When it’s cold outside, the last thing you want to do is come home to a freezing house. Ideally, you want to replace your furnace BEFORE it fails.

First, you should find out the age of your system. There is typically a data plate located on the removable door to your furnace. Often times this plate will display the year your unit was manufactured. You should begin considering replacement if your unit is over 12 years old.

There are many advantages that come with replacing your furnace. Beside the fact that your system is less likely to breakdown, you will be saving money on gas, electric and in most cases, both.  The U.S. Energy Star program has stated that a new Energy Star-qualified gas furnace is up to 50% more efficient than a conventional gas furnace.

Other reasons you may want to look into replacing your furnace:

• Heating system requires frequent repairs
• Visible signs of rust in or around furnace
• Unit cycling on and off more than normal
• Cracks or corrosion on any of the components
• An increase in energy bills although usage has stayed consistent
• Furnace has developed noises such as banging, rattling, buzzing, etc

If you have noticed any of the above warning signs, we recommend scheduling a certified HVAC technician out to examine your system. The professional will be able to assess the efficiency of your current heating system using what is referred to as AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency.) If they discover your AFUE rating is below 80%, you should definitely replace your system with a more efficient model. There are furnaces on the market now with variable-speed fans and controls that can reach up to 97% efficiency.

We recommend that you get at least three estimates from reputable and comparable companies. These estimates should include brand, type, size, efficiency, rating and warranty. Make sure your estimate includes removal and disposal of your old unit, required building permits and anything else that may be necessary for your specific application such as a new thermostat or alterations to your duct work.

To see how much you money you could be saving by replacing your furnace, check out Energy Star’s savings calculator.