Furnaces naturally become less effective and efficient as they age, but with proper care, your furnace can provide your home with warmth for up to 20 years. But how efficient is a 20-year-old furnace, and should you trust it with your home’s comfort and safety?
Learn more about the efficiency of 20-year-old furnaces in the latest blog post from Schebler Heating and Air. Schedule furnace repair, replacement, and maintenance services with our team in the Quad Cities today!
How Efficient Are 20-Year-Old Furnaces?
While 20-year-old furnaces will not be able to heat your home with the same efficiency as newer units, they can still provide some level of heating. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a 20-year-old furnace has an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of 78% or less, meaning your furnace will be wasting at least 22% of the energy it uses.
This reduced efficiency in older furnaces translates to higher heating costs and a greater environmental impact.
Newer furnaces, on the other hand, can commonly achieve AFUE ratings up to 95%, preventing your home from wasting excessive levels of energy.
Signs of Furnace Inefficiency
A furnace that struggles to efficiently heat your home will typically show signs in a few different ways, including:
Higher Energy Costs
As a furnace’s efficiency drops, it will need to work harder in order to provide similar heating results. The increased workload will result in higher energy consumption, which, in turn, leads to elevated heating bills. If you notice a steady rise in your energy costs without changing your heating demands, it’s a strong indicator that your furnace is no longer operating efficiently.
Reduced Home Comfort
Inefficient furnaces are often unable to distribute heat evenly throughout the home. When this happens, you might experience cold spots in certain areas and inconsistent temperatures from room to room. This reduced comfort can be frustrating and uncomfortable, especially during the cold winter months. A properly functioning furnace should provide consistent and reliable heating throughout your living space.
More Frequent Cycles
Furnaces operate on cycles to provide consistent warmth. A drop in efficiency will cause longer cycles that start more frequently than they used to. This places additional strain on your system, which can shorten its lifespan and cause comfort issues throughout the home.
Frequent Furnace Repairs
The occasional furnace repair is nothing to worry about. However, if your furnace requires repairs seemingly every season, you’re likely experiencing an inefficient furnace. This is due to the increased wear and tear caused by more frequent cycles and heightened stress levels.
When to Replace Your Furnace
Knowing when to replace your furnace can help you avoid a complete system breakdown that could otherwise completely leave you without heat during the cold winter months. To know when to replace your furnace, look for signs such as:
- System age: You can typically count on a furnace to provide 15-20 years of warmth. If your furnace is around 20 years old, replacing it now can help you avoid a complete loss of heat.
- Signs of inefficiency: The less efficient a furnace is, the less effective it is at properly heating your home. If your furnace is exhibiting signs of inefficiency, consider replacing it to keep your home warm this winter.
- Strange Noises: Unusual noises, including banging, clanging, or rattling, coming from your furnace can be a sign of mechanical problems. While some issues can be repaired, extensive or persistent noises may signal that the furnace is on its last legs.
- Visible Rust or Cracks: A visual inspection of your furnace can help you identify physical damage, such as rust or cracks in the heat exchanger or other critical components. These issues can pose safety risks and warrant immediate attention.
Schedule Furnace Services in the Quad Cities with Schebler Today!
When the time comes to replace your furnace in the Quad Cities, trust the experts at Schebler Heating and Air. Our team is backed by years of experience and will do whatever it takes to provide you with the top-notch furnace services you deserve. Give us a call or contact us online today to get started.