When temperatures start to fall in greater Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, it is a good time to evaluate the efficiency of your heating system. If you use a furnace to heat your home, it is a good idea to monitor and maintain it regularly. Keeping a close eye on your furnace will allow you to catch potential issues before they turn into big problems. Let’s take a look at what you should be looking out for to catch a problem before it gets out of hand.
The Age Factor
Typically, a gas furnace will last around fifteen to twenty years. A well-maintained furnace can last twenty-five years on average. It is certainly possible for a furnace to last longer, but you run the risk of a sudden breakdown once you hit year fifteen. With that said, it is advisable to start thinking about replacing your furnace sooner rather than later. Being prepared will save you from the headaches of an emergency and allow you to better research manufacturers, models, and prices.
Unit Repair History
Frequent repairs to a furnace are a good indication that it needs to be replaced. If you find yourself making multiple calls to your service technician during the course of a year or two, then you know the time has come for a new furnace. Most furnace repair and replacement happens during the last two years of its lifespan.
Available Replacement Parts
When you find yourself with a malfunctioning furnace, it’s always good to know that a replacement for a broken part is available. If you are ever waiting for a replacement part because it has to be special ordered, then maybe it’s time to upgrade your furnace to a newer model. This is especially important in the winter months where you could be left freezing while waiting for your furnace part to come in.
Maintain Satisfactory Efficiency
A good indicator to a furnace problem is if you notice a significant drop in efficiency or your energy bills are abnormally high. In most cases, an older furnace will not be as energy-efficient as a more modern one. An aging or poorly maintained furnace can see major efficiency drops. Both of these situations could contribute to wasting gas and electric in a futile attempt to perform its job adequately, leading to an increase in heating costs.
Avoiding Health Problems
In addition to draining your wallet, a malfunctioning furnace can also pose a serious potential health risk. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if the furnace’s heat exchanger has developed fissures on its interior. Indicators of carbon monoxide poisoning can include frequent headaches, burning in the eyes or nose, and persistent flu-like symptoms.
One way to check for carbon monoxide leaks is to look at the flame. A normal flame will be blue and steady, while a yellow, possibly flickering flame could be possible evidence of gas seepage. You can also check for soot buildup, excessively rusted furnace pipes, lack of chimney updraft, or water condensation on any part of the exhaust system.
If you suspect there is a problem with your furnace, you should act quickly to resolve it. Not only can you be left out in the cold should a malfunction occur, but it could also pose a health hazard. Be sure to have your furnace checked for proper operation and have it serviced regularly to prevent costly repairs.