Here we are in the fall, and we can expect to enjoy some gorgeous weather in Virginia in the coming months before the winter cold really arrives. During this space between the temperature extremes of the year is when we recommend that you evaluate your home furnace to see if it needs to be replaced. If you have a furnace that’s only a few years old, it will probably be fine for the winter—as long as it receives its annual maintenance inspection and tune-up. (Get on the schedule for maintenance before it gets crowded!)
But if you have an older furnace, it’s time to ask some tough questions to help you decide about whether it needs to be replaced before winter:
- How old is the furnace? If it’s more than 20 years old, then it’s due to retire! Gas furnaces can last between 15 to 20 years with proper care. Past that they are at high risk of losing energy efficiency and suffering major breakdowns that will leave homes stranded in the cold. They can even become unsafe.
- How much does it cost to run it? A furnace can expect to keep 95% of its energy efficiency throughout most of its lifespan. When it loses efficiency and begins to drive up utility bills, that’s a big red flag that it needs to be replaced. Look over your last few years of gas bills and see if you’re paying more during the winter than you used to.
- How much do you pay in repairs each year? Young furnaces rarely need to have any repairs, just annual maintenance. As a furnace gets older, it will need repairs more often, but you still shouldn’t be paying more than $500 a year in fixes to keep a furnace running. When costs are that high, the furnace is a money-drainer that’s no longer worth keeping—and it’s likely to break down at any moment.
For more information about a furnace replacement in Arlington, VA, call Oasis Heating, A/C & Refrigeration.
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