My furnace is over twenty years old and has surpassed its expected lifespan. Despite keeping up with monthly filter replacement and yearly maintenance, performance has gradually diminished. The furnace no longer supplies a sufficient amount of heated air to keep up with demand on especially cold days and nights. It makes a lot more noise than it used to and sometimes spews quite a bit of dust into the home. The cost of monthly utility bills over the winter have become increasingly more expensive. When the furnace was brand new, it provided a 75% AFUE rating. The level of efficiency has certainly suffered due to wear and tear. There are now furnaces on the market that achieve 98% AFUE ratings. The upgrade would make a big difference to the household budget, quickly helping to recover the investment. Plus, the new furnace would be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. My current heating system succumbs to one or two minor repairs every season, and the expense has added up. In my local area, the heater is a priority. I expect to start up the furnace by the end of September or early October and keep it running until the end of April. We often have snow on Easter and even Mother’s Day. Temperatures in the negatives are normal, and the wind chill makes the conditions feel even colder. The heating system carries a heavy workload. I need to be certain that the equipment is safe and reliable. I don’t want to be left without heat in the middle of a January blizzard. I think it’s time to schedule a replacement.