As nice as the weather may be in the Bay Area most of the time, a reliable furnace is still essential for the occasional bout of unusually cold weather or chilly winter nights.
If your furnace is less than reliable or isn’t keeping your home comfortable, it may be time to consider your options. Here are a few good indicators that your furnace needs to be replaced:
1. Your Furnace Is Over 15 Years Old
Most furnaces last about 12 to 15 years, so if it is more than 15 years old, it’s only a matter of time before some of the more costly components like the heat exchanger or blower motor fail.
If you have an older furnace and it’s starting to have problems, it’s a good idea to plan for a furnace replacement.
2. It Is Unreliable or Needs Frequent Repairs
When you need your furnace, you should be able to count on it to start and run properly. If your furnace breaks down often or needs constant repairs to keep working properly, it may be time to upgrade. All the minor repairs can add up to major costs with time.
3. An Expensive Component Needs To Be Replaced
Even if your furnace is in relatively good condition, replacing it may be the more cost-effective option if a major component like the heat exchanger fails.
With labor costs, a new heat exchanger or variable-speed blower motor can be over half the cost of a basic furnace, while standard blower motors and inducer motors can cost up to $1,000 installed. If the parts and labor add up to over half the cost of a new furnace, a replacement may be best.
4. It Is Expensive To Operate
If your furnace is over a decade or two old, it will be far less efficient than even today’s basic models. Older furnaces are often rated at 70% AFUE or lower, while modern furnaces start at 80% AFUE and top out at over 98% AFUE. This means new models convert 80% to over 98% of the fuel directly into heat.
By upgrading to a new furnace, you can immediately reduce your heating costs now and for the life of the system.
5. It Has Trouble Keeping Your Home Comfortable
As your furnace ages, it will become less efficient and effective, leading to poor heating performance. If your home is drafty, has hot and cold spots, or isn’t warm enough no matter how long the furnace runs, it may be time for an upgrade.
When To Repair or Replace Your Furnace
If your furnace is less than 15 years old and only needs minor repairs, like a fan limit switch replacement or a new igniter, furnace repairs are likely the best option.
If your furnace is older, needs frequent repairs, or needs an expensive component replaced, a new furnace may be better, especially if the repair costs add up to over 50% of the cost of a new furnace.
How To Maximize the Service Life of Your Furnace
The most important thing you can do to increase the longevity of your furnace is schedule preventative furnace maintenance at least once a year. This will help catch problems early while improving the performance and efficiency of your furnace.
Between service visits, check the furnace filter monthly during the heating season and replace it as necessary, keep the area around the furnace clean, and make sure none of the vents are blocked or filled with debris. If you notice a problem, schedule furnace repairs promptly to prevent further system damage.
Can a Heat Pump Replace a Furnace?
A heat pump is a good option for Northern California homes, as it offers heating and cooling in one package and can be extremely efficient in milder climates. It works similar to an air conditioner in the summer, using a refrigerant to absorb heat from your home and release it outside, but in the winter, it can operate in reverse, bringing the heat inside.
A heat pump can replace a furnace, but it will take more effort than installing a new furnace. The old furnace will need to be removed, and possibly the air conditioning system, as well. New heating and cooling calculations will be needed, and the ducts may need to be redesigned. The reliability and performance of a heat pump may make the switch an attractive choice.
Furnace Replacements in the Bay Area
When you need a qualified team for your furnace replacement or heat pump installation, talk to our experts at AIS Heating & Air Conditioning. Our company has been serving the Bay Area since 2008, and we offer quality service and work that has earned us an excellent reputation in the community.
We offer straightforward pricing and great financing options that make it easy to get your new furnace or heat pump installed, and we feature a one-year test drive and our “No Excuses” guarantee, which ensures you’ll be happy with your new system.
Call (510) 792-4328 today or contact us online to request a quote for a furnace replacement anywhere in Fremont, Livermore, Pleasanton, or the rest of the Bay Area.
