If you're tired of repairing your traditional gas furnace every few years, it's probably time to replace it. Although furnaces can hold up two decades or more, the appliances can wear out much sooner. The expenses needed to keep your old furnace running can quickly add before you know it. Before you schedule another repair appointment for your old furnace, learn why you may want to go ahead and replace it instead.

What's Going on With Your Old Furnace?

Although your furnace may appear to be a simple appliance, it's actually made of many complex chambers, including a heat exchanger. A heat exchanger is a specialized device that heats cold air as it blows upward from the lower chambers of the furnace. A heat exchanger also removes toxic gases and fumes from the air it heats. Conventional furnaces like your appliance only possess one heat exchanger. If your heat exchanger is cracked, it may be the reason for your constant repairs.

A heat exchanger can crack if it becomes too hot or too cold. The cracks can eventually allow heat and fumes to escape outside the furnace or into the parts inside the furnace. Heat that builds up inside the furnace can cause significant issues with the electric blower motor and fan. The fan might shut down, or the motor might short-cycle until it quits.

A cracked heat exchanger isn't something you want to patch up. Upgrading your furnace may be the best option available to you. 

How Do You Upgrade Your Furnace?

Most newer furnaces are condensing appliances, which rely on two heat exchangers to function. The first heat exchanger warms the air inside the furnace, while the second heat exchanger expels gases and toxins from the furnace. Both heat exchangers work together to keep your home comfortable.

You can speak to a heating unit installation company about upgrading your old furnace. Contractors may offer different selections of condensing furnaces that fit your needs the best. Keep in mind that you may need to upgrade your flue and air ducts during the installation. Soot and other gas particles from your old appliance may have built up inside the flue and air ducts over the years. The contaminants can cause problems with your new furnace if you don't address them right away.

If you're losing money or time fixing your old gas furnace, contact a heating installation company for your new appliance today.