While some furnaces have a life expectancy of 15 years, others require regular repair work. In these cases, the upkeep costs may not be worth the money spent on the furnace. The shorter the lifespan, the more repairs are likely to be necessary.
Proper Maintenance
There are many factors to consider when it comes to maintaining your furnace. Ensure that your gas lines are in good condition and properly adjusted. A technician can also check to see if any connections or pipes are loose. Contact a professional to learn about furnace repair in Chicago. It’s also essential to have a routine inspection every year.
Furnaces give warning signs when they’re nearing the end of their lifespan. For example, you may notice that your gas bill is higher than usual or that your thermostat constantly changes. You may also notice that you require frequent furnace repair, which can be expensive. In addition to these obvious signs, you may also find that your furnace emits dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Too Big or too Small of a Furnace
When buying a new furnace, it’s essential to get one that’s the correct size for your home. You don’t want to buy a massive unit that won’t keep up with the demand during the year’s coldest days. Oversized units will not heat your home evenly and create heat pockets. If you’re unsure if your furnace is too large for your home, you can consult an HVAC contractor.
Oversized furnaces are also less efficient. They must work harder to heat the entire house, which this can increase energy costs. Small furnaces may also not warm your home efficiently, resulting in higher energy bills and uncomfortable temperatures. Buying the correct size furnace will prevent these problems and save you money in the long run.
Another way to increase your furnace’s average lifespan is to ensure the ductwork is connected correctly. If the ductwork is too small, the air from your furnace will not be able to travel. This can cause the furnace to run continuously and waste energy.
Buildup on Heat Exchanger
A furnace’s average life can be significantly reduced by dirt buildup on its heat exchanger. This dirt can damage the burner and cause thermal fatigue. It can also cause corrosive agents to build up, shortening the unit’s lifespan. Another problem can arise when the furnace’s air filter is clogged, or the squirrel cage blower fan is dirty. In these cases, regular maintenance is necessary.
A professional HVAC contractor should be consulted if the furnace produces a noxious or foul smell. Ignoring the problem may lead to further damage. Other signs of trouble include excessive wear on the external components and cracks on the heat exchanger. Stress cracks occur on the heat exchanger when components contract and expand intermittently during heating and cooling. In addition, the components of a furnace can become corroded if exposed to moisture or chloride fumes.
A cracked heat exchanger will lead to the release of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into the home. Both gases are harmful and can cause headaches, dizziness, and even heart problems. Additionally, a cracked heat exchanger will decrease the efficiency of the furnace. This will make it harder to heat the home and increase the cost of heating.
Repair or Replace a Furnace
The cost of repairing or replacing a furnace varies greatly. If you want to save money, consider purchasing a home warranty to minimize the expenses. If you have an older furnace, it may be time to replace it. As these units age, more parts may be replaced than you’d expect.
One of the most common problems with a furnace is the ignition, which can cause a squealing sound. Unfortunately, the repair of this problem can cost between $135 and $325, depending on the type and severity of the problem. The good news is that repairing or replacing a squealing furnace can often be a relatively simple job that doesn’t require extensive labor.
They choose a technician who can fix the problem efficiently and safely, saving you time and money. While a higher-quality technician will likely charge a higher upfront fee, this investment will pay off in the long run. A technician can diagnose the problem and provide an accurate quote for the work. A high-quality technician will also save you money by preventing the need for multiple visits in the future.
