Don't Get Caught in the Cold: 5 Signs It's Time to Call DMC
DENVER COLORADO: Love is in the air this week and you can almost smell the spring flowers ready to germinate! But wait, don’t pull out the swimsuit just yet! Historically, March is Colorado’s coldest month, often bringing some of the heaviest snowfall. Just ask anyone who lived through the March blizzard of 2003 or the more recent snowstorms of 2021. February and March are historically the snowiest months for the Front Range, and it goes without saying that temperatures stand to plummet well below freezing with little to no notice. Indeed, the unpredictable weather can put a serious strain on your home's heating system. Are you prepared, or is your furnace on its last leg? Don't get caught in the cold! Here are five signs it's time to call DMC, your HVAC pros in the Front Range!
Get cozy, but don’t get caught freezing this February and March. Call DMC!
Your boiler/furnace is too old: Many homes in the Denver metro area were built in the mid-20th century, and many still rely on their original heating systems. While these older systems might still be running, they're likely nearing the end of their lifespan. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years, and for boilers, it's around 20-30 years. At this point, you're probably just bandaging the issue with frequent repairs, which can become costly.
Freeze or Call. . . the choice is yours!
2. Older boilers are inefficient: Have you monitored your gas and electricity bills lately? They might be higher than you think. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), residential energy prices have been on the rise. While older technologies are partly to blame for this increased consumption, the truth is that even with a newer furnace, your home’s ductwork might be contributing to energy loss. Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can significantly reduce efficiency, forcing your system to work harder and use more energy. A professional HVAC technician can assess your ductwork and recommend solutions to improve efficiency.
Energy bills through the roof? On the bright side, you might have more reason to get closer this winter.
3. Energy prices are on the rise: Just as your older system likely has a high demand for energy, the energy itself is becoming more expensive. The EIA forecasts continued increases in natural gas and electricity prices. Global events, like the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, continue to impact energy markets, contributing to price volatility. While increased domestic energy production is a goal of the current Administration, the effects on consumer prices may take time. Investing in a more energy-efficient system now can help mitigate the impact of rising energy costs in the long run.
4. Uneven heating throughout your home: Do some rooms feel significantly colder than others? This is a common sign of a failing or inefficient heating system. It can be caused by a variety of issues, including problems with your furnace's blower motor, blocked vents, or leaky ductwork. Ignoring this issue can lead to further damage to your system and increased energy waste. A qualified HVAC technician can diagnose the problem and recommend solutions to ensure even and comfortable heating throughout your home.
While it may not quite be rocket science, the inner workings of your old furnace can’t be fixed with magic spells, so you’re better off calling the pros at DMC!