How confident will you be when you turn on your furnace for the first time this season? Your heating system is often taken for granted—until something goes wrong. While many furnace issues have straightforward fixes, others may require a full system replacement. Below, the experts at Martens Plumbing & Heating share five big reasons why it might be time for a new furnace in your Mukwonago-area home.
Your Furnace Is More Than 15 Years Old
The average lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 20 years but can depend on how well you’ve maintained it and how rough the winters have been on it. To find out how old it is, check inside the system’s original instruction manual for its manufacturer date or date of install. If that doesn’t work, remove the main service panel to find the unit’s serial number. The third and fourth digits of that number usually indicate its original manufacturing date.
Higher Energy Bills
In Wisconsin, heating is almost always going to draw the most energy in your home. When the temperature dips, your furnace has to work that much harder to maintain your preferred temperature, using more energy than normal. You can counter a high utility bill by lowering your thermostat, sealing windows, and getting annual maintenance. But if your bills are noticeably higher compared to years past, it may be time for a new furnace. The good news? Today’s ENERGY STAR systems from Bryant® can save you up to 20 percent on your heating bills, which really adds up over time.
Unusual Sounds or Smells
Anything mechanical is going to produce some level of noise. But when something’s really wrong with your furnace, you’ll hear it. When damaged, the blower motors, ignitor, and certain other internal components can make a variety of noises, from screeching to popping. And if there’s too much dust and debris built up in your system, it could also lead to a musty or burning smell.
If you experience any strange sounds or smells coming from your furnace, call Martens’ expert technicians today at 262-363-7146. We’ll diagnose the problem and let you know whether to repair your system or replace it.
Too Many Repair Calls
We love seeing our customers getting the most out of their heating systems. Unfortunately, not all furnaces are created equal—some might have been installed improperly while others simply didn’t get the care needed for optimal operation. If you find that you’re calling an HVAC technician more than once a year, there could be a bigger issue. Those repair bills can add up, and at some point, it may be more financially logical to invest in a new unit than to continue fixing your current one.
It Just Won’t Keep You Warm
This is probably obvious, but a furnace that doesn’t heat your home thoroughly may just be due for replacement. A failing heat exchanger, blower motor, or obstruction is often the culprit. Other times, your furnace may be too small for your home’s heating needs. Either way, contact our experts to take a look and diagnose the issue. Emergency HVAC service is also available if it’s that bad.
Rely on Martens for a New Furnace
When it’s time for a new furnace, Martens will make things as easy as possible for you. Since 1956, we’ve offered great service and competitive rates in our hometown of Mukwonago. We’ll help you choose the perfect size Bryant furnace for your home and expertly install it.
Contact us today for any furnace issue or to get an estimate on a newer, more efficient furnace.
