The cold weather is here and we’ve already had to dig ourselves out from under a foot of snow… and the winter is just getting started. With an entire winter ahead of us, you may be wondering if you furnace will make it through one more season. Nobody wants to be without heat, so to help you make a decision about replacing your furnace in Rockford, ask yourselves the following questions.

Is it more than 14 years old? Just like humans, furnaces often start rebelling as teenagers! While the lifespan varies according to use, maintenance and design, in general you should expect your furnace to last 15 years. After that, the probabilities for problems continue to rise.

Have you had to make repairs? Other than routine maintenance (an excellent idea!), many agree that replacement should be considered when repair costs exceed 50% of the cost of a new furnace. Stop forking over large amounts of cash for periodic repairs. Don’t get caught in the trap of chasing your tail by replacing the next broken part.

Are your heating bills on the rise? The increase may not be due to the rising cost of electricity or gas, but the efficiency of your furnace. When your home’s heating system becomes less efficient, it has to work harder to provide adequate levels of heating. When this happens, more energy is required and your bill most likely goes up. Today’s newer furnaces can be rated up to 97% efficient, saving you even more money.

Is it making strange noises? An unexpected rattle, a curious squeaking, an unexplained popping instead of the expected soft hum followed by the fan moving air throughout your house, can all be signs that something is not “quite right.” Old furnaces tend to give out these sounds towards the end of their life. Find out what is happening and take appropriate action to give yourself complete peace of mind.

Are there visible signs of aging? Evidence of rust or unexplained water puddles can indicate that the physical structure of the furnace or one or more components may be in trouble. Investigate further to determine the cause and extent of the damage.

If you have any of the above issues or you have questions, just give us a call. We will be glad to provide answers and recommendations to get your heating system just where you want it to be.