Is Your Old Furnace Costing You More Money Than It Should?
With the cold weather in the Philadelphia area this Winter, your furnace is getting a workout every day. And because it’s on more than usual, you can expect your energy bills will be higher than you’d like. But this stress on your system can also lead to breakdowns, just when you rely on your system the most. How do you know if your furnace is working well, or is it inefficient and costing you more money than it should? In this article, we’ll give you a few things you should consider.
We’ve repaired, serviced, and replaced thousands of heating systems over the years we’ve been working in the Havertown area. Over that time we see systems that have been working well, and lots that haven’t. We have also replaced a countless number of old furnaces that should have been replaced years prematurely. It always makes us happy to hear a customer tell us they are happy and their energy bills are lower.
If you want to speak to an HVAC expert now, give us a call at (610) 446-7877, or contact us online. One of our comfort specialists will be able to come take a look at your heating system, and let you know if it should be repaired, serviced, or replaced!
Issues With Aging Furnaces
Furnaces last anywhere from 15-20 years, and as they age, you can run into issues that may cost you money. That’s normal with any machine, and we want to tell you a little more about where these heating cost issues may come from.
Increasing Inefficiency
Just like a car or any appliance, over time, your furnace may not be running as smoothly and efficiently as it did even when it was new. As a result, it’s using more energy to create less comfort for you, which means more money out of your pocket. If you notice that your energy bills seem higher now, even accounting for the cold, your system may be showing its age.
- As systems age, they can start “short cycling”- turning on and off frequently, and this wastes energy.
- Air leaks in your ductwork or a faulty thermostat can cause your furnace to run longer than necessary, wasting money and energy.
- Dirty and blocked vents can also cause your system to work harder and deliver less comfort, reducing efficiency.
- Worn out components, and sometimes incomplete combustion -a yellow flame in your pilot light- are also signs of inefficiency and can even indicate possible safety hazards.
Reasons for Increased Inefficiency
Over time, after years of heating and cooling down, the heat exchanger in your furnace can start developing pinpoint holes from metal fatigue. This is normal wear and tear, but it can also lead to carbon monoxide leaking into your home which can be a deadly health hazard.
Is it Time to Consider Replacement?
The general rule of thumb is that if your system is over 10 years old, you should start considering whether a replacement is a better option than continuing to repair your older system. As systems age, just like cars, they tend to require more repairs, and some repairs can be very expensive, leading you to make a decision about whether you should sink money into your old system or consider something else.
Depending on your HVAC system and where you live, systems can have a shorter or longer lifespan. For example, systems near the shore have more corrosion because of the salt air, and we would expect these systems to have a shorter lifespan than systems in other areas.
What Does Replacement Get Me?
If you decide to replace your system, your local HVAC experts like the team here at John Cipollone Inc. can help you choose the right system for your home, and make sure you get the comfort you need. It’s a great time to look at your ducts, dampers and vents, make any repairs, and make sure they are adjusted to give you the maximum comfort throughout your home.
Newer systems are often much more efficient, turning more of your oil, gas or electricity into heat for your home. Heat pump systems, for example, are almost 70% more efficient in delivering heat than old electric baseboard heaters. Newer electronic ignitions and smart thermostats can drastically increase your system’s efficiency and reduce your energy bills at the same time, helping you recoup the expense of replacing your old system quickly.
You may gain the ability to monitor your system remotely from a smart phone app, even adjusting the temperature from the comfort of your couch or bedroom, even in the middle of the night. Newer smart thermostats can also send you a monthly report, letting you know how much energy you are using, and even steps and temperature adjustments you can make to lower you bills.
So Is Your Old Furnace Costing You More Than It Should To Operate?
The bottom line is that if your aging furnace is causing your monthly energy bills to bust your budget, it may be time to consider an inspection and tune up with our team at John Cipollone. Our expert technicians will make sure your system is running as well as possible, as will be honest with you about whether you should start considering options.
Because in the end, no one wants their furnace to break, especially in the middle of a severe cold snap, when you need it to work hard and be reliable for long periods of time. Sometimes replacing a system before it fails is the best thing for your home- and can prevent even worse problems, like frozen pipes that can happen if your system fails.