When To Upgrade Or Replace Your Furnace

A new furnace is a large investment and a key piece of your home life.

But how do you know if your system is ready for the recycling facility or if it can be repaired? There are indicators to help you determine if now is the right time is to upgrade or not.

Repairs

How often does your furnace breakdown?

This is the biggest red flag. If you’re calling the repairperson frequently, that could be a sign it’s time to make a change. Even if you’re able to stretch out a few more years with an older unit, consider the cost of repairs and lost money spent using an ineffective system. 

Often times, a newer unit will cost more upfront but will provide larger savings in time. Factored in with the higher comfort and performance, a new furnace may actually be the most cost-effective option. Plus, there is the added bonus of having a reliable furnace you and your family can depend on.

Age

If you’ve had your furnace for 12-15 years, it’s time to seriously consider upgrading.

Your current heating system may have been top-of-the-line in its day, but it just doesn’t compare to new systems today. Many older models have 65% AFUE which only loses you money, especially in Canada’s frosty winter months. Trane’s continued advancements in technology, design, construction and performance create more powerful and efficient products every year. With an upgrade, you’ll notice vast improvements at home and your bank account. 

Efficiency Issues

Dread opening your energy bill each month or notice the amount is getting higher each year?

It might be time to upgrade your heating system. If your airducts are old or leaky (or both!) and your furnace isn’t performing at the level it once did, a new unit can drastically reduce your costs and increase your indoor air quality.

Check your system’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, which is an indicator of how much money your system can potentially save you. Put simply, a furnace with an 80% rating will use about 80% of the gas it consumes and lose about 20% in the process. Our Trane systems reach as high as 97.3%, meaning nearly all of your utility dollars goes towards heating your home. In Canada where the winters are long and temperatures can drop to bone-chilling extremes, a higher AFUE will make a significant difference on your spending.

Comfort Issues

A warning sign that it’s time for a new furnace is constantly having to raise the temperature in your house to keep it comfortable. The fix could be as easy as a new thermostat or it could be a sign that your heating system is failing. Other signs your system could use a replacement are hot and cold spots and excessive noise, which is reason enough for many homeowners to upgrade.

Air Quality Issues

The air quality in your home is directly linked to your furnace.

If you’re noticing issues like an increase in allergies, dust or odors, check your furnace. Without proper air filtration, your home opens up to airborne allergens, bacteria and host of other problems including mold and sickness. Air filtration systems like Trane’s CleanEffects can give you added protection with removal of up to 99.98% of airborne particles. The better the air quality in your home, the healthier you and your family! 

If your home needs an upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace, find one of our trusted Trane Dealers today to discuss your heating options. These top-rated professionals are always ready to help find the most effective and efficient ways to heat your home.