With the cold weather showing no signs of dwindling any time soon, your furnace has likely been your home’s constant companion. If the increased usage has revealed some problems, you may be wondering whether you need more than a simple repair. To understand whether you should hire an HVAC contractor to install a replacement unit, keep an eye out for the following signs.

When to Have an HVAC Contractor Replace Your Furnace

1. Old Age

No matter how dependable it’s been, a furnace should be replaced once it’s about 15 years old. Even if you’ve never needed to repair it, you should start asking about possible replacements. Modern units are significantly healthier and more efficient for your home—although the initial cost may be undesirable, the efficiency helps offset the utility costs in the long run.

2. High Utility Bills

A sudden spike in your energy bill often signals a major problem. If neither the rate nor your usage has changed, there’s something up with the furnace itself. If your unit is still on the young side, have an HVAC contractor look around—the issue could involve a simple fix.

3. Constant Repairs

If you’ve been having your furnace repaired constantly for the past two years or so, it may be more cost-effective to upgrade to a completely new one. Since every home is different, you’ll need to crunch the numbers, but if the cost of a new unit is the same or cheaper than the cumulative cost of the suggested future repairs, it’s better to just get a new one.

4. Short Cycling

When your furnace starts up and quickly shuts down again, this is known as short cycling. This may be caused by an old air filter, a refrigerant leak, or a broken thermostat, but if you’re diligent about furnace maintenance, there’s something else going on. 

5. Cold Spots

Assuming you’ve checked the frames and weatherproofing of the windows and doors for cracks, experiencing cold spots throughout the house is often related to the state of your furnace. Deteriorating units simply aren’t able to distribute heat as evenly as they did before.

If you’re considering upgrading your furnace, trust the experts at Mountain Air & Heating. This HVAC contractor is dedicated to the Habersham County, GA, community, offering everything from basic repairs to full installations. They use only the best name brands in the industry, such as Amana®, Carrier®, and Trane®, so if you need a replacement unit, you can rest assured they’ll set you up with a long-lasting, high-quality furnace. Call (706) 754-0075 to schedule an appointment. For more information about their services, visit their website.