When to Repair or Replace Your Furnace in Ft Collins. | Kitchener ON

Do You Know When to Repair or Replace Your Furnace in Ft Collins?

Nobody wants to get stuck in cold weather with a malfunctioning furnace. Of course, you have to turn off your furnace during summer, which can last for about half of the year. If you incur damage during that time, you wouldn’t know until you use it again in winter. For a state with 48 inches of snow on average, you should know how, when and where to find furnace repair in Ft Collins, Colorado. 

A properly maintained unit increases its lifespan. So, when you think something is wrong with your furnace, better start asking questions before calling the HVAC personnel. Here at Bauer Mechanical, these are our go to questions with any malfunction.

Your furnace checklist:

What is the age of your furnace?

If your furnace is ten years or younger, it is likely you simply need a few repairs. A minor versus major part replacement still depends on the issues presented.

When your furnace reaches about 15 years old, you have to replace your unit. Most older furnaces are only 60% efficient; which means it is emitting almost half of the gas out of the chimney.

You can find the furnace age in its label. Before you begin checking anything, be sure to turn off your furnace. The age should be in the serial number of the unit. 

What are the issues your furnace has?

If you notice your furnace has stopped working, is fluctuating temperatures, or having trouble starting, take note of any details you know.

Furnace fuel odors, noises, or air quality are just some of the issues you should be checking on.  

Do you have a budget?

If you forget to inspect your furnace before winter settles in, issues with your furnace can sneak up on you. You may find yourself with some days of discomfort and surprised by the repair costs. Regularly checking your furnace negates potential worry come cold weather. 

While it seems that replacing certain parts in the furnace looks less expensive, sometimes replacing the entire furnace can save you from more issues and costs in the future.

What is your furnace efficiency rating?

New furnaces are now more energy-efficient. Standard furnaces have an 80% efficiency rating. It is 20 to 30% more efficient than older furnaces about 15 years old or more. 

However, most furnaces today can also reach a 90% high-efficiency rating. A Ft Collins furnace replacement with Bauer Mechanical tomorrow can save you hundreds of dollars a year of frequent repairs.

So, should you repair or replace your furnace? If you’re still unsure, feel free to give us a call and we can go over the details of your furnace. 

When is it time to repair your furnace?

There are two classifications or types of furnace repair. Your furnace may have to undergo minor or major repair.

The minor repair can include replacing small parts like the ignitor, pressure switch, transformer, or sequencer. Major repairs include replacement parts like the gas valve, circuit board, blower motor, inducer motor, or heat exchanger. Here are the signs you might need furnace repairs:

Irregular Furnace Odor

It’s natural to smell fuel for the first time. Most of the time, the odor goes away. If the odor lingers and stays in the air, your furnace may have ventilation issues like gas leaks or dust build-up. Smelling Aldehydes instead of Carbon Monoxide can indicate poor combustion. 

Gas Leaks

When you smell gas around the house, it becomes a health hazard. It can even result in fire, so make sure to call your local HVAC professionals right away.

Trouble Starting Your Furnace

When you have to keep restarting your furnace to keep it running, you must seek professional help. It could be the result of a dirty filter, secondary heat exchangers, or AC coils.

Uneven Heat Distribution

Your system should be working to distribute heat evenly on cold days. Different parts of the house are naturally warmer or cooler. When some parts of the house become irregularly uncomfortable because of inadequate heating, your furnace probably needs repair.

A Surge in Electricity Bill

When your furnace works harder than it should, it causes a spike in your electric consumption. This is typically a sign that your furnace may need replacement.

Strange Noises from the Unit

Rattles and banging noises are signs that something is wrong with your furnace. You should contact furnace repair in Ft Collins, Colorado. Bauer Mechanical is ready to help!

Carbon Monoxide Alerts

Furnaces have carbon monoxide detectors that alarm when they detect toxic and harmful gasses. There could be cracks in your heat exchanger. You cannot smell Carbon Monoxide, so an alert from the detector may be a sign of an emergency and should be taken seriously.

Water Leaks

Water leaks appear next to your furnace. Although it’s a minor problem, it’s a sign of issues on the drainage or condensation line.

When is it time to replace your furnace?

Furnace age

Your furnace has served you well if it goes beyond 15 years. Although proper maintenance can extend its lifespan, it’s time to prepare a budget for furnace replacement.

Frequent repairs

If you notice you have been calling the HVAC experts frequently, your furnace needs replacement. Replacing your furnace can save you on repair costs overall.

A Surge in Electricity Bills

As mentioned above, increasing monthly electric consumption is because of an overworking furnace. Any spikes should be looked at closely.

Humidity

Dry air within the house can be the result of a malfunctioning furnace. 

Excessive Dirt, Rust, Dust, and Soot

If you find these particles in the house while the furnace is running, you need a furnace replacement.

Uneven Heat Distribution

Aging furnaces have trouble pushing heat to different parts of the house. Uneven head distribution signifies furnace needs replacement. 

Rust and Cracks

As your furnace ages, it may develop cracks and rust. If you are seeing these, it is time to replace your furnace.

All these signs of furnace repairs or replacement can be confusing for a homeowner. All it takes is to find a reliable service for furnace installation in Ft Collins, Colorado. Call Bauer Mechanical, and let’s have a conversation about it today!