Everyone knows the sinking feeling of realizing one of your heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) systems has stopped working. Whether your air conditioner is no longer blasting cool air in the summer or your furnace is dead in the winter, surviving the varying extreme temperatures in Carbondale, Illinois, without effective heating and cooling can be impossible.
When an issue occurs with your heating system, a timely repair is more important than ever. The time it takes to notice, diagnose, and rectify an issue with your furnace can be the difference between a successful repair, as well as the continued health and safety of your family. For furnace repair timeline tips and information on HVAC services that can help boost your systems’ efficiency, read on.
How Long Does a Furnace Last?
The average furnace life expectancy is about 15-20 years. While a furnace can last beyond this point, it takes a drastic step down in efficiency and is more likely to need frequent repairs or break down completely with little warning. While every machine is different, it’s best to contact a local HVAC company for assistance or a new furnace quote once your system reaches this age.
What Affects Furnace Efficiency?
Your heater is a complex HVAC system that, like any piece of machinery, slowly deteriorates over time. Here are some factors that can help preserve your unit and help it stay more energy-efficient for a longer period of time:
Routine Maintenance
You wouldn’t skip an oil change after a long road trip or leave your home uncleaned before a big holiday party, so why would you skip out on furnace maintenance? Scheduling professional maintenance with a local company such as Heartland Heating, Air & Plumbing can help preserve the efficiency of your heating system. It can also reduce the need for repair and prolong the time before a furnace replacement is necessary. Check out Heartland’s Heart of Your Home Club maintenance plan to get the most convenient maintenance solutions today.
Insulation
Insulation is one of the greatest tools at your disposal when it comes to maintaining comfortable temperatures inside your Carbondale, IL, home. It acts as an additional barrier between your indoor environment and the fierce seasonal weather outside. Without proper insulation, your furnace will have to run harder and longer to reach the desired temperatures you set on your thermostat. As a result of overworking, your system will lose efficiency quickly over less time.
Air Duct Leaks
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reports that as heated air passes through your ductwork from your HVAC unit, roughly 20 percent is lost to small leaks. In the winter, air from your heating system can also escape through doors and windows that aren’t properly sealed or winterized. Ensure that your home is fortified and your ducts are up to par to help maintain your furnace efficiency.
Age
As stated, age plays a big factor in the functionality of your furnace. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that a furnace 20 years old or older wastes a minimum of 22% of the energy it consumes. This wasted energy will be noticed in your furnace’s operation as well as your energy bills.
Repair Time
When an issue occurs that affects the operation of your furnace, delays can be costly – both to your wallet and your heater. Delaying a repair and continuing to operate a broken furnace can cause irreparable damage that permanently decreases your system’s efficiency. If you avoid scheduling certified technicians’ service altogether, you could wind up facing an expensive and premature furnace replacement rather than what could have been a simple repair.
Why Furnace Repair Time Matters
Addressing any issues with your furnace is critical. In Carbondale, IL, when winter temperatures can reach dangerous lows, a broken furnace can mean a lack of heat throughout your entire household. Additionally, putting off fixing your heater can lead to lasting damage, air quality issues, and more related problems.
In order to avoid these negative effects, you have to take fast action as soon as you notice any warning signs of a broken furnace, including:
- Unusual Sounds
- Odd Smells
- Inconsistent Heating or Lack of Heat
- Skyrocketing Utility Bills
When you notice a red flag with your furnace, call Heartland right away. Our NATE-certified technicians are prepared with high-quality tools and techniques to fix your furnace with speed.
Benefits of Timely Furnace Repair
Besides improved, long-term energy efficiency, on-time furnace repair boasts the following benefits:
- Consistent Heating: Say goodbye to cold spots and inconsistent temperatures and hello to optimized at-home comfort.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: While other HVAC systems, such as air filtration systems, are dedicated to increasing the quality of air inside your Carbondale home, your furnace plays a role in this as well. An efficient heater with a clean air filter helps circulate fresh air indoors.
- Increased Lifespan: A well-maintained furnace treated with prompt repairs will last longer than a furnace left to its own devices.
- Less Frequent Repairs: When a minor repair is caught early and addressed swiftly, it can help reduce the risk of system-wide breakdowns, as well as curb future repairs.
What’s Included in Professional Furnace Repair: Carbondale, IL Services
In today’s DIY world, it can be tempting to take matters into your own hands when it comes to heating repair. However, to ensure the optimal efficiency of your furnace, it’s important to seek out professional HVAC contractors.
At Heartland, our furnace service goes beyond simply addressing a broken component or clogged air filter. When an HVAC contractor from our team visits your Carbondale home, we will perform a detailed inspection to identify the root cause of the current issues. Using industry-leading technologies, we’ll promptly fix the problem and ensure that no other related issues are developing. We also offer cleaning and a tune up when necessary as part of our comprehensive heating system service.
Heat Pump, Furnace and Air Conditioning: Solutions for All Systems
As the top carrier factory authorized dealer across Southern Illinois, Heartland Heating, Air & Plumbing provides fast HVAC solutions to all our customers. From furnace repair to air conditioning service, our team is prepared to help you increase and maintain energy efficiency well beyond the expected lifespan of your system. Contact us today to schedule your repair or to get in touch with our emergency service team.