My gas furnace is about twenty years old.
It hasn’t been covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for a long time.
Although I am diligent about air filter changes and annual maintenance, the heater has started to need several small repairs every year. Those professional services are starting to add up. Plus, the furnace is no longer as energy efficient as it once was. The monthly costs are getting a bit higher all the time. Even when the system was new, it only managed an 80% AFUE rating. There are now models on the market that achieve up to 98% efficiency ratings. These units offer adaptable speed operation. They are able to adjust their output in tiny one percent increments and run anywhere from 40 to 100% capacity. The result is far lower running costs, less impact on the environment and more even temperature. These systems don’t cause as many problems with insufficient humidity and are safer. I think it’s time that I schedule a replacement for my furnace. It would be better to be proactive than to wait for my heater to quit during a blizzard. I’d rather not be left without heat when the temperature is below zero and the roads nearly impassable. There’s always the worry of pipes freezing and bursting. While a new furnace is a significant investment, I believe the savings on my energy bills will recover it fairly quickly. The updated system would be covered by manufacturer’s warranty, provide superior comfort and include modern features, such as zone control and wifi accessibility. I plan to schedule the installation project for this summer.