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Heating and Furnace Replacement: Watching for the Signs That It’s Time

We’re moving into the season when the temperatures start to drop before plunging in winter. A properly functioning furnace is essential for both your comfort and your safety when the winds chill and the ice begins to build.

There could be homes and offices in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield that are still being heated by a furnace that’s near or past the end of its lifespan. On the average, a maintained furnace will run for 15 to 20 years. If your unit is in that range, this fall is a good time to have it inspected to ensure it’s still working at the levels you need.

Signs of wear or malfunction that come with age can indicate the need for a furnace replacement. Aside from years of use, other symptoms that you might be ready for a furnace replacement include:

Cool air blowing from your vents. This can mean there’s a problem with the heat exchanger, the pilot light or the fan motor. Also be aware of cold spots in different areas, especially those that are more distant from a vent; these suggest the furnace is laboring to move air evenly.

Odd noises. A furnace will make some normal sounds while running. However, if you start to hear regular banging, rattling, humming or popping, as well as any other noises that are louder than usual, your system likely has an issue with at least one component. Also be alert to any sounds of constant cycling (the system is turning on and off more often than it should be).

Rising utility bill. Note if your heating bill is going up but you’re not using your system more often. An older or improperly functioning furnace will require more energy to operate. By having your unit inspected, you can determine if the issue is simply solvable with a new air filter or significant enough to warrant a furnace replacement.

With today’s advances in technology, many newer furnace models offer improvements that make them less expensive to operate. In some cases, a furnace replacement can provide you with almost double the heating efficiency of an older system.

More-Frequent Repairs. If you’ve ever owned a used or aging car, you know that the older it gets, the more it winds up in the auto shop. Furnaces are similar. The more you find yourself needing to request maintenance or repair for your furnace, the closer you might be to a furnace replacement.

If you have an aging or malfunctioning furnace with a repair cost greater than 15% the price of a new unit, a furnace replacement might be a better choice. If the repair cost is 50% or more, a new furnace is definitely a good decision.

Soot Around the Registers. An older furnace might begin to spew particles of dust, dirt or rust. This is a sign your furnace is processing too much carbon dioxide. If too much builds up in a living or work space, it can affect walls, furniture, wood flooring and plants. Above all, it can become hazardous to people. If you’re seeing such soot, contact an HVAC professional right away to examine your furnace.

Yellow Pilot Light. The color of the pilot flame in a well-functioning furnace should be a bright, consistent blue. If the flame turns yellow or starts to flicker, the pilot light has a problem that could mean the burner is producing carbon monoxide. If you see a yellow or flickering flame, turn off your furnace right away and contact a heating professional.

Furnace Replacement for Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield

Efficiency, reliability, comfort, safety and savings: If it’s time for a new furnace, the benefits speak for themselves.

Air Dynamics Heating & Cooling specializes in furnace replacement for homes and businesses in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield. We offer you:

  • complimentary in-home consultation to discuss the right furnace for you
  • proper furnace installation – in many cases, on the next day
  • safe removal your old unit
  • affordable payment options
  • a warranty on equipment and labor
  • a special maintenance program with exclusive member benefits for optimal furnace performance

We welcome the opportunity to help keep you warm and safe when it gets cold. Call us at (630) 731-1550 to speak with one of our NATE-certified technicians about our furnace replacement for Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield!

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