San Jose, CA, and the Bay area typically have a mild climate all year round, but temperatures can dip into the 40s during the coldest months of the year. That’s why your furnace must be in good working order before the winter season begins.
The experts at Calvey Heating and Air are available to repair or maintain your furnace so you can keep your family comfortable. However, sometimes a furnace breaks down, requiring a full replacement. Read on for the top seven signs you need a new furnace so you’re prepared when a brand-new installation is required.
1. Rising Energy Bills
If your monthly energy bills have suddenly increased, it could indicate it’s time for a new furnace. When your furnace (or any parts of your furnace) need repair, the system needs to work harder, so the costs to keep it operating increase. There might be several reasons why it’s happening.
Regular wear or a leak could cause higher energy bills. A clogged or dirty filter may also be the culprit, so be sure to change the furnace filter per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Other underlying causes for higher energy bills include improper ventilation of the furnace vents or inadequate insulation of doors and windows. No matter the cause, it’s best to have your furnace inspected as soon as possible.
2. Furnace Needs Frequent Repairs
If your furnace constantly requires repairs, you likely need to replace it. Frequent and ongoing issues indicate that your current furnace is nearing the end of its service life. For example, a malfunctioning blower motor can strain other parts of the furnace, leading to an emergency or even a breakdown later.
Other serious issues some furnaces face include a cracked or damaged heat exchanger. While this might prompt you to call for repair, a cracked heat exchanger is an emergency that often requires complete furnace replacement. The crack could release dangerous carbon monoxide into your San Jose home.
3. Uneven Heating and Cold Spots
Uneven warm and cold spots throughout your home are another sign that indicates when to replace your furnace. A properly working furnace should keep every area of the home at a similar temperature. If your system isn’t doing this, it may have a duct leak or a serious blockage that prevents warm air from entering the home.
Issues with the filter or blower motor are other reasons why your furnace is suddenly producing uneven temperatures. Everything from a malfunctioning thermostat to a dysfunctional zone control system and design issues could be the underlying cause of your furnace creating uneven heating and cold spots.
Today’s furnaces are more efficient than ever. If yours isn’t heating your home as it should be, you may want to consider upgrading to a new model.
4. Furnace Making Strange Noises
It’s perfectly normal for your furnace to make noise while running, but if it’s producing odd, unusual sounds, there’s a chance it needs to be replaced. While some noises indicate the need for minor repair, others are red flags that something is seriously wrong.
- Popping or banging sounds may be something as minor as a clogged vent or expanding and contracting ductwork. However, a malfunctioning blower motor or a cracked heat exchanger is also known to cause strange, loud noises.
- A rattling noise usually indicates a loose panel or part. If you can locate the loose part and tighten it, the rattling sounds should stop.
- Is your furnace making ear-piercing squealing sounds? If so, it could be due to a worn fan belt. In this case, turn off your furnace and contact the pros at Calvey Heating and Air as soon as possible so we can assess the problem and make recommendations to fix or replace the system.
5. Your Furnace Is Too Old
Just like an older vehicle eventually reaches the end of its life, your furnace also has a lifespan. On average, furnaces last 15 to 25 years. If you don’t have the original installation paperwork, you can determine the age of your furnace by reading the second and third digits of the model number, which usually indicate the year it was made.
If your current unit is 15 years old or older, you might start to notice more issues arise as time goes on. Individual components start to fail one at a time on older furnaces, which usually leads to costly repairs. It’s better to replace the system now before it becomes a major hassle.
6. Poor Air Quality Due to an Aging Furnace
Good indoor air quality is important to keep you and your family healthy. An aging furnace can cause the air quality inside your home to deteriorate for a few reasons:
- Aging furnaces accumulate dirt and dust more frequently than newer designs and circulate that particulate through the ductwork and out of the vents, into your home. The tiny airborne particles can cause respiratory problems or make existing conditions worse over time.
- An aging, leaky furnace can cause gas and carbon monoxide to enter your home, posing a serious threat to your safety. Gas leaks can lead to a fire or an explosion, and carbon monoxide can lead to life-threatening health issues.
- Older furnaces create condensation that can lead to mold growth, which often exacerbates health conditions like asthma and allergies.
7. Furnace Short Cycling or Difficulty Starting
Short cycling occurs when your furnace turns on and off too frequently. A properly working furnace will turn on and then turn off again once the indoor temperature reaches the number set on the thermostat. A short-cycling furnace could simply indicate a clogged air filter, or it could mean the furnace needs replacing.
A furnace that has difficulty starting could have electrical problems or issues with the gas supply. In many cases, correcting these issues costs more than installing a new furnace. If you’ve changed the air filter, checked the pilot light, and checked the breaker with no success, contact Calvey Heating and Air right away.
Why Now Is the Time to Replace Your Furnace
If any of the above signs apply to you, now is a great time to replace your furnace. Calvey Heating and Air is a premium service provider. We’re proud to partner with Carrier, a leader in the heating and cooling industry.
As a small, family-owned business, we treat all of our clients like they’re part of the family. We care about your comfort during every season. Take advantage of our available rebates to help you save even more on a new furnace.
Contact Calvey for Furnace Replacement in San Jose & The Bay Area
Are you in need of a furnace replacement and live in San Jose or the Bay area? The team at Calvey is here to help. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment today.