Countless people in Hampton, VA, are making New Year’s resolutions in the spirit of “Out with the old, in with the new.” Perhaps one of the old things that should go on its way out is your furnace. The following are a few tips to help you see whether you need a new furnace for the new year.
Age
Every furnace has a shelf life beyond which it’s simply no longer effective, though that shelf life will differ depending on the type of furnace you have. Gas and heating oil furnaces generally last for about 15-20 years, while electric furnaces can work well for approximately 25-30.
Beyond these points, parts and equipment malfunction at higher rates, and the need for repairs becomes increasingly urgent. Rather than spend money this winter arranging for repairs on a unit that is likely to break down again soon, it might just be better to ask professionals to install a new one for you.
Rising Energy Bills
As your furnace’s parts malfunction for any reason, the unit as a whole begins to lose the ability to use energy well. If this gets bad enough, your energy bills may skyrocket as the unit tries and fails to keep you warm. At some point, maintenance and repairs may no longer be enough to keep efficiency high.
Improper Cycling
Normally, your furnace should turn on when the temperature in your home is below the level you’ve set on your thermostat and turn off after reaching that temperature. This cycling becomes more erratic in furnaces nearing the end of their lifespan.
They might either turn off when you don’t need them to or simply not turn off at all. Alternatively, they may run constantly. Each of these disruptions points to serious underlying problems.
There’s no need to start the new year with a bad furnace. Instead, call Bennett Air Conditioning and ask for our heating installation services in Hampton, VA.
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