Is it time to replace your furnace?

Wait a second… wasn’t it summer just a minute ago? How did sweater weather sneak up on us so quickly?

While the recent drop in temperature across the Okanagan seemed quite sudden, it was welcomed by many, especially after the smokey August that we experienced. With fall weather approaching, it’s the perfect time of year to sip on warm drinks, break out the cozy blankets and turn up the heat.

If you are planning on turning up the heat in your home soon, it’s also the perfect time to check up on your furnace and make sure that it’s running efficiently. The last thing you want is to have your furnace break down in the middle of winter when you need it the most.

While furnaces do not need to be replaced often, especially if they are well-maintained, they don’t last forever. Here are a few common warning signs that it may be time to consider getting a new furnace, as a well-timed replacement can save you money in the long run.

Your furnace is getting old

As with most things, the regular wear and tear that occurs when a furnace is used year after year will eventually leave its mark.

“The average furnace should be replaced about every 15 years,” said Jayme Dunsmore, General Manager at Thomson Industries in Kelowna. “Some may last as long as 20, however they are probably not running at optimal efficiency and can cause an increase in your utility bill.”

If your furnace has reached the 15 year mark, it’s not a bad idea to be proactive and start searching for a replacement.

Your utility bills are increasing

As mentioned above, furnaces will lose their efficiency over time, causing an increase in utility costs.

“If you’ve noticed your bill consistently rising, this is a sign that your unit is no longer operating efficiently,” said Dunsmore.

If your utility bills are increasing inexplicably, it’s a good time to have your furnace checked by a professional. If the issue isn’t fixable, that money would probably be better spent on a new heating system, instead.

You’re uncomfortable

The whole point of having a furnace is to create a comfortable environment throughout your entire home. While it’s normal to experience some warmer and cooler spots, especially on different floors, it should be easy to achieve a generally comfortable temperature.

If you find that you are constantly playing around with your thermostat or the air quality in your home seems poor (excessively dusty or dry, for example), this is a sign that shouldn’t be ignored.

Your furnace needs costly repairs

If your furnace is getting older and requires a costly repair, it might be worth it to put that money towards a brand new system instead.

“The average furnace price is approximately $4,000 - $6,000,” said Dunsmore. “If your repair costs reach anywhere near 50% of the new furnace install price, it is time to replace. That way, you can get a new unit with a manufacturer’s warranty.”

“It is also a good idea to purchase a unit with a good labour warranty,” added Dunsmore. “That way you are covered for years in the future.”

Any of these warning signs sound familiar? The good news is that FortisBC is currently offering rebates of up to $700 on upgrades to high-efficiency natural gas furnaces, so it’s a great time to make a switch.

If you’re looking for more information about furnaces and FortisBC rebates, Thomson Industries can help. Contact Thomson Industries to learn more, and enjoy a nice, cozy fall season!