When should you replace your furnace in Reading, Pennsylvania?
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, “Space heating and water heating were the top two energy-consuming uses in U.S. homes in 2015,” and account for nearly two-thirds of U.S. home energy use. In the cold Pennsylvanian winters, a furnace keeps your family happy and warm during the bitterly cold months. But how can you know when it’s time for your furnace to be replaced? Let’s take a look at a few warning signs.
1. Your electric bill is going up.
Has your electricity bill been rising over the years? It may not be because of price fluctuations in the market, but rather as a result of your furnace. The life expectancy of a gas furnace is 18 years. As furnaces age, parts wear out and they can often become less efficient. If your current one is more than 15 years old, replace it with a new ENERGY STAR qualified furnace. These newer models can run up to 15% more efficiently, saving money on your energy bill.
2. Rooms aren’t heating evenly.
Do you find that when you move from one room to another, one may seem uncomfortably warm while the next is unreasonably cold? Do you need to constantly adjust the thermostat to keep your house comfortable? This is another sign that it may be time to have your furnace looked at. It’s possible that your furnace is no longer able to properly circulate air, wasting money on your electricity bill as it struggles to evenly heat your house.
3. Indoor air quality is declining.
Have you noticed family members coughing more than usual? Are they struggling to breathe, fighting allergies, or constantly struggling with a dry nose? According to Essig, a local Reading plumbing, heating and cooling business, this is another sign that your furnace may be in need of repairs. If it’s not running properly, chances are it may be forcing dust, mold and other irritants into the air of your home as well as wasting money on your energy bill.
4. Your furnace keeps making a lot of noise.
Does your furnace sound like it’s spluttering to life long after you’ve turned it on? Noises when you turn a furnace on or off are normal, but if the party continues long after, this may be a sign that something inside the furnace is broken and is in need of repair. Rattling could be a sign of loose screws, popping noises occur when parts of the furnace warm and cool as the temperature changes, and screeching could indicate a problem with the motor. If your furnace is getting louder and louder, and more frequent in its complaints, it may be time to have it repaired or even replaced. This can save your Reading electric bill from taking a beating as well.
Make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape and save with PA Energy Ratings!
Pay close attention to the condition of your furnace and it will keep you warm during the cold winter months and save your money on your energy bills. And if you’re looking for even cheaper rates on your electricity in Reading, Pennsylvania, you can head over to https://www.paenergyratings.com/electricity-rates to learn more and compare plans right now.