How to Tell if You Need a New Oil Furnace
Your furnace serves a hugely important purpose. You rely on it to keep you and your family comfortable and heat your home.
With the colder months approaching, you’ll want to pay more attention to your oil furnace — especially if you’ve noticed some odd noises.
Is it time for a new oil furnace? Keep reading and see whether or not its time to upgrade.
How to Tell if You Need a New Oil Furnace
If Your Oil Furnace is Over a Decade Old
On average, you can expect your oil furnace to last anywhere from 16-20 years if it’s well maintained. If you’ve neglected your furnace’s basic maintenance requirements, you’re likely to get around 12 years out of your furnace.
This means that a new oil furnace isn’t a frequent investment — or at least it shouldn’t be.
However, a little bit of basic maintenance can add to your furnace’s longevity. Sometimes a filter change can make a huge difference in air quality and performance.
Make sure to check up on your furnace at least once a month. Different factors such as storage climate and moisture levels can come into play.
You’ve Noticed Decreased Performance From Your Oil Furnace
Here’s the good news: it’s pretty unlikely that your furnace will just up and quit on you. However, that comes with a pretty big caveat.
This means that instead of dying, your furnace’s performance will deteriorate over time.
As summer wanes and fall and winter are around the corner, you’re going to have to rely on your furnace more. Make sure to perform regular tests.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when testing your furnace:
- Desired heating/cooling levels.
- Stale air or poor air quality.
- Levels of oil needed to operate.
You’re Having to Make Frequent Repairs
There’s a pretty high chance that at some point your oil furnace is going to need repair. While oil furnaces are reliable and trustworthy, they’re still machines at the end of the day.
This can quickly become a problem if those smaller repairs are adding up. Typically, if you’re having to call for repairs more than once a year you’ll likely need a new furnace.
While this may seem like an inconvenience at the moment, you’ll ultimately save money. With frequent repairs, you have to pay for the job itself as well as associated labor costs.
In contrast, paying for a new furnace and installation is going to cost a bit upfront, but you’ll be set for the next few years. If money is a concern, don’t forget that financing is always an option.
It may be time to start weighing your options: is it cheaper to just buy a new oil furnace, or are you okay with repairs?
Looking to Upgrade?
If you think it’s time to switch out your old oil furnace for a new, more efficient model, we’d love to help.
We offer fantastic, friendly service at a price you’re guaranteed to love. Get in touch today and start living a more comfortable life.