As the leaves turn colors and the temperature drops, we have to admit that fall is underway and winter is coming soon. It will soon be time to turn on the furnace that first cold night, and next thing you know, your heat will be on full time, working hard to keep the cold at bay. Is your furnace up to the challenge? It may be difficult to know for sure. So how do you decide? Call Patterson Heating and Air Conditioning for an evaluation of your current furnace and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Our technicians have the experience and training necessary to make a recommendation regarding HVAC repair or furnace replacement in Charlotte.

The factors we consider:

1. Age of your furnace. The age of your current furnace has a lot to do with its performance and efficiency. Although most furnaces are made to last 10 or even 20 years, if a furnace is older than 8 years old it’s wasting a lot of energy. New furnaces are up to 98% efficient when properly maintained, so even if your furnace is 8-10 years old, it’s a dinosaur in terms of technology.
2. Condition. Depending on the wear and tear your furnace has endured over its lifetime, it may be in worse condition than its years indicate. Years of running without maintenance can take their toll, as well as extreme weather conditions. Perhaps you bought a house and are unaware of the condition of the HVAC system and have no knowledge of its history. A Patterson technician can inspect it and give you an idea of the shape it’s in, then recommend replacement if necessary.
3. Frequent Repair. If your system has required frequent repairs over the past year, it may be costing you more than its worth. It also may be an indication that your furnace is on its last leg.
4. Rising Energy Costs. Does your energy bill seem to be getting higher each month, despite regular HVAC maintenance? That can be an indication that your furnace needs replaced. As furnaces age they don’t work as efficiently. And as stated above, new furnaces are much more efficient.
5. Excessive Noise. Is your furnace noisier than usual when it runs? This could be an indication that repairs are necessary, and possibly replacement if the system cannot be repaired or if the repairs are too costly to be worth it.
6. Uneven temperatures throughout your home. If it seems that some rooms feel warmer than others, or if your heat seems to run constantly without ever achieving the desired indoor temperature, you have a problem with your furnace. It may be something that can be repaired, but it may mean your furnace isn’t going to last much longer.

Replacement is possible with Financing

If you need to replace your furnace but cannot pay for it out of pocket upon installation, Patterson offers financing options to make replacement more affordable. If any of the things listed above are true for your furnace, there’s a good chance you need to replace sooner, rather than later. Patterson HVAC in Charlotte can assess your system and give you a good recommendation on replacement. Schedule service or call (704) 288-4535.

For more information on HVAC replacement: https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_checklist_consumers