How long does it take to replace a furnace and when should I replace it? Is it ok to replace in winter?

How long does it take to replace a furnace and when should I replace it? Is it ok to replace in winter?

With the Calgary winter well underway, furnaces quickly become the heart of the home. Unless you’ve run into an emergency, it’s unlikely you’ll consider replacing your furnace at the start of winter. But the truth is, minor problems now could create big bills later. This article will help you decide if your furnace is worth repairing or replacing, when you should invest in a new furnace, how long a furnace install takes, and the best time to do it.

When to Replace Your Furnace

In a perfect world, you’ll be able to have a new furnace install completed before your old one dies. When you’re experiencing the classic Calgary winters, the last thing you want is to call in an emergency furnace repair. Here are some key indicators that you may be due for a new furnace and if it’s worth replacing now or if you’re better off repairing.

1. The Furnace is Making Noises

Have you found yourself wondering if the furnace has always been this noisy? They’re not supposed to be. While they aren’t entirely silent, unusual noises such as buzzing, rattling, or humming could be a sign of an impending emergency furnace repair, Calgary homeowners. Next time it starts, you should listen for the following red flags:

• Rattling: This could be due to any loose equipment or ducts. You should have a professional inspect your furnace before further damage is done.
• Screeching: If your furnace is making a screeching sound, it could be due to a damaged pulley or blower motor.
• Clicking: If you hear a clicking noise while your furnace starts, it could signify you need to fix your sensor or igniter.
• Humming: While you can expect humming due to the furnace blower motor working properly if it seems louder than usual, you should have it inspected for any unusual causes.

2. Furnace Repairs are More Frequent

Any appliance will need repairs more frequently as it matures. Your furnace is no different. The more regularly your furnace requires repairs, the more likely it will need to be replaced. Parts will inevitably wear out and demand additional money to repair. If you see that it is approaching that stage, contact your furnace expert to schedule an inspection. They will be able to tell you if your furnace needs replacing or whether it has a few more good years in it. No matter how diligent you are with things like preventative maintenance, you will almost certainly need to have your furnace fixed by a professional at some time over the years. That is not unusual for many Calgary homeowners. What should be a concern, though, is if your furnace fails frequently.

If you’re servicing your system more than once a year, it’s a hint that it’s time for a new furnace. The wear and strain on the various sections of the furnace are causing several parts of the system to fail in groups. You could keep paying to fix the system if you wish, but it won’t prolong its life significantly, and you’ll be throwing money. It is wiser to replace the system altogether now than wait for it to fail totally.

3. Your Heating Bills are Higher

As furnaces age, they will need to work harder to keep your home warm and comfortable. Like athletes, the harder it works, the more energy it consumes to maintain its output.

Increased energy costs indicate that your furnace should be inspected. It might be because something has been worn out or even broken down. It’s even possible that your furnace is costing you more money than it should each month, without you realizing it. Furnaces, like all other systems, age and become less efficient. The wear and tear on the system creates a more demanding working environment, causing the furnace to run for more extended periods to maintain a consistent temperature. You may not notice this at first, but you will most likely see an increase in your monthly heating costs as a result. Unfortunately, replacing the entire system is the only way to rectify this.

4. Rooms are Heating Unevenly

Another indicator that something isn’t quite right with your furnace is that the heat is distributed unevenly throughout your home. This can happen for several reasons. However, it generally occurs when your furnace begins to wear down and has difficulty keeping up with the needs connected with the size of your home. This might result in you wearing an extra layer of socks to the kitchen due to the cold spots throughout your home.

Is It Better to Repair or Replace Your Furnace?

You may want to save up before your new furnace install unless you run into an emergency furnace repair situation in Calgary’s cold winter months. It’s always best to run your specific problem past an expert, but here are some indicators on whether you should replace asap or have a repair done.

Repair

• Your furnace is only 7 or 8 years old, operating most of the time efficiently. Since furnaces typically last 20-30 years, you’re barely halfway there.
• Your furnace doesn’t need repairs often, and when it does, it’s common problems like a clogged drain line or faulty ignition.
• Your furnace repair is covered under warranty.
• The cost to repair your furnace is less than 50% of the price of a new furnace, and the problem isn’t likely to be recurring. Ask your heating expert for their advice before proceeding.

Replace

• If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it’s likely nearing the age of replacement.
• If furnace repairs are becoming more frequent, more expensive, and are adding up to the price of a newer unit, that’s a sign it’s time for a new furnace install.
• Your energy bills are rising for unexplained reasons, despite there being no changes in how often you are home, the time you do your laundry, or other daily habits. As furnaces age, they lose efficiency, causing bills to increase as they near the age of replacement.

How Long it Takes to Replace Your Furnace

The time it will take to replace your furnace shouldn’t be a cause for concern on whether you will go through the furnace repair or replacement route. Once your heating expert measures the area the furnace will be in and places the order, the furnace install process doesn’t take long. As long as your current ductwork is in excellent condition and does not require replacement or repair, the entire installation should be accomplished in less than a day. Depending on the kind and size of furnace you are installing, the typical time will be between 4 and 10 hours.

Is it OK to Replace Your Furnace in Winter?

It is OK to replace your furnace in winter, and waiting could put you at risk for equipment shortages or price surges due to the demand. You don’t need to worry about going for days without heat or even hours during the installation process. The experts at Plumbing and Heating Paramedics bring temporary heaters, and you’ll have your furnace install completed before dinner time.

If you’re worried that your furnace is about to give up on you this winter, don’t hesitate to call the Plumbing and Heating Paramedics of Calgary. The last thing you want is an emergency furnace repair, when a quick inspection can save you thousands of dollars. Whether you need a new furnace, furnace repair, or furnace install, one of our experts is available 24/7 in Calgary and surrounding areas. Call us at (403) 879-7213 or contact us to book an appointment.

How long did your furnace last before you replaced it? Have you ever needed an emergency furnace repair? What did you do? Leave a comment for readers to enjoy your story and ask our experts any questions we can answer in the comments.