As winter approaches, ensuring your home stays warm and cozy becomes a top priority. If your furnace is getting old or showing signs of trouble, you may be wondering whether it’s time to replace it before the cold weather hits.
We help homeowners make these decisions every year, and we know the importance of having a reliable heating system during the winter months. Below, we’ll walk you through when replacing your furnace in Walnut Creek, CA makes the most sense and why acting before winter can save you money—and headaches—down the road.
How Old Is Too Old for a Furnace?
Furnaces typically last between 15 to 20 years. However, age isn’t the only factor to consider when deciding if it’s time for a replacement. Older furnaces tend to lose efficiency, and even well-maintained systems struggle to keep up as they approach the end of their lifespan. If your furnace is 15 years or older, you should at least start budgeting for a replacement. This is especially important if your system needs frequent repairs or struggles to keep your home comfortable on colder nights.
Warning Signs Your Furnace May Be Failing
A furnace doesn’t stop working all at once in most cases. Instead, it tends to show signs of trouble over time. Here are some red flags that suggest your furnace might be nearing the end of its lifespan:
- Inconsistent Heating: Some rooms feel warm, while others remain cold.
- Strange Noises: Rattling, banging, or squealing sounds from the unit.
- High Energy Bills: Rising utility costs without a clear reason.
- Frequent Repairs: Needing to call for repairs more than once a season.
- Poor Air Quality: Dust, dry air, or a musty smell circulating through your home.
- Short Cycling: The system turns on and off more frequently than usual.
If you’ve noticed one or more of these issues, your furnace may not last through the winter. Replacing it before winter sets in ensures you won’t have to deal with emergency breakdowns on the coldest days of the year.
What If Repairs Are Still an Option?
In some cases, repairing your furnace might still be a viable solution—especially if it’s only a few years old. However, you’ll need to weigh the cost of repairs against the price of a new system. A good rule of thumb is the 50% rule: If the cost of repairs is more than half the price of a new furnace, replacement is usually the smarter choice.
Keep in mind that a repair might only buy you a little more time. If your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, putting off replacement may only delay the inevitable. In those situations, it’s often more cost-effective to invest in a new unit now rather than face more repairs next year.
Let Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning Help You Decide
We understand that replacing your furnace is a big decision. Our experienced technicians can inspect your current system, provide an honest assessment, and help you determine whether repairs or replacement make more sense. If it’s time for a new furnace, we’ll guide you through the process—from selecting the right model to completing the installation—so you can feel confident your home will be warm and comfortable all winter long.
At Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning, Your Comfort Is Our Business! Contact us today for furnace repair or replacement.