Even if the warranty has expired, however, repairs are still preferable so long as they don’t cost more than you feel the system is worth. If repairs are excessive, however – if you feel that the money would be better spent investing in a new system – then now might be a good time to put your old furnace out to pasture and install a new one.
The overall issue of cost can affect your decision in different ways, too. A comparatively inexpensive repair could still be worth investing in, especially if it will keep your heater running another few seasons. On the other hand, there doesn’t need to be a specific problem in order for you to decide that the older furnace is costing too much to run. If monthly heating costs have grown higher than you’d prefer to pay, you may want to think about replacing the heater: if not immediately (which lets you cut down on those bills for the rest of the winter) then sometime before the next heating season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the signs that an old furnace needs to be replaced?
Answer: Warning signs include strange noises, low airflow from the vents, air that is not warm enough, unexpected increases in heating bills, frequent cycling, or a furnace that will not start. With an older system, these problems can indicate that replacement may be worth considering instead of continued repairs.
Question: Should I repair or replace an old furnace?
Answer: The decision depends largely on the furnace’s condition, warranty coverage, and repair costs. If the warranty is still valid or the repair is relatively inexpensive, repairing the system may make sense. Replacement becomes more practical when repair costs are excessive compared with the value and expected life of the furnace.
Question: Does a furnace warranty affect whether I should replace it?
Answer: Yes. If the furnace is still covered by its original parts warranty, repairing it is often more practical because some replacement parts may be covered. Once the warranty has expired, homeowners should compare the cost of repairs with the furnace’s age, condition, efficiency, and overall value before deciding.
Question: Can high heating bills mean I need a new furnace?
Answer: Rising heating costs can be a reason to consider replacing an older furnace, particularly if the system has become less efficient over time. Even if there is no single major mechanical failure, a furnace that costs significantly more to operate may justify upgrading to a newer, more efficient system.
Question: Why does my furnace keep turning on and off?
Answer: A furnace that repeatedly turns on and off throughout the day is short cycling, which can signal a problem with the heating system. If you notice frequent cycling along with weak airflow, inadequate heat, unusual noises, or higher bills, the furnace should be inspected before deciding whether repair or replacement is appropriate.
For quality heating replacement services in Riverside, CA, call RKM Heating and Air Conditioning today!