Although summer is in full force, that does not mean that your home’s furnace should be ignored. In fact, the summer is a critical time for most homeowners because it is often the only time these issues can be taken care of without inconvenience. For example, waiting until the winter season is not only going to leave you out in the cold, but it can even pose a danger to yourself and the rest of your family. Thus the following includes a few signs to look out for before and during the winter season.
The Age of Your Furnace
If you are living in a recently built home, you may not need to worry about this. However, if you are aware that both your home and neighborhood are on the older side, checking the age of your furnace should be your first move in determining if a furnace replacement is needed. So, how old should a furnace be? According to the experts at Bryant evolution system, a heating furnace should be in good working condition if it’s under 15 to 20 years. Now, that information is not always something easily accessible as most furnaces do not have an official expiration date. However, there are two things that you can use to estimate the age of a furnace. According to Bryant evolution, you can either use the age of the home to determine its age or, if you have the original manual, that should help to narrow down the year it was manufactured.
Energy/Utility Bills Suddenly Going Up
Perhaps the first thing that most homeowners are going to notice when their furnace is malfunctioning is not the actual furnace but rather their energy/utility bills. A sudden spike in your energy bill is a clear indication that something is wrong within your home. This is because your furnace is suddenly needing to work harder to heat your home, and thus more energy is consumed. So, as the winter months roll on, it is important to keep special attention on them to ensure that no surprises are found on your energy bill. However, if there are random spikes, a furnace replacement may be needed.
Lots of Dust Accumulating
There’s no doubt about it; one of the most common things you’ll find a homeowner doing on a daily basis is scooping up dust. Unfortunately, dust seems to never end, and oftentimes you can’t even figure out where it’s coming from. However, if you have a furnace within your home, that should be the first place you should check. A furnace has to have its filter changed every one to three months, depending on how much you use it. However, if it’s been years since you’ve changed it, the furnace may have already incurred damages. This means that even if a new filter is added, your furnace may still malfunction and eventually break down. In this case, the best route to take is to replace the furnace entirely.
A furnace is one of the most important parts of a home, especially if you experience harsh winters. In fact, being in the cold is the least of your worries as a malfunctioning furnace can even pose a danger to your family. Thus, utilizing the tips listed above is highly recommended to ensure that your furnace is in proper working order come winter.
