Are you a homeowner wondering if your current furnace has seen better days? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of signs that may indicate a need to replace it, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of all the warning signs that point toward needing to invest in a new furnace. From strange noises coming from the unit to gradual changes in heating performance, this blog post will cover all the tell-tale signs that it’s time for an upgrade. Keep reading for guidance on how to ensure your home is at optimal comfort level year-round, and learn why replacing your old unit could be beneficial!

1. Your furnace is making strange noises.

You should never ignore strange noises coming from your furnace. These can be signs of an impending malfunction, and it’s best to get them inspected by a professional as soon as possible to prevent a more costly repair down the road. If you hear banging, rattling, or humming, that’s usually a sign that something isn’t quite right. Sometimes those sounds come from faulty blower motor wiring, which is fairly simple to fix. However, if you smell gas along with the noise, it could be a sign of a bigger issue, such as improperly connected pipes needing immediate attention. Don’t ignore these cues – they’re there for a reason!

2. You’ve had to call a technician more often than normal to repair your furnace.

Dealing with a faulty furnace can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you have to call in a technician more often than you’d like. It helps to have someone who is knowledgeable and experienced to troubleshoot the issue for you. However, if the problem persists after service by a technician, it may be time to think about replacing your furnace instead of continuing to make repairs. Issues like this are troublesome for homeowners and require careful budget considerations, but sometimes investing in a new system can provide better efficiency and long-term cost savings over time. To avoid costly repairs down the line, investing in a new furnace might be the better option for now.

3. Your energy bills have skyrocketed since installing the furnace.

If your energy bills are increasing since you installed a new furnace, consider replacing the unit. It could be costing you more money in the long run due to an inefficient system. Investing in a brand-new furnace could help you reduce monthly energy costs and conserve energy while still heating your home. A new furnace can offer numerous other benefits, such as improved air quality, better temperature control, quieter operation, and greater efficiency. An upgraded model will be more energy-efficient than an older model, so it pays to do some research when selecting a replacement for your home’s needs.

4. Your home’s air quality has noticeably deteriorated.

Do you feel like you’re spending more time in your home these days, but the air is getting harder to breathe? If so, it’s likely that the quality of your home’s air has deteriorated, making it difficult for inhabitants to enjoy their stay. The good news is that replacing your furnace can make a world of difference in terms of improving air quality. A new furnace with ample air filters helps filter out allergens and particles in the air, as well as releases cleaner air into your home. Significantly better indoor air quality is something that everyone can enjoy and feel healthier when inside their home. Therefore, investing in a new furnace not only helps you keep comfortable during colder seasons but also ensures better breathing for your family all year round.

5. You’re constantly adjusting the thermostat, but your home still isn’t as warm as it should be.

If you’re having difficulty keeping your space at the comfortable temperature you desire, consider a new furnace. Old and inefficient systems can cause the home to remain cool despite the thermostat being moved up or down. A replacement option will ensure that your heating is running at its optimal level and help cut back on energy bills in the meantime since modern systems are built with more efficient models. Not only will your interior environment become cozier, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re not wasting resources in order to maintain it.

6. The pilot light on your furnace has gone out multiple times.

If you’re experiencing frequent pilot light issues with your furnace, consider replacing it. A new furnace can be a smart investment if you want reliable heating—not to mention the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family is safe and warm all winter long. Investing in a new furnace may require an upfront cost, so factor in the cost of physical labor and materials as well. Make sure to speak with a licensed technician before determining the right type of furnace for your home, as there is a wide range of energy-efficient models and sizes available. With the right care, a new furnace can provide worry-free heat for years to come.

7. You’ve noticed patches of rust around your furnace.

As temperatures dip and the cold winter months approach, it is important to check your home’s essential systems for any potential problems. If you have noticed patches of rust around your furnace, this is a sign that it has aged or become damaged over time and is in need of replacement. Investing in a new furnace can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home will be warm and inviting all season long, as well as help you save on energy costs thanks to increased efficiency. Simply replacing your current unit with a brand-new one can make all the difference in not only comfort but also budget.

8. You smell a burning odor in your house.

The comfort of a warm home is invaluable, especially when the temperature drops. Unfortunately, having an unexpected burning odor in your house can really dampen this experience. Not only is this unpleasant to smell, but clear identification and resolution of the issue are also important in order to protect your health and maintain a healthy home environment. Replacing your current furnace with a new one can be an effective solution to get rid of the burning odor and avoid any future problems from arising. Modern furnaces are designed with higher energy efficiencies and advanced features that may save you money on energy bills in the long run. Contacting an HVAC professional can help you assess your needs and provide recommendations for finding the best furnace for your home.

9. The filters in the furnace are clogged and need to be changed more often than usual.

It is important to take care of the filters in your home’s furnace. If they become clogged, not only will your heating system be less effective at keeping the house warm, but it can also lead to other issues, such as wasted energy and potentially hazardous fumes. Replacing old and worn-out filters can often extend the life of your furnace and keep it running safely and efficiently. If your furnace is older or you find yourself needing to change the filter too frequently, investing in a new furnace could drastically improve air quality as well as cost savings over time. With these benefits in mind, it may be time to consider replacing the filter altogether with an updated, more efficient model. Using a filter regularly ensures that you will get the most out of your current system or upgrade.

10. There’s dust and debris accumulating on the floor and furniture near your furnace.

If you’ve noticed dust and debris accumulating on the floor and furniture near your furnace, consider upgrading to a new one. Not only can a new furnace improve the air quality of your home, but it can also help eliminate the need for deep cleanings due to the accumulation of dirt and grime in your existing system. A more powerful furnace will not only make sure that temperature keeps consistent and warm, but it will also ensure that no dust or debris is getting blown back into the home through circulation. The improved capacity of a new furnace can save you money by running more efficiently and reducing headaches caused by the maintenance of an older system. Upgrading to a new furnace could be just what you need to keep your home free from dirt and dust!

11. Your furnace is more than 15 years old.

Are you dealing with an old furnace that is more than fifteen years old? If so, consider the benefits of investing in a new furnace. A modern system can help improve air quality and flow throughout your home, providing a more comfortable living environment. That same updated technology is also much more energy efficient, helping to reduce both your monthly bill as well as your carbon footprint. Replacing an aged system can provide a great return on investment as these newer systems are manufactured to last longer and work more efficiently over time. Upgrading to a new heating system is the best way to get the most out of your energy needs at home.

12. Your furnace isn’t cycling properly.

Are you having trouble with your furnace recently? Have you noticed that it’s not cycling as it used to? If so, replacing it with a new furnace could be the solution. Newer furnaces are more efficient and can save you money on your energy bills. They also come with features such as adjustable thermostats, which can help you maintain an optimal temperature in every room of your house. Instead of dealing with the frustration of an aging furnace, why not consider investing in a high-efficiency furnace for long-term savings and comfort?

Why Choose Alaskan Air Conditioning and Heating For Your Furnace Replacement?

At Alaskan, we understand that a new furnace is a costly upgrade. We never rush you or pressure you to make a decision, and we offer a guarantee for your peace of mind.

We’ll schedule our consultation and furnace replacement at times that work for you, and you can always reach us with questions. Our licensed, bonded installers show up on time, get to work, and clean up afterward.

The start of 2023 is a great time to rethink your heating and AC maintenance plan. Making the effort to follow a schedule can ensure that everything works as well as possible. If you want to avoid unnecessary repairs or costly energy bills, follow these helpful tips for maintaining and operating your heater and air conditioner.

The Ultimate HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Each year, there are a few standard things every savvy homeowner needs to do. To keep your system running as efficiently as possible, make sure you complete everything on this list at least once a year.

Change Your Filters

One of the most important things you can do is simply change your system’s filters. Your filters help to catch dust, grime, and debris before they can flow into the system, but if you leave the same one in place for too long, it gets overloaded and quits working as well. This can let dust enter your unit where it can coat fans, evaporator coils, and other components. To avoid damage and help your machine function as efficiently as possible, you usually need to change your filters every three months. However, some systems might require more frequent changes, so check your user manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.

Clear the Space Around Your Condenser Unit

The condenser unit is the part of your AC system that sits outside the house. It has the important job of releasing excess heat outside. However, if plants grow over it, it can start to operate less efficiently. To keep this from happening, you need to occasionally check on the unit and remove any vines, weeds, or debris that could be blocking it. It’s often a good idea to do this in spring and summer since these are the seasons when plant overgrowth can be a major problem.

Check Your Air Registers

The air registers are the small vents that sit at the end of each piece of ductwork. Once a year, walk around your house and take a close look at these registers. It’s very easy for them to get bumped into a closed position which can keep treated air from flowing into your home. You should also take a close look to see if there is any dust or bits of grime stuck inside your registers. Not only can this buildup block airflow, but it can be a sign that you have a duct leak you need to fix.

Clean Your Drain Pan and Drain Line

Occasionally check the drain pan under your system to see if it is holding any standing water. This happens occasionally, and small drips aren’t a cause for concern. However, the stagnant water can lead to mold growth, so it needs to be cleaned. Use a wet vacuum to remove any water and use a drain pan cleaner to wipe down the pan and remove any mold growth. You can also regularly flush out the drain line attached to the drain pan. This prevents any mold growth that can eventually block the line and cause it to overflow. To clean it, just pour diluted bleach or vinegar down the line every three months.

Examine Your Ductwork for Leaks

Once a year, do a visual inspection of your ductwork. Especially if your ducts are in an attic, it’s possible for pests to chew holes in them. This can cause your air to flow out into unused spaces, wasting your hot or cold air. Even if you don’t see any visible holes, leaks can occur where fittings gradually loosen over time. You can examine the system while it’s running and hold a piece of tissue paper by the fittings. If you see the paper waving around in a breeze, you have a leak that needs to be fixed.

Inspect and Clean Your Coils

In both the indoor and outdoor parts of your unit are sets of coils that help heat transfer throughout the system. When they get too dusty, they can’t do their job efficiently. Therefore, you need to clean your coils once a year. The outdoor unit is fairly quick to clean. You can spray it down with a hose, or if there’s built-up gunk, you can scrub it lightly with a brush and coil cleaner. The evaporator coils inside your home are inside the machine, so they’re not as easy to reach. Some homeowners like to leave these coils for their professional maintenance visits. If you do want to clean them yourself, you need to be comfortable following your unit’s manual closely. Cleaning them is straightforward, but you have to be careful not to disrupt or get water on other components inside the system.

Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Go around your house and test your detectors once a year. You can do this by holding down the test button on the front of the detector. If it beeps, this indicates the detector has a fresh battery and is functioning properly. This is an especially important part of furnace maintenance because furnaces produce toxic byproducts. If your ventilation system isn’t working correctly, carbon monoxide could be building up near your furnace. However, even if you don’t use this style of heater, it’s still good to regularly check your detectors. They’ll help ensure that your home’s air is as fresh and clean as possible.

Optional Goals to Consider in 2023

In addition to routine maintenance, you might also want to think about adjusting your system to work a little better. If possible, make the time to address each one of these items sometime during 2023.

Update Your Thermostat

If you’re using an older thermostat, it might be time for an upgrade. Modern “smart” thermostats are incredibly easy to install, and they come with many benefits. These thermostats connect to your phone, so you can turn your system on and off from anywhere. They can also be set up to automatically raise and lower the temperature on a schedule. By turning your system off when you’re asleep or away from home, smart thermostats can save you a lot of money.

Properly Insulate Your System

The insulation in your home has a huge impact on your system’s performance. When your home is poorly insulated, your heated or cooled air can leak outside. Furthermore, big leaks can make it hard for your system to properly circulate air around the home. If you want things to run as efficiently as possible, it pays to focus on insulation. Some homeowners might only need to add a few strips of insulation to doors and windows. Others may want to consider adding layers of insulation in their attic or walls. Usually, insulation solutions vary based on the design of your home, so you’ll need to consult with a professional and find the best method for your house.

Consider Whether It’s Time for a New Installation

The average system lasts between 15 to 20 years. If you’re reaching the end of your unit’s lifespan, 2023 is a good time to start saving up for a new system and researching new models. There are a lot of exciting styles to consider. For example, heat pumps are a newer type of heater that works by transferring heat to and from the house. They can be very energy efficient. Another newer design to check out is a zoned system. This type of AC lets you heat and cool different parts of the home to different temperatures. Exploring your options gives you the chance to find a system that’s more affordable and works better for your needs.

How Often Do You Need Professional HVAC Service?

There are a lot of tasks that a savvy homeowner can do to keep their heating and air-conditioning systems functioning properly. However, don’t forget about professional technicians. These trained experts can handle tasks that are a little too complex for the average DIYer. When is it time to call in the professionals? Here are a few reasons you may want to get expert assistance.

Get a Professional Tune-Up Once or Twice a Year

How often do you need this in-depth maintenance visit? At a bare minimum, you need a tune-up at least once a year. Most people find it helpful to schedule their service for spring, so they can make sure their AC unit is functioning optimally before summer starts. If your system is more than five years old, planning a second service visit is a good idea. This helps to catch any potential problems that can occur in older machines. For those who need two tune-ups a year, spring and fall can be good times to schedule them.

Learn How to Identify Common Signs of a Broken HVAC System

In addition to tune-ups, you’ll also need to get professional help if something breaks down. Keep in mind that the signs of a broken system can be very subtle. In some cases, you might not even notice you need a repair at first. However, if the problem goes untreated, it can cause more and more damage to your system. To avoid major, costly repairs, make sure you keep an eye out for these common warning signs:

• A system that runs forever
• A system that turns on and off frequently
• Strange smells such as burning or mustiness
• Odd creaks, clicks, screeches, and other noises
• Hot and cold spots inside your home
• Unexplained, unusually high utility bills

When you need assistance with your HVAC system, turn to Alaskan Air Conditioning and Heating. Our team of highly-trained professionals can help with a variety of maintenance, repairs, and installations. To learn more about our services or schedule your next appointment, give us a call today.