When is the best time to start thinking about how long your furnace might last? Up here in Wisconsin, it would be a very bad idea to wait until spring to evaluate your furnace. Having to go any amount of time without a furnace can not only be uncomfortable but can put your family in danger and risk expensive damage and repairs from frozen and burst plumbing.
Prepare to Act
If you’re concerned about your furnace quitting any time soon, there are a few things you can do about it.
If your unit is 15 or more years old, you should probably start shopping around. It’s mid-winter now, so you should try to have your furnace assessed to determine its likely condition. You don’t want a furnace breakdown while it’s still likely to be sub-zero. If it’s determined your furnace can make it until the end of the winter
season, you have a good chance of finding a sale price for a decent model after the heating season.
Here are some signs to look for in assessing how long your furnace might have left:
Size and age of the furnace – Larger units tend to fail earlier, especially if they are too large for the space. If it’s old enough to drive, go to war, or drink, it’s a good bet your furnace is nearing the end of its life.
Frequent repairs – How many times has your furnace needed repair or service in the past few years? Look for failing thermocouples, blowers, heat exchangers, gas mechanisms or flame sensors.
Weird or loud sounds – A good, working furnace is relatively quiet. New sounds, especially metallic clattering and grinding are not good. Other sounds indicating need for concern are loose rattling of small parts, whining or hissing sounds from a belt, or squealing.
If you suspect your furnace is on its way out, have a Sure-Fire professional take a look before you have a nasty, freezing Sunday morning surprise. We won’t try to talk you into something you don’t need. Our great customer service pros will give you a fair and honest evaluation of your best options for the moment. If you need it, we
can make your new furnace installation happen quickly and painlessly. Give us a call today.
