Whether it’s been over 12 years since you installed your current furnace or it’s been damaged beyond repair, it’s time to start looking for a replacement furnace. Finding the right unit can be difficult. What size, style, or efficiency rating is best for your home?

Rely on this furnace buying guide to know all the factors you need to consider as you look for a new unit.

Don’t Buy a Furnace on Impulse

While buying new things for your home can be fun and exciting, purchasing a new furnace shouldn’t be done impulsively. Yes, it can be tempting to buy the first system that fits within your expectations, but don’t act in haste.

A new furnace needs to go beyond keeping your home and family warm. It needs to operate safely, last a number of years, and keep your energy bills moderate. Every house is unique, so finding the right furnace will take some time.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that you may be tempted to purchase a new furnace because it’s marked at a low price. Just because it’s a good deal doesn’t mean it will always work best in your home. It’s important to consider various options that greatly impact how your heating system works during the winter months.

How to Choose a New Furnace

Prior to shopping, you should research the many furnace models out there. Doing so can give you a clear picture of what unit you should get while also comparing prices.

Along with that, here are some additional tips for buying a furnace that you should consider:

Your Area’s Climate

Considering your local climate is a crucial factor when investing in a new furnace. Different regions experience varying temperature ranges and weather conditions, influencing the heating requirements for homes.

In colder climates, a high-efficiency furnace with robust heating capabilities may be necessary to combat harsh winter conditions. Milder climates, however, may allow for more flexibility in furnace selection.

Understanding the climate in your area enables you to choose a furnace that aligns with the specific heating demands, maximizing efficiency and ensuring year-round comfort. Working with HVAC experts who are familiar with the local climate can provide valuable insights into the ideal furnace type for optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Energy Source

When considering a new furnace, the choice between gas and electric energy sources plays a pivotal role. Gas furnaces operate by heating cold air through gas burners, distributing warm air via ductwork. This option proves cost-effective if your home is equipped with gas lines.

On the other hand, electric furnaces utilize heating elements to generate warmth, running on electricity. While lacking the cost advantages of gas furnaces, electric alternatives can be suitable depending on your home’s energy infrastructure.

Assessing the availability of gas lines and your budgetary considerations will guide you in making the right decision, ensuring optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness for your heating needs.

Furnace

Size of Unit

The size of your furnace is a critical factor influencing its performance and efficiency. A furnace too small for your home may struggle to heat larger spaces adequately. However, an oversized furnace can lead to inefficiency and increased operational costs.

Collaborating with a seasoned HVAC contractor is key to determining the optimal furnace size for your home. Through a comprehensive analysis of your heating requirements, an expert can recommend the appropriate furnace capacity, ensuring efficient heat distribution and optimal performance.

Taking this step not only enhances comfort but also contributes to energy savings, aligning the furnace size with your specific heating needs.

Efficiency Rating

Understanding the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is essential when you want to buy a new furnace. AFUE measures the efficiency of the furnace in converting gas to heat, expressed as a percentage.

Standard units typically boast an 80 percent efficiency rating, while high-efficiency furnaces can achieve ratings of 90 to 97 percent. Opting for a furnace with higher AFUE translates to enhanced energy efficiency and cost savings over time.

It’s advisable to strike a balance between initial costs and long-term savings by choosing a furnace with an efficiency rating that aligns with your heating requirements. Careful consideration of efficiency ensures not only optimal performance but also a more environmentally conscious and economical heating solution for your home.

Choosing the Most Efficient Furnace for Your Home

When selecting a furnace, it’s important to consider not just the initial cost but also the long-term savings. While more energy-efficient units may cost more upfront, they can significantly lower your energy bills over time, making them a wise investment in the long run.

Advances in furnace technology mean that new models are much more efficient than older ones. However, there is a wide variety of options, ranging from basic models that meet the minimum efficiency standards to top-tier units offering exceptional performance. A more efficient furnace reduces wasted energy, enhances performance, and lowers your ongoing costs.

What Is the Cost of a New Furnace?

Depending on the style and size of the unit, a new furnace can cost between $3,000 and $7,000. Gas furnaces tend to be the most expensive type of furnace, but they are some of the most efficient heating systems. You should also have your new furnace installed by professional technicians to ensure safety.

The cost of labor can range anywhere from $400 to $1,000, as most HVAC contractors charge around $100 an hour, and the furnace installation process can last a minimum of four hours.

One of the most common dangers to be aware of as a homeowner is carbon monoxide. This odorless gas can cause injury and even death if it gets into your home. However, several safety measures can help to ensure that your furnace system is working properly and that carbon monoxide will not threaten the health of your family.

Protect yourself from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) by learning about warning signs, like odd smells or noises from your furnace. Many risks can be caused by this gas, so, as a homeowner, you need to know how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from the furnace.

Risks of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

First, it’s important to understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning. Most people know that extremely high levels of carbon monoxide can result in death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 420 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning every year.

The CDC also reports that over 100,000 people in the United States visit the emergency room each year due to accidental CO poisoning. These injuries can be confused as cold or flu-like symptoms, chronic fatigue, headaches, nausea, and seasonal depression. They are mostly caused by low-level carbon monoxide poisoning. The results of this poisoning, over time, however, can cause permanent damage to the brain, heart, and other organs.

Along with the various health risks of carbon monoxide, there are additional concerns that you need to be aware of, including:

How Does Carbon Monoxide Get into Your Home?

Although heating and cooling manufacturers strive to provide safe products to consumers and do an admirable job at it, there are still some issues to be aware of so that carbon monoxide cannot become a problem in your home. The link between a furnace and carbon monoxide needs to be taken very seriously when maintaining your home and purchasing new equipment.

Unsealed Gaps in Your Home

It’s common practice these days to seal off windows and other areas of homes where air typically gets in during winter months to cut down on cold drafts. While this is helpful for our comfort and our heating bills, it does not allow as much fresh air to circulate throughout the house.

This can cause stale air or poisonous gasses to linger because they are trapped in an airtight home. Ensuring your home is free of cracks in the foundation or between windows and doors will lower the risk of having your home filled with toxic furnace carbon monoxide.

Carbon Monoxide Picture

Damaged Heat Exchanger

A furnace can become dangerous when the heat exchanger gets a crack and allows CO gas to escape into your home. The heat exchanger is the metal wall or tubing that is heated up when the burners are ignited. This is the only wall separating the toxic gasses in the flue from the supply of air in your home.

If your unit is damaged, have it inspected by an HVAC technician immediately. These issues need to be quickly addressed in order to protect you from toxic gas and to safeguard your HVAC equipment.

Challenges With New High-Efficiency Furnaces

New, high-efficiency furnaces are replacing older ones. Again, this is a great improvement on our heating bills and is environmentally friendly, but many times, these new systems use existing chimneys that were not designed for them. This can sometimes allow carbon monoxide to enter the living space.

It’s important to work with experienced technicians who can help you find the best and safest unit for your home. You also need to ensure your system is installed by a professional to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide from the furnace.

Clogged Chimneys

Many carbon monoxide problems result from chimneys that are clogged by soot, animal nests, or other debris. This does not give access to carbon monoxide released from burning wood to leave the home, so it filters back down and can become dangerous.

Keep your chimney free of any blockages to ensure the safe and efficient venting of carbon monoxide and other combustion byproducts. Regular chimney inspections and cleanings by a certified professional are beneficial preventive measures.

How Can You Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

 

The good thing about dealing with carbon monoxide is that it’s easy to prevent issues from arising. There are different devices and methods that will identify its presence or keep your furnace from leaking CO.

If you’re worried about carbon monoxide from a gas furnace, have it inspected by our professional technicians from Home Comfort Experts. We provide furnace repairs in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

We all know the importance of having a well-functioning furnace installed in our home, especially during the peak of winter. As time goes on, it’s normal for your furnace to start malfunctioning and showing signs of wear and tear. For this reason, it’s essential to know when to replace your furnace.

Before deciding whether it’s time to replace your furnace or not, it’s important to investigate the state of your current unit and system as a whole. Perhaps you’re receiving inadequate heating because of a ductwork issue, or you just need to have your furnace filters replaced.

If your furnace is really on its last leg, you’ll want to equip yourself with knowledge so you can accurately find a replacement. Things like fuel type, efficiency, and size can be clear indicators of when to replace a furnace.

How Long Does a Furnace Last?

With proper furnace maintenance, your unit can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. However, if you don’t address issues when they first arise, you may find yourself replacing your furnace earlier than you intended.

To have your furnace for its entire lifespan, it needs to be taken care of from the first moment you install it. Many factors can decrease your furnace’s lifespan, including:

To ensure your furnace’s longevity, it’s important to have a professional technician inspect your home and properly install the unit. From there, having it serviced annually will lead to less frequent breakdowns and money savings, ensuring your furnace is ready for the winter.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Furnace?

After the first few years of operation, your furnace may start to malfunction. If your unit is properly maintained, these issues should be easily repaired. However, when issues are left unattended for too long, the problems can grow and grow, causing the entire system to be affected.

While you need to know when to repair vs. replace your furnace, there are clear signs that indicate you should replace your unit:

What to Know Before Replacing a Furnace

There are many things to know before replacing your furnace so that you can find a new unit that meets your exact needs. If you simply buy a model because there’s a deal or a low price, you may end up with a furnace that will raise your energy bills and cause other problems.

It’s best to have a trained professional inspect your home to know exactly what style and size of furnace you should install so you can keep your energy bills low and comfort levels high.

Type of Furnace

When getting a furnace upgrade, consider the style and power source that would be best for your home. Electric furnaces are relatively affordable and are one of the most efficient types of heating units. However, these machines can be more expensive than natural gas-powered furnaces in areas that only provide coal-based electricity.

On the other hand, furnaces that run on natural gas are more expensive to purchase than electric ones. But, because they do not affect your electric bill at all, they are much cheaper to use long-term. If you live in an area that experiences extended periods of cold, this may be the best choice for you.

Energy Efficiency

Furnace efficiency is determined by how much electricity, oil, or gas is converted into heat. Modern units have advanced features that may cost more upfront but can save you money through the years. Be sure to consider long-term costs when buying a new furnace.

Before you replace your old furnace with a high-efficiency unit, it’s important to notice the signs of inefficiency in your furnace. In some cases, you may just need in-depth maintenance or repairs. When replacing your unit, having every aspect of your system inspected will help keep your furnace running smoothly.

Size of Your Home

The size of your home can help determine how big or small your new furnace should be. A larger house with lots of potential air leaks will require a bigger heating unit. This is because more heated air will have to be continuously brought into your home. Meanwhile, a more modest-sized home may get more than adequate heating with a smaller furnace installed.

A licensed expert may be able to help you maximize heat conservation within your residence so you won’t have to spend more on large heating units. Bigger furnaces do cost more than smaller ones. That’s why you should speak to a professional who can help you find the perfect furnace for your home.

If you need more furnace-buying tips, turn to our team at Home Comfort Experts. Our professionals can help you with furnace repairs and replacements in Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our technicians.

Feeling cold in the middle of the winter is the last thing that anyone wants. That is why doing a regular furnace checkup is important. This way, you’ll be able to prevent your furnace from breaking down. Here are the signs that indicate an emergency furnace repair should be done.

Heating System Is Outdated

Furnaces have a lifespan of about 15-20 years on average. Schedule a regular maintenance to help keep it running as efficiently as possible. If the furnace is 20 years and older, pay attention to irregularities, unfamiliar sounds, smells, or leakage. These should prompt immediate professional inspection. Licensed technicians will tell you what issue needs to be addressed or if the whole unit needs to be replaced.

Blows Cold Air

When the heater is on, but you feel cold air being pushed out of the system, it’s time to get your unit checked by a professional. This can be caused by a broken blower fan. It could also be because of a malfunctioning pilot light. These issues would require thorough assessment and testing by a licensed technician.

Creates Strange Noise

A furnace does make several kinds of noises. However, when you start to hear loud bangs, screeches, or cracks, it needs to be inspected right away. Something may have come apart or loose. You may also hear your furnace turn on and off too frequently. These are strong signs that the heating system may break very soon.

Has a Faulty Pilot Light

Natural gas furnaces have blue pilot lights. This is because methane, the chemical compound used in natural gas, burns blue. If you check and see that it has turned yellow, your unit may be leaking carbon monoxide, a very toxic gas. If you also notice condensation, rusting, and a nasty rotten egg smell coming from the unit, shut it off. These are signs of significant carbon monoxide leakage.

Increased Heating Bills

Furnaces increase electric and gas bills with use. But, when you notice a significantly higher bill with regular heater usage, this may be a sign that the furnace needs inspection. Your unit has most likely been running a lot longer to heat your home. This concern must be addressed soon since it may mean that your unit needs to be replaced.

Reach Out to Home Comfort Experts!

When you notice any of the warning signs above, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Home Comfort Experts provides emergency furnace repair 24/7. We also offer other HVAC and plumbing services. Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment!

As this summer comes to an end, is your home ready for winter? Fall is the best time to make sure your heating system is working adequately. This will help keep you and your family safe and warm through the colder months of the year. Listed below are the reasons why maintaining your furnace is essential.

Ensures Efficiency

For your heating unit to operate efficiently, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Frequent filter replacements may help, but dust in your air ducts and the furnace itself may have accumulated for months.

Particulates may cause clogs that decrease the amount of clean air that a furnace can circulate throughout your home. This may also cause it to heat your living areas at a slower pace. It may also consume more power, which can increase your monthly electric bills.

Saves On Costs

Neglecting furnace inspection can lead to breakdowns that affect the efficiency of your system. Parts and labor for HVAC repairs are rather expensive, especially during the colder months of the year. Whole unit replacements are even more pricey. With regular furnace maintenance, you can save more money as it helps prevent costly repairs.

Reduces Potential Risks

The risk of furnace failure can be significantly reduced when it’s maintained frequently. A trained HVAC professional can check each part to make sure it is cleaned and properly attached to the unit. They may also replace a defective component as soon as they find one.

Since these heating unit systems are expected to run throughout the entire winter season, each of its internal pieces can be susceptible to deterioration. Having these inspected beforehand reduces the risk of breakage.

Extends the Lifespan of the Unit

If you have just purchased a new furnace, you can be sure that it will last for a long time with annual maintenance while maintaining factory and company warranties and guarantees. The average lifetime of a furnace is 15-20 years with annual maintenance, but can be half that or less without proper tune-ups. Protect your investment and the safety of your home and family by getting a thorough professional inspection at least once a year.

Improves Indoor Air Quality

A heating unit that has not been properly maintained can circulate pollutants in your household. Air filters alone won’t be able to adequately filter out harmful particulates and allergens.

A skilled mechanic can inspect your unit for mold, mildew, and dust buildup. These can all be addressed to make sure you and your family are always breathing clean air.

Reach Out to Home Comfort Experts!

Ensuring that your heating system is in good condition can make a difference when winter strikes. To learn how you can get quality furnace maintenance, get in touch with the team of Home Comfort Experts today!

Dust, dirt, and other allergens can accumulate inside your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts. If left unaddressed, they can cause health issues such as respiratory problems and skin irritation to members of the household.

For that reason, it’s important to always keep your air ducts clean. Unfortunately, your ductwork is hidden, which makes it difficult to determine whether it needs sanitation.

So how can you tell if your HVAC ducts need some attention? Listed below are telltale signs that you should contact service experts for heating and air conditioning for maintenance.

Presence of Mold or Mildew

Both your furnace and air conditioning unit produce condensation. It’s highly possible that mold and mildew can grow on your home’s air registers as well as inside the duct. Vacuuming and sanitizing them can help prevent mold infestation.

Skyrocketing HVAC Bills

While utility bills normally rise from year to year, a massive increase should be a cause for concern. If you receive an alarmingly high electric bill, it’s possible that your ducts are the culprit.

HVAC ducts, in extreme cases, can get so dirty to the point that air cannot flow freely through them. As a result, your furnace and air conditioner are forced to work harder than they need to. When that happens, they use up more electricity which translates to higher utility fees.

Uneven Air Flow in Your Living Space

If you notice that airflow is weaker in certain rooms, it’s possible that dust or debris is causing a blockage in your air ducts. Having them cleaned should immediately fix the issue.

However, uneven airflow can also be caused by leaky ducts due to rips and degradation. To be sure, it’s best to call service experts for heating and air conditioning.

Your Home Gets Dusty Too Quickly

All homes get dusty from time to time. However, it’s a different story when you notice the presence of dust particles a day or two removed from cleaning. For such instances, you may need to have your air ducts cleaned.

HVAC Maintenance Experts

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, don’t hesitate to contact Home Comfort Experts. We’ll be happy to provide quality air duct cleaning as well as other services like furnace and air conditioning repair. Call us today!

During the holiday season, it’s common to see homeowners setting up decorations like Christmas trees, festive wall hangings, and welcoming wreaths. It’s a tradition that adds a special touch of warmth and coziness to our homes. Still, sometimes, in the midst of all the merriment, we might unintentionally block a vent or two while making room for that beautifully adorned Christmas tree.

While we all love to embrace the season’s spirit, it’s crucial to be mindful of how our holiday decorations affect our home’s heating system and energy bills. Even if it’s just for a short while, an air return that’s blocked by a Christmas tree can lead to high energy bills and an uncomfortable home.

What Is a Cold Air Return Vent?

An air return vent is a part of your home’s HVAC system. Unlike smaller heat registers, return vents are larger and don’t blow out air. They work by taking in cool room air, which is then reheated by the furnace to keep your home comfortable. They help maintain a consistent indoor temperature without you feeling air blowing from them.

Why Return Air Vents Should Not Be Blocked

When installing a new HVAC system, technicians will carefully analyze factors such as your home’s airflow, specific needs, insulation, window layout, and more. They consider metrics like CFM (cubic feet per minute), which measures how much air your furnace and ductwork can heat and circulate within a minute.

It’s a meticulous process that factors in the size of ductwork, furnace capacity, the number of return air vents, and other critical variables to ensure your home remains comfortable and efficient throughout the year.

Airflow problems are responsible for 40 percent of all heating and air conditioning system failures. Cutting off your home’s airflow can make your HVAC system very inefficient. If you are blocking cold air return vents in winter, it means your furnace has to work harder. This added pressure can cause your heating system to break down more frequently and increase your monthly energy bills.

How Do You Keep Your Air Vents Working Properly?

To ensure your HVAC system runs smoothly, it’s crucial to start by checking your air return vents for any blockages. Once you’ve confirmed they’re clear, it’s time to remove the vent cover and clean the grille.

Air return vents attract dust and debris. Regularly cleaning them is vital to maintaining efficient airflow. Dust and particles can accumulate on the grille, hindering the system’s performance. Cleaning it will ensure that your HVAC system can draw in the right amount of air without any obstructions.

By keeping your air return vents unblocked and clean, you’re taking a significant step in enhancing your HVAC system’s overall performance. It ensures that it functions optimally, effectively circulating air and maintaining a comfortable environment in your home.

What Happens If a Return Vent Is Blocked?

Blocking an air return vent might not seem like a big deal, but it can have significant consequences for your home’s heating and cooling system. When you obstruct an air return vent, you essentially limit the flow of air in your home. This restriction forces your HVAC system to labor more strenuously because there’s less air for it to circulate back to the furnace for reheating or cooling.

If you need a professional to take a look at your heating or ventilation system, turn to our technicians at Home Comfort Experts. Our goal is to ensure that your family is comfortable and cozy during the holiday season, and to save you as much money as possible.

Contact us today at our main office at (574) 498-7017 and let us know how we can help.

With winter right around the corner, it is the most important time of the year to ensure your furnace is running properly. The last thing anyone wants to deal with during the freezing winter months is to have a faulty furnace. Even if your furnace is working properly, it may not be the most efficient, which can lead to decreased comfort and high energy bills.

In recent years, advances in heating and energy technologies have made newer furnace models more efficient than their older counterparts. Here are four ways to ensure your furnace is running as efficiently as possible.

1. Use a Smart Thermostat

Regulating the temperature inside your home can be tricky. Different rooms often require different temperatures in order to stay consistently warm throughout the entire house. A smart or programmable thermostat gives you the ability to regulate the temperature of every room in your home.

By regulating the temperature of different rooms throughout your home, you can ensure your furnace only works as hard as it has to during the winter.

2. Clean Your Air Vents

Debris buildup in your air vents could cause serious long-term problems. A dirty or debris-filled air vent could slowdown efficiency, create unhealthy breathing air, or even cause a fire. Additionally, the presence of germs, dust, and other contaminants can lead to poor indoor air quality, posing a number of health and safety risks to you and your family.

By having a professional HVAC technician perform thorough air duct cleaning services, you would not only save time and mone, but also protect yourself and your loved ones. If you are noticing your furnace running inefficiently, it could be caused by dirty air vents.

3. Replace Air Filters

When your furnace’s air filters become clogged with dust and debris, it could cause many problems for your heating and AC systems. Regularly replacing your air filters is an important part of HVAC maintenance.

If your furnace filters are dirty during a heating cycle, they will restrict airflow, meaning your furnace will have a harder time pulling from your indoor air supply. Severely clogged air filters can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your HVAC system and cause it to work overtime to produce the same output.

Contact a heating and cooling professional to have your air filters replaced and ensure your furnace is running at peak efficiency.

4. Schedule Routine Maintenance

The best way to find out if your heating system is running at peak efficiency is to have routine furnace maintenance performed on your heating and cooling system. Receiving maintenance on your HVAC system ensures the system is taken care of and always ready to use.

A professional HVAC technician will inspect and diagnose any issues, as well as replace any problematic parts that may be causing your furnace to run inefficiently. Many problems with a heating system are not visible to the untrained eye, which is why having an experienced technician look at your system is important to ensure that it always runs smoothly.

Differences in Furnace Inefficiency

If you’re encountering issues with your furnace, yet your HVAC expert finds no problems, the cause might be an under-efficient furnace. Here are some useful tips when determining your furnace’s efficiency:

How To Know Which Furnace Option Is Right For You

A professional and knowledgeable HVAC technician can inspect your furnace to ensure it is running at peak efficiency. We will ensure you have the proper model for your home and that everything is running the way it should.

Our team can help you assess what route to take. If you are looking for a new furnace, we can help you select one and promptly install it on your behalf. If you need quick repairs, we can help you there too. No matter what, whether you need a furnace installation or repair, we will ensure your safety and comfort.

When you contact our experienced and friendly professionals at Home Comfort Experts, we will perform our signature and in-depth furnace maintenance and safety inspection. This in-depth inspection goes further than any competitor to ensure every single part of your system is thoroughly inspected and serviced.

Ask about joining the Comfort Club, Home Comfort Expert’s exclusive membership that guarantees appointments and provides valuable free services and discounts on repairs.

Contact us today to speak to our heating and cooling professionals and learn about the ways we can help you. We serve Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan from our 12 locations.

When the cold weather comes, you need to be prepared. The last thing you need in the middle of the winter is for your furnace to fail. Before your furnace fails, you should know the warning signs. Here are 5 reasons why you might be ready for a furnace replacement:

   1. Old Furnace

One of the biggest problems when it comes to your furnace is age. If your furnace is older than 15 years old, it may be time to get a replacement. Furnaces that are older than 15 years old do not operate at maximum efficiency. That means your furnace is costing you extra money in utility bills every month. In addition to costing you money, older furnaces are not good for the environment. Your problems could be solved with a newer, higher-efficiency model. Repairing an old furnace can be just as expensive as buying a new one. If your furnace is 15 years old or older, it may be time for an upgrade.

   2. Higher Costs

If you have seen a spike in your energy bills, your furnace may be to blame. Older furnaces run at a far lower efficiency than newer models. While smarter thermostats may be able to temporarily keep costs at bay, over time you might not be able to prevent higher costs without upgrading to a newer model. By replacing your furnace, you will be able to save on energy bills and prevent frequent repairs. If you are experiencing a spike in your energy costs, it is time to replace your furnace.

   3. Different Temperatures in Your Home

If you notice hot and cold zones throughout your home, it may be time for a new furnace. Due to outdated furnace and duct systems, you may be experiencing drastically different temperatures throughout your home. Some rooms might be colder while other rooms are simultaneously hotter. If this happens to you, it may be time for a furnace replacement.

   4. Strange Noises

When older furnaces start to make noise, it is a warning sign. When your furnace starts to make strange noises, it may be time for a furnace replacement. If you hear rattling, popping, humming, or squealing you have a problem with your furnace. A rattling noise may indicate ductwork, loose screws, sheet metal, or even the lower furnace motor not being properly balanced. A popping noise happens when parts inside of your furnace heat and cool in response to temperature changes. A humming noise is common, it happens when your far motor is making a bit of noise. If it’s to the point of disruption, you might need a furnace blower motor replacement. A squealing noise means your blower motor or inducer is damaged or worn out. It could also be caused by a loose bearing, deteriorating belt, or an issue with the pulley holding the belt. These signs mean it may be time for a furnace replacement.

  5. Frequent Repairs

If you frequently need repairs on your furnace, it may be time for a furnace replacement. If your furnace is costing you hundreds of dollars in repairs every year, it means your furnace is old and outdated. Costly repairs add up over time and could cost you far more than having to replace your furnace. If you have had more than 2 furnace repairs in the past few years, it is time for a furnace replacement.

RELATED READ: Quiz Time! Repair or Replace?

Conclusion

If you have experienced these issues with your furnace, it may be time for a furnace replacement. Contact the heating and cooling professionals at Home Comfort Experts today to learn about the ways we can help you. We serve Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan from our 12 locations. Give us a call at (574) 255-4600 to learn about our full complement of heating, cooling and plumbing services.

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