As every Minnesotan knows, the weather is unpredictable throughout the extended fall and winter months. It’s crucial to ensure that your heating system is operational before the harsh winter conditions set in. Unsure whether you should replace your furnace for the upcoming winter? Investing in a new heating system is a significant financial commitment. It’s essential to assess whether a simple tune-up suffices or if a complete replacement of your heating system is necessary. Refer to this checklist to determine whether it’s time to replace your furnace before the upcoming winter season. 

6 indications that suggest it’s time to replace your furnace:   

Age of your Furnace 

For homeowners, determining the age of your heating system may pose a challenge, especially if you’ve recently moved in without knowledge of its lifespan. To identify this information, locate the owner's manual or locate the system’s model number, usually situated on the furnace itself. Generally, furnaces can last up to 14 - 17 years, contingent upon the level of maintenance homeowners have upheld over the years. 

Frequent Maintenance 

You can maximize the performance and longevity of your furnace by ensuring it has received proper maintenance over the years. In contrast, if the furnace has not been well-maintained, its lifespan may be shorter than its potential maximum. 

Cost Efficiency 

While ongoing maintenance is crucial, there may come a point where the cumulative costs surpass the benefits, making it more economically sensible to invest in a new heating system. If you find yourself requiring frequent maintenance, it could be worth considering the installation of a new heating system for greater efficiency and long-term cost savings.   

Satisfaction with Current Furnace 

Is your current system meeting your heating needs? If you find that, despite adjusting the thermostat, you never feel warm enough and various rooms in your home have different temperatures, it may be time to consider an upgrade. 

Safety 

As a homeowner you want to ensure you and your family are safe. If you notice your heating system is making more noise than usual, it could indicate the presence of cracks in the furnace. Additionally, if you notice signs of damage and rust it may be an indication that it is time to consider replacing your heating system. 

Surge in Energy Costs 

If you’ve experienced a rise in your energy bills despite not adjusting the thermostat, it could be a sign that your system is aging and operating less efficiently. Newer models often boast higher energy efficiency ratings as well.   

If you’ve observed several of these signs from your furnace, it’s crucial to reach out to an HVAC contractor to explore further options. ASP provides many HVAC services. Upgrading your heating system comes with the added advantage of being able to upgrade your thermostat. Many homes may have outdated thermostats, and when you upgrade your furnace, you have the opportunity to modernize your thermostat as well. ASP offers a variety of thermostat options, including manual, programmable, and smart thermostats. Another benefit of upgrading your heating system with ASP is the inclusion of a 5-year warranty. Contact us for more information and to receive a FREE estimate.