Investing in furnace installation can cost a pretty penny. However, many homeowners find themselves in a situation with an old or broken furnace and wonder if they should get a replacement. Here are a few ways to tell if you need a new furnace.

Rising Energy Bills

Rising energy bills are a surefire sign that something is not as energy efficient as it should be. In this case, you may notice that your furnace is causing this issue. Ask a professional HVAC company to perform maintenance on your furnace first. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can decrease your energy bill by 30% with standard HVAC maintenance and maintaining insulation. It's probably time for a new furnace if that doesn't work. You may have an outdated model that isn't energy efficient or your furnace may be getting old and need repairs.

Frequent Repairs

A furnace needing frequent repairs is one of the first signs it's time for a new installation. It's common for old furnaces to break down on occasion. However, this will become more frequent as the furnace gets closer to dying. You may find yourself needing to call a local repairman every few months. Furnace installation is usually cheaper in the long run when you consider the high cost of constant repairs.

Costly Repairs

Similarly, most people consider a furnace replacement if they must pay for these frequent and costly repairs. When you're faced with repairs that cost a lot, it might be worthwhile to ask a local heating and cooling company how much it will cost for a new furnace installation. Be sure to compare the cost of repairs to a new furnace. If it only costs a bit more for a brand-new furnace, it's a wise investment. You'll save quickly because new furnaces require less maintenance and repairs in the long run.

Outdated Furnace

Consider how old a furnace is when deciding if it's time for a new installation. Older models often have outdated technology that makes them less energy efficient. You'll notice higher heat bills if you have an older furnace. Outdated models often lack features that newer models do, such as better air filtration systems to improve indoor air quality. A professional HVAC service can carefully inspect the model to let you know if it's time for an upgrade.

Home Expansions

The furnace in your home is designed to heat your current house. You usually need a new furnace installed once you add more square footage to the house. A furnace that is too small will need help to heat the entire home adequately. You'll notice some rooms are colder than others because the furnace can't heat the house evenly. The additional work puts too much stress on the HVAC system, resulting in more frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan. It's best to upgrade your HVAC system when adding new rooms to your house.

Safety Issues

Some furnaces wind up having problems that are serious safety issues. For example, we've seen that an old furnace may start leaking carbon monoxide, which can endanger the entire family. A professional evaluation is essential when there are safety issues. You may be able to have the furnace repaired. However, if there is a chance that it is likely to happen again, it's best to invest in furnace installation services to keep your family safe. A professional can help you determine which action is best for your family.

Severe Damage

Severe damage to a furnace usually calls for a new furnace. A furnace showing visible signs of rust or cracks should always be replaced. These problems are usually harder to fix, and they will get worse over time. Living in a house with a severely damaged furnace can put the family in danger because the furnace may malfunction or even cause a larger situation like a fire. These damages can also lead to other components breaking. Ask a professional HVAC company to evaluate the damage to determine whether you need a new furnace.

We understand that figuring out whether you should invest in furnace installation or repairs can be challenging. Contact us at Viglione Heating & Cooling when you need a professional opinion. With over 60 years of experience, we're here to help!