Top Four Reasons to Replace Your Furnace This Fall

Before you use your furnace this fall, have it inspected by an HVAC professional to prevent inconvenient breakdowns. Regular maintenance is much less expensive than a major repair, and you can fix any problems before the Houston, Texas, weather gets cold. Autumn is a particularly excellent time of year to take care of your furnace’s needs. If you have an old furnace, high utility bills, or frequent heating problems, be sure to seriously consider replacing your furnace this fall.

A Furnace That is Over 15 Years Old

Most oil or natural gas furnaces last between 15-20 years, so you can save energy and make sure your home stays comfortable by replacing an older model. To find out the age of your heater or furnace, check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer and give them the model number.

Many furnaces become less efficient over time because of wear and tear and corrosion. A new, more efficient furnace can even increase the value of your home. Autumn isn’t as busy for HVAC contractors as the winter, which means you won’t have to wait for the installation.

High Utility Bills

If your utility bills are increasing but you haven’t changed your routine, you could have an aging or broken furnace that’s wasting energy. A new heater is expensive, but the investment will eventually pay for itself through lower utility bills. You can also choose a furnace with technology that saves energy. A gas furnace with a fully modulating valve can change the amount of heat it produces and keep you and your family comfortable in different types of weather, lowering your utility bills.

Tax credits can also make new high-efficiency furnaces more affordable. If you replace your heater in the fall, you’ll have plenty of time to choose the best option for your home before you need a reliable heater in winter.

Frequent Breakdowns

If you have an older furnace with a problem, other parts of the unit may be about to fail as well. You should replace your furnace after a major breakdown or more than a few minor problems because repair costs may very well only go up. Repairs could add up to be more expensive than a new furnace. Also, if the furnace keeps breaking down, you will be cold and uncomfortable in your home frequently.

An Uncomfortable Home

If you’re uncomfortable during even mild fall weather, you might need a new heater. If your heater has problems, some areas might be too warm or drafty. The heat could run without making your home more comfortable. If your HVAC system doesn’t remove enough moisture from the air because it’s old or malfunctioning, your home will feel warm and stuffy, and you’ll have to use your air conditioner more. Too much moisture also causes mold growth and lowers your indoor air quality. Mold can even cause flu-like symptoms and make allergies and asthma worse.

If you notice a lot of dust and dirt coming from your duct vents, your ductwork could be full of dust, soot, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants. These pollutants cause problems, increase wear and tear, and make your home less healthy and comfortable. Older furnaces often make annoying noises, especially if they need to be replaced soon. You might hear popping, rattling, banging, or squealing noises.

Have your furnace checked in the fall to make sure you won’t need a replacement before winter is over, especially if any of your family members have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems. To protect an older or newer furnace from pollutants and keep indoor air quality high, check your air filter once a month and change it if it’s dirty.

Davis Air Conditioning and Heating has over 40 years of HVAC experience. We can help you decide whether you should replace your furnace this fall, and we can install, repair, and maintain all your heating and air conditioning equipment. If you have any questions, call us at 888-710-5530 for excellent service.

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