As the temperatures drop and winter’s chill begins to seep in, we find ourselves seeking solace in the comforting warmth of our heating systems.
According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), furnaces remain the most prevalent heating system in American homes, accounting for approximately 47% of all residential heating methods.
But have you ever wondered if your furnace is operating at its full potential? Are you aware of the telltale signs that signal the need for timely repair or even replacement?
Don’t worry, for in this informative journey, we will explore how proactive measures can not only extend the life of your furnace but also enhance its energy efficiency, reducing your carbon footprint while keeping utility bills in check. We’ll also help you learn how to recognize the subtle cues that indicate your furnace needs attention and glean invaluable furnace maintenance tips from the furnace experts in Louisville, KY!
So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and join us on this enlightening journey through the world of furnace care and repair!
Benefits Of Early Furnace Repair Or Replacement
You’ve been feeling the chill of winter, but your furnace is acting up. You’ve noticed that it’s been running less and less efficiently, and you’re starting to worry about how much longer it’ll hold out.
As a homeowner, you want to get the most out of your furnace—and get it running as soon as possible. Here are seven benefits of early furnace repair or replacement:
Enhanced Efficiency and Performance
A furnace that hasn’t been maintained is more likely to break down than a well-serviced one, leading to lost time, money, and comfort. A properly maintained furnace will run more efficiently and last longer than an under-maintained one. Plus, when your heating system is running at full capacity, it uses less energy—so by keeping up with regular maintenance checks and repairs, you’ll be able to save thousands of dollars on your utility bills every month!
Cost Savings
Furnace repair is usually much cheaper than replacement—especially if it’s caught early! When you catch a problem before it becomes a major issue, you can avoid expensive repairs like replacement burners, blower motors, and other parts that wear out over time. Plus, if your furnace breaks down during a cold snap or extreme weather conditions, it could leave you without heat for days or even weeks while waiting for furnace parts to arrive from another state (or country). That downtime could cost thousands of dollars in lost productivity and wages for employees who have to work remotely while waiting for their homes to be restored to safe temperatures again! It is estimated that homeowners in Louisville can save a maximum of 30% on their annual heating bill by repairing or replacing their furnace before it fails completely.
Extended Furnace Lifespan
Having your furnace serviced and repaired early can help extend its lifespan by as much as 20%. This means you’ll get more out of your investment, and will cost you less in furnace repair Louisville TN down the line.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
A clean furnace filter is one of the easiest ways to improve air quality in your home. A dirty filter can cause allergens and pollutants to circulate throughout your house, which can lead to irritated eyes, nasal congestion, headaches, and other symptoms. If you notice that your furnace is making strange noises or smells like something’s burning, it’s time to check the filter!
Reduced Risk of Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide can be lethal if inhaled in high enough quantities for long enough. By getting your heating system fixed before it becomes a problem, you reduce the likelihood that carbon monoxide will leak into your home and cause health issues for you and your family.
Consistent Comfort
If your furnace is not operating properly, it won’t be able to heat your home consistently. This means that one day you’ll be too hot and the next day you’ll be freezing cold! Not only does this create discomfort for everyone in the house, but it also means energy is wasted because the heat isn’t regulated properly. Getting an annual tune-up from a furnace professional in Louisville, KY, will help ensure that your heating system runs efficiently all year long so everyone can stay comfortable (and healthy).
Peace of Mind
Knowing that your furnace is in good condition brings peace of mind, especially during winter when you rely heavily on your heating system. Early Louisville furnace repair or replacements eliminate the worry of unexpected breakdowns and emergency situations, allowing you to enjoy the winter season confidently.
When Should You Repair Your Furnace?
The furnace is an integral part of your home’s heating system. It heats your home by burning gas or oil and using air to transfer heat into the rooms throughout the house. When there are problems with your furnace, it can be very expensive to repair.
So, here are several signs that will help you determine whether or not your furnace needs repair so you can make a well-informed decision about whether or not you should have it repaired.
Unusual Noises
If you hear strange noises coming from your furnace, it’s probably in need of repair. The sound of a furnace that’s not running smoothly can be alarming, but don’t worry—it’s not always an indication that something is wrong with your system. It could just be that you’re hearing the sounds of normal operation, which may differ slightly from what you’re used to hearing. On the other hand, if you notice a new noise or your furnace isn’t operating as it should, then it’s time for an inspection by a furnace repair Louisville technician.
Frequent Cycling
Frequent cycling means that your furnace is turning on and off too often. If this happens frequently over a period of time (more than once every hour), then this could mean that your furnace needs repair or replacement. You’ll want to have an inspection done by a furnace repair Louisville, CO technician immediately so that any problems can be fixed before they become worse and more expensive to fix!
Inadequate Heating
If the furnace is not heating up your home properly, it could mean something is wrong with it. It could also mean you have a clogged chimney or flue, which means more than just a little bit of trouble for your furnace. If this is happening, then it’s time to call in a furnace repair Louisville, KY professional!
Increased Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills recently and are wondering if it’s due to something else, like using more lights or turning up the thermostat, consider checking out what’s happening. If you notice an increase in energy usage for no apparent reason (like not turning anything on), then it might mean that there are problems with your furnace and its system.
Yellow or Flickering Pilot Light
A yellow or flickering pilot light means there’s too much gas being used by the furnace. This may be due to a clogged gas filter or a faulty thermostat. Either way, this could be dangerous! If the pilot light is on fire, turn off the power switch immediately and call a Louisville professional to inspect your furnace.
Foul Odors
If you notice an unusual odor coming from your furnace (like rotten eggs), it could mean that there’s something wrong with your combustion blower fan motor. This may need to be replaced—and quickly! If the smell worsens over time, it could indicate a more serious problem with the system itself; again, call a furnace repair Louisville professional ASAP!
Poor Air Quality
If you have poor air quality in your home due to dust or other airborne particles being released into the air while your furnace is running, then there’s likely something wrong with your heating system. This could be caused by corrosion on internal parts or a bad filter—either way, it’s worth having someone take a look at it!
Visible Damage or Corrosion
Physical damage or signs of rust and corrosion on the furnace components are red flags that require inspection and repair. Corrosion can weaken the furnace’s structural integrity and compromise its performance.
Signs It’s Time for Furnace Replacement
If you’re wondering whether or not it’s time to replace your furnace, the answer is probably yes. A furnace is a big investment that can last for decades if properly maintained, but eventually, it will wear down and start to break down.
When this happens, it may be time for a brand-new furnace. Here are 10 signs that your furnace is ready for an upgrade:
Age of the Furnace
If your furnace is over 15 years old, it may be time for a replacement. Oftentimes, furnaces last longer than this due to regular maintenance from our technicians. But after a certain point, it becomes too expensive to keep fixing them up repeatedly. If yours is older than 15 years old and needs to repair or replace the furnace, call Breckinridge Heating and Cooling today!
You Have Frequent Service Calls and Repairs
If you find yourself having to call the HVAC company out every few months with problems like broken parts or malfunctioning valves, then it’s time to consider replacing your furnace before repairs become too expensive or impossible due to age and wear and tear.
Decline in Energy Efficiency
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that older furnaces often have an efficiency rating of 56% to 70%, while modern high-efficiency models achieve 90% or higher ratings. So, if your home’s energy efficiency has declined since you moved into it or bought it, it could be an indication that your current furnace isn’t working as well as it should. The same goes if you have been experiencing frequent breakdowns or other problems with the furnace. This could mean that the unit needs repair or has developed some kind of defect that makes its operation inefficient or unreliable.
Safety Concerns
Another sign that you may need to replace your furnace is if any safety concerns are associated with its use. If there are parts on your furnace that have broken off or malfunctioned, then you should definitely consider replacing your unit as soon as possible because these parts could pose a serious risk if used improperly by children or pets—and even adults! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that unintentional carbon monoxide exposure causes an estimated 430 deaths and 50,000 emergency department visits annually in the United States. (Source: CDC)
Excessive Noise
An aging furnace can become noisier as its components wear out or become loose. If your furnace has become excessively loud and disruptive, it may be time to consider a quieter and more advanced model.
Outdated Technology
If your furnace is more than ten years old, it’s likely that the technology used in the unit has become outdated. Newer furnaces use less energy and produce less pollution than older models. If you’re interested in saving money on your monthly bills, we recommend upgrading to a newer model.
Changes in Home Requirements
As your family grows, or as other factors change in your life (such as a new baby or an elderly parent moving into your home), you may find yourself needing more space than what was originally planned for when the house was built. A newer model will often have more capacity than an older one, which means you’ll be able to heat more rooms at once without increasing energy usage.
Environmental Impact
The next sign is the environmental impact. If your furnace is more than 20 years old, chances are it’s contributing to global warming in one way or another. The EPA estimates that nearly 50% of carbon emissions come from residential heating and cooling equipment, so if you want to make a difference, start with your own home!
Warranty Expiration
If your furnace is reaching the end of its warranty period, it might be a good time to look for a furnace replacement near me. A new furnace typically comes with a warranty that provides additional peace of mind for several years.
Comparison Table: Furnace Repair vs Replacement
If you’re trying to figure out “Should I repair or replace my furnace?” then here is a comparison table outlining the key differences between furnace repair and replacement so that you can make a decision:
| Aspect | Furnace Repair | Furnace Replacement |
| Cost | Typically less expensive | The initial investment is higher |
| Age of Furnace | Suitable for relatively new units | Suitable for older furnaces nearing the end of life |
| Energy Efficiency | It may not significantly improve | Offers the opportunity for higher energy efficiency |
| Reliability | Addresses specific issues | Provides a more reliable long-term solution |
| Lifespan | Extends the current furnace’s life | Provides a brand new furnace with a longer lifespan |
| Maintenance Frequency | It may require more frequent repairs | Requires minimal maintenance initially |
| Return on Investment | Short-term cost savings | Long-term savings due to energy efficiency |
| Environmental Impact | Lower environmental impact | High-efficiency models reduce carbon emissions |
| Comfort Level | Temporary resolution | Consistent and improved heating throughout the home |
| Safety Concerns | Addresses specific safety issues | It provides the opportunity for enhanced safety features |
Top 7 Tips on Furnace Maintenance From the Experts
If you’re a homeowner, you know that maintaining your home can be a full-time job. But if you want to keep your home in tip-top shape, it’s important to remember that some tasks are more important than others. One of those? Keeping your furnace in good working order.
That’s why we put together this list of tips on furnace maintenance from the experts:
- Clean out your filter monthly.
- Check your thermostat regularly (but not too much)
- Make sure your pipes are insulated well enough so they don’t freeze during the winter.
- Be careful when using space heaters near other flammable materials like curtains or furniture.
- Clean up dust from vents with a vacuum cleaner once every two months.
- Have an annual check-up with an HVAC specialist so they can give you advice about any repairs that might be needed before anything gets worse than it already is (and those repairs will cost more if we don’t catch them early on!)
- Always have a backup plan in case of an emergency—you never know when something might go wrong!
FAQs
How long does a furnace last?
Most furnaces are designed to last 10-15 years, but the actual lifespan can vary depending on the quality of maintenance and the conditions in your home.
What is the average furnace replacement cost?
The cost to replace a furnace varies widely based on several factors: whether you’re replacing an old unit or repairing an existing one, if you need any additional work done in addition to just the replacement (say, adding insulation or new ductwork), etc. Generally speaking, though, expect anywhere from $2000-$5000 for a standard replacement job.
What happens if I don’t have my furnace serviced?
If you don’t have your furnace checked regularly, it could break down at an inconvenient time and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs or even replacement. You don’t want to be stuck in the cold while waiting for someone who can fix your heating system—especially if that person is going to charge you a fortune!
How long does it take to replace a furnace?
The entire process can take anywhere from 2 days to 1 week, depending on your location and the company you choose to work with.
How much does it cost to have a new furnace installed?
The cost varies depending on the size of your home and what features you choose (for example, if you want a programmable thermostat or humidifier). We can provide you with an estimate based on those factors when we meet with you in person at an appointment.
Get the Best Advice from Furnace Repair Experts in Louisville, KY!
If you’re in Louisville, KY, and your furnace isn’t working, call Breckinridge Heating and Cooling today. We understand that when it comes to your furnace, you want the best advice you can get. That’s why we’re here to help—we will listen to your concerns and give you the best solution for your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a new furnace or just need a quick fix on your existing one, our team at Breckinridge Heating and Cooling can help. We’ve been in business since 1954 and have more than 50 years of experience under our belt—and we’re ready to put those skills to work for you!
We offer a wide range of services, including:
- Furnace Installation
- Furnace Repair
- Furnace Replacement
- Air Conditioner Repair
- Heat Pump Repair
- Heat Pump Installation
- Air Conditioner Replacement
- Regular Furnace Maintenance
- Ductless Mini-split Heat Pump Installation
- 24/7 Emergency Services
- And Many More…
The best thing? We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our technicians are always on call—we’ve never had a customer who couldn’t reach us when they needed us most! And we’re more than just a repair service; we’re here to help you make informed decisions about what kind of furnace is right for your home or business.
We know it’s not fun when something goes wrong with your furnace system, but we also know it doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. With our expert advice and friendly Furnace Repair and Replacement Services in Louisville, we’ll get you back up and running as quickly as possible!
Call us today at (502) 325-0352 to talk to our furnace experts!
