The time to replace is now. If you wait until the cold winter to get a new heater, it will take longer & cost more.
Today’s furnaces should keep your home warm for 15 to 20 winters. If your furnace is approaching or has passed its 15th year, consider shopping for a replacement now, and consider it a home improvement. The last thing you want is to shiver through a sub-zero January night with a dead furnace! If you are not certain of the age of your furnace, look for a pilot light. If you have one, your unit is at least 25 years old.
Gas/Electric Bill Rising
Yes, the price of gas and electricity increase on a regular basis, but price increases are not the only cause of higher bills. An aging furnace – or one that has not been properly maintained – will run longer in order to provide the level of heat you require.
Frequent Repairs
A furnace is like any other mechanical device – eventually, parts wear down or break down. If you’ve had to pay for repairs on a frequent basis, or had to wait for repairs while your contractor hunts for parts that will work on your unit, it’s time to consider a new furnace.
Frequent Thermostat Adjustments
When one room is steaming and another room is cold, it can indicate a problem with your furnace. It may be that your furnace isn’t strong enough to distribute air evenly throughout your home.
Strange Noises
When your blower motor runs and runs and runs, or you hear banging, popping, or squealing, it’s time for an inspection and possibly a replacement.
Unexplained Health Issues
Headaches, flu symptoms, and a burning sensation in the nose or eyes are indications of carbon monoxide poisoning, which occurs when there is a crack in the heater exchange inside your furnace. If you suspect Carbon Monoxide poisoning don’t hang around! Open windows, leave the building, and call your gas company and Stewart Heating & Cooling right away.