No one looks forward to the time when they have to replace their furnace. But, if it’s no longer heating like it used to or it’s getting old and noticeably worn, it’s probably that time. Sure, it can be costly to get a new furnace, but the reality is that an inefficient furnace is an ineffective furnace. And putting off replacing your furnace will only end up costing you more in energy bills and repairs.
Signs Your Furnace is Inefficient
If you’re questioning the efficiency of your furnace, watch for these 7 signs that will tell you if it’s inefficient and time for an upgrade.
Higher Energy Bills
One of the most obvious signs of an inefficient furnace is an increase in energy costs. Particularly, if you’ve noticed a sudden spike in your energy bills, it could also indicate that your furnace is struggling to keep up with the demand.
Short Cycling
Another sign of an inefficient furnace is short cycling. This is when the furnace turns on and off frequently throughout the day. For example, it runs only a few minutes and shuts off and then does it over and over. This could be due to a number of issues, including a malfunctioning thermostat, a clogged filter, or an ignition system problem. However, it could also mean that your furnace needs to be replaced.
Inefficient Fuel Usage
If you have a furnace that uses oil or natural gas, you might be able to tell if it’s lacking in efficiency by the amount of fuel it’s using. Furnaces that are inefficient consume more fuel than necessary to heat your home, which ultimately leads to higher energy costs.
Age of the Furnace
In general, furnaces have an average lifespan of 15-20 years, depending on the make and model and how well it’s treated. Therefore, if your furnace is nearing the end of its life, it’ll most likely be less efficient than newer models. Also, newer furnaces generally have much higher efficiency ratings than most of the older models.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Another way to determine if you have an inefficient furnace is if you’ve noticed more dust, allergens, and other indoor air pollutants. Low air quality like this could be a sign that your furnace isn’t properly filtering the air. Of course, it could also just be a clogged filter or malfunctioning furnace.
Noisy Operation
A furnace that’s making loud noises – whether banging, clanging, or squealing – is a problem. These sounds are usually caused by mechanical issues, like loose or worn parts or a broken ignition system. Either way, call Delta to check it out because it could become an even bigger problem if it’s not fixed right away.
Inconsistent Heating
Finally, if you’re noticing that your home isn’t as warm as it used to be or that certain rooms are much cooler or warmer than others, it’s a sign of a furnace that’s struggling. Inconsistent or uneven heating could be attributed to issues with your ductwork or other causes, but if it’s ongoing, it’s probably the result of a failing furnace.
Replace Your Inefficient Furnace and Save
You can conclude that your furnace is inefficient if you’ve noticed some or all of these signs. If that’s the case, it’s time to replace your failing furnace with a new, efficient furnace that will work properly. But before you purchase your new furnace, schedule an inspection with one of Delta’s HVAC experts to confirm this is the solution. They’ll also recommend the best course of action.
Upgrade to a more efficient furnace to lower your energy costs and improve your home comfort!
Delta Air Systems is an established heating company in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. We’ve been installing, servicing and repairing furnaces since the 1950s and work hard to ensure complete customer satisfaction.
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