When Should You Replace Your Furnace?

 Replacing your furnace is a big investment, and one that impacts your home for over a decade.  Your home’s heating system is responsible for keeping your living space comfortable, and has a direct impact on your energy bills. But when is the right time to replace it?

I’ve replaced hundreds of furnaces, heat pumps, and all sorts of heating systems in the Hoffman Estates area. Every situation is similar, but also unique. Luckily there are some general signs that you should replace your heating system, which are fairly easy to spot. 

This article will help you identify the best time of year to replace your furnace, the signs that indicate it’s time for a change, and the benefits to upgrading your old and inefficient furnace! If you want to talk to an expert now, give us a call at Compass Heating and Air. We will come take a look at your current heating system, and give you a few different heating solutions for your home. 

The Best Time Of Year To Replace Your Heating System

The most important aspect of replacing your heating system is to make the swap before it’s inconvenient for you. You can replace it at any time of the year, but there are a few that may help you save money, avoid being uncomfortable, and schedule at your convenience. 

Spring and Fall

The shoulder seasons—spring and fall—are generally the best times to replace your heating system. During these periods, HVAC companies tend to be less busy compared to the peak seasons of summer and winter. You might be able to get better deals, quicker installation times, and more availability when it comes to choosing a contractor.

If you replace it in the fall, it’s going to help you get ahead of the winter, and go into the new heating season with a fresh, new furnace. If you decide to replace in the spring, you’ll be getting rid of your old system after a long winter, and you will have nothing to worry about come next winter when it’s time to heat the home again. It’s really a win/win during these seasons. 

That’s not to say that you shouldn’t replace your heating system in the winter or summer. If you need a new heating system in the winter, you are going to make the switch. It just may not be as simple, seeing as some HVAC companies are very busy at this time. 

In the summer, if you are swapping out your AC, you may get a better deal if you choose to replace your heating system at the same time. So even though we prefer the fall/spring, you can have your furnace replaced any time of year. 

The Signs You Should Replace Your Furnace

It’s not always easy to know if your furnace needs to be replaced. However, there are some common indicators that signal it’s time to start considering a new heating system. Some of these are obvious, while others you may have to take a deeper look into. 

Your Home Isn’t Warm Enough

If your home isn’t warm enough, it’s an obvious sign that there may be a problem. It could be the case of certain rooms not staying warm, or the entire home struggling to stay comfortable. A furnace that’s losing its ability to heat your home efficiently may start to see rooms furthest from the system struggle at first. This is normally a bedroom or a living room that is furthest away from the furnace. 

Uneven heating could be due to various factors, like a problem with ductwork, or a clogged air filter. If your furnace is older, it’s more likely that the system itself is the problem. We recommend you have a professional take a look at it. They will be able to let you know if you simply need service or an adjustment to your heating system, or if it should be replaced. 

Your Energy Bills Are Unusually High

This can be one of the trickier signs, and one you may have to do a bit of research to determine. Obviously when the weather gets cooler, your energy bills will go up. BUT, if they begin to rise more than normal, it could be a sign you are due for a heating upgrade. 

We recommend comparing your heating bill to past years, checking the rates and costs of heating, and also seeing if your energy company offers a comparison to your neighbors. If you are seeing that the costs are rising higher than usual, call in an expert to take a look at your furnace. 

Older heating systems tend to lose efficiency over time, which means they require more energy to produce the same amount of heat. If your heating system is using too much energy, making the swap to a new heating system will bring your energy bills down, and improve your home comfort! 

Your Furnace Breaks Down Frequently

If you find yourself calling the HVAC technician for repairs more often than you’d like, it might be a better investment to install a new heating system. Frequent breakdowns mean costs of repair, your system is likely running less efficiently, and your system is likely about to die soon anyway.

In general, if your furnace requires repairs more than twice a year, or if repair costs exceed 50% of the price of a new system, it’s time to consider a replacement. You may think you are saving money by repairing your old heating system, but the truth is you could be sinking money into a lost cause. 

Your Heating System Is Very Old

Age is a significant factor when determining whether to replace your furnace. Most furnaces have a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, depending on what kind of furnace you have, how well it’s maintained, and how much it’s been used. Once your furnace passes the 12 year point, you should be ready to replace it soon. 

Now if your furnace is simply old, but it still works fine and your energy bills are under control, there is no need to replace it. But you should be prepared to replace it soon. If you were to run into a breakdown, or the energy bills started to rise, you shouldn’t be surprised if your older heating system is in need of an upgrade! 

Replacing Your Heating System In Hoffman Estates, IL

For residents of Hoffman Estates, IL, Compass Heating and Air is your expert when it comes to heating and cooling your home. We can help you repair a broken down heating system, or replace it if needed. We also offer different options for heating, including: 

• Heat pumps
• Ductless mini splits
• Furnaces
• Dual fuel heating systems
• Boilers

No matter what kind of heating system you are looking to replace or repair, we can help. Give us a call at (630) 504-8688, or contact us online!