One of the most important pieces of machinery in our homes is the furnace. It keeps us warm throughout the winter and early spring months. When it begins to break down, we may start to wonder what the best time of year to replace it may be. Well, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when booking out a furnace installation.
Typically, a furnace will need to be replaced every 15 - 20 years depending on the usage and maintenance. There are plenty of ways to tell if your furnace is on its last leg of life. Here are a handful of telltale signs.
An increase in your energy bill. This could point to an issue with your furnace efficiency.
Uneven heating. Is your kitchen colder than your living room? Your furnace might be having a hard time distributing hot air throughout your home evenly.
Unusual noises. If you notice intense rattling, buzzing, or humming coming from your furnace there is likely a serious problem. Strange furnace noises often point to structural issues, cracks, or leaks.
Rust or cracks. Over time, your furnace will undergo a fair amount of wear and tear. It can lead to rust and cracks in or around the unit. This is a sign that it may be time to replace it.
Frequent repair needs. Have you had a revolving door of HVAC contractors coming and going to fix your furnace in the last year or so? This could be a sign that it needs to be replaced.
Spring and fall tend to be the best time of year to install a furnace if you can manage it.
The mild temperatures in spring and fall lend well to replacing a furnace. You’re less likely to be relying on it to keep you warm during these times in the year. These seasons offer a window of time where a contractor can easily move equipment in and out of the house without impacting the temperature inside too much. It also makes it easier to manage without a furnace for a few days if necessary.
Another perk of spring and fall is that there are fewer emergency HVAC repairs for contractors to handle. Winter is tough on a furnace so it makes sense that a lot more homeowners will need replacement or repair services. During the spring and fall, you’ll have a lot fewer people to compete with when scheduling an appointment.
Lastly, it can often be easier to find good discounts on furnaces in the spring and the fall. You can take advantage of closeout deals on models from the previous winter.
If it comes down to it, you can still manage to replace your furnace in the winter or summer. Just keep in mind that these are both busy seasons for HVAC contractors. It may also be a bit more expensive depending on your region. While replacing your furnace in the winter or summer can be a lot more inconvenient, you can certainly make it happen in an emergency situation.
Whatever the weather, whatever the season WM Buffington is here to assist you with your HVAC needs year-round. Our certified technicians will skillfully repair or replace your furnace quickly and efficiently. Once it’s in good shape again, be sure to look into our maintenance plan so you can get ahead of issues before they get out of hand.
