If you have had your furnace for a long time and don’t have the budget to install a new one, you might wonder whether there is anything wrong with having an old appliance, right? Well, yes, according to furnace service professionals, there are plenty of setbacks that come with having an old furnace. These setbacks include:
The furnace breaks down more often.
It’s a chilly day, so you raise the thermostat a few degrees. Your furnace begins to cycle on, but nothing happens.
That may not seem as a significant concern if it occurs only once over a season or several years. However, if your furnace routinely malfunctions or you must bring in a repair professional every year for more than a simple inspection and tune-up, your furnace might be too old.
At first look, repairing a furnace appears less expensive than purchasing a new one. This is because repairs often don’t cost much compared to installing a new unit. However, if you have two or more repair bills or must maintain the furnace every year, you will likely spend more on your old furnace.
Besides spending a lot of money on repairs, an old appliance that keeps breaking down is an inconvenience, and you never have peace of mind as you are constantly worried that your unit will break down. In such a case, you are better off replacing the unit.
Consider the cost of your repair expenses when deciding if a replacement furnace is financially worthwhile. If you have a recent furnace and your expenditures are half or more of the cost of a new furnace, you might consider replacing it.
The point at which it becomes financially viable to replace an older furnace is significantly lower. If your furnace is over 10 or 15 years old, you should consider replacing it if the repair cost is approximately 10% or 20% of the purchase price.
You put your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
Old furnaces can develop leaks and other problems, allowing carbon monoxide to readily seep into your home. Because the gas is colorless and odorless, your family members may fail to notice it until it harms their health.
You don’t want to put your family at risk of a colorless and odorless gas, do you? You should then consider replacing the old appliance so you can be at peace that your family is safe at all times.
Poor indoor air quality
An old unit may not filter air as well as a new one, resulting in lower indoor air quality. This can result in dust, allergies, and other pollutants flowing around your home, exacerbating any respiratory issues you or your family members may have. Modern units typically use superior filtering technologies to assist in maintaining higher air quality.
Your power bills go up.
Furnaces use fuel, such as heating oil or propane gas, to generate heat. In an ideal scenario, the furnace’s energy should be used entirely to generate heat. In reality, even the most energy-efficient oil or gas furnaces have a percentage less than 100%.
You should note that the older your furnace is, the less efficient it will be. Two factors cause the poor energy efficiency. For starters, older models are typically less efficient than contemporary furnace designs. Two, furnaces lose energy efficiency as they age due to their components’ wear and tear.
The annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE, assesses a furnace’s energy efficiency. AFUE relates the total heat the furnace produces to the fuel energy consumed.
A furnace’s efficiency increases as its AFUE rating rises. The minimal AFUE rating for a home furnace is 78. Furnaces with the Energy Star designation must have an AFUE rating of at least 85 for oil-powered systems and 90 for gas-powered systems.
Increased energy expenditures are one clue that your furnace is losing efficiency. If you’re heating your home at the same temperature as in previous years and the weather hasn’t been abnormally cold, but you have to replenish your oil or gas tank more frequently, you should inspect your furnace.
The problem could be minor and quickly resolved, such as replacing the filters to make the furnace work more efficiently. However, the furnace may require a more extensive repair to restore its previous efficiency.
If your furnace is old, you’re probably better off replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient type. You will save money in the long term on repairs and energy costs.
The furnace will look out of place.
When first installed, your furnace most likely appeared shiny and new. The sparkling newness may have worn off over the years. While it is normal for appliances to show wear and tear, those indicators may indicate that it is time to replace your equipment. Keep an eye out for the following appearance changes:
Rust: Rust can occur in furnaces where metal is exposed to combustion gasses. Rust can cause problems over time because it degrades the furnace’s construction. Cracks can form in corroded regions, increasing the risk of leakage and other concerns. If your furnace has grown highly rusted over time, it may be wise to get it replaced.
Streaks of soot: Soot arises due to incomplete combustion, indicating that the furnace creates a high carbon monoxide level. Cleaning the stove and having it inspected can be beneficial. Your expert may recommend replacement based on the age and overall condition of the system.
Cracks: Cracks can emerge in a furnace due to excessive corrosion or problems with the heat exchanger. Any sort or size of crack should be cause for concern, so if you notice one, contact a technician to have them evaluate the condition and advise you on what to do next.
Parting shot
If you have been wondering whether there is anything wrong with having an old furnace, now you know. Doing so comes with plenty of negatives, including putting your family at risk. To be safe, you should work with your heating service repair Port Jefferson professionals and get a new unit if your current furnace has surpassed its life.