Furnaces are one of the most common systems used to heat buildings. While furnaces can last more than a decade, they do wear out eventually and require new heating installation. If you have recently bought a new building, you will want to figure out how old the existing HVAC system is, so you can plan accordingly. The previous owner may be able to tell you how old it is, but if not, it is pretty easy to investigate. Look around for a manual or contact the manufacturing company with the serial number in hand. They should be able to tell you the manufacture date, which gives you a pretty good idea of how long ago it was installed.
Once your system is more than 10 years old, you should be alert for signs that it is time for a new heating installation. Here are some of the most common signs to look for:
- New or louder noises: While your system will have its own unique sounds, new or louder noises should be checked out by a certified technician.
- Cuts on and off more often: Turning off and on uses more energy than other parts of your furnace’s cycle, so you want to minimize the number of times it does this.
- Condensation: If you notice a change in humidity inside your building or frequent condensation on the windows, it is a cause for concern.
- Building isn’t heating evenly: Uneven temperatures may signal a problem with your heating system.
- Utility bill is high: If you can’t explain your high utility bill with extreme weather, get your system checked out.
When it is time for new heating installation, make sure you get at least three estimates that include specific information about the unit to be installed, ductwork repair and replacements, as well as the cost to remove and discard your old system.