If your furnace is not heating up your home as efficiently as it once did, you may think that it is nearing the end of its lifespan and is in need of replacement. Most furnaces last anywhere from about fifteen to twenty-five years, depending on how often the furnace is used, how well-maintained the furnace is, and the brand of the furnace. Before you replace a furnace that may be older because it is not heating up your home, there are a few things that you should try first. 

Replace Your Furnace and Home Air Filters

If your furnace is kicking on, but your home is not heating up, the first thing you should do is replace the air filters in your furnace and in your home. As your air filters are used, they become full. When they are full, air has a hard time passing through all of the dirt, dust, and debris. Eventually, air cannot make its way through the filter, and as such, your furnace cannot pull air into the unit to heat. In turn, you don't get as much heated air into your home, making your home cooler than what you want. 

Have Your Furnace Cleaned

If you have changed your air filters and your furnace is still struggling to heat up your home, you should consider having your furnace cleaned. Dirt, dust, and allergens can all make their way into your furnace. These items become trapped inside and have nowhere to go; they just sit in there, wearing other parts down. As dirt accumulates on belts and hoses, it becomes harder for those items to turn and do their job. In turn, your unit is unable to produce as much heat. 

Check Your Ducts 

Lastly, be sure to have your ducts inspected if your furnace is not heating up your home. Once your furnace heats air, it pushes the air through your ducts to the registers in your home. If the ducts have holes, rips, or tears in them, the heated air can escape before it makes its way into the rooms where you need the air to go. If your ducts have holes or tears, they should be repaired or replaced to help heated air travel where it needs to go. 

If you have tried all the tricks above, you will want to call in a furnace repair and replacement service. They can inspect your furnace and help you determine if your furnace needs to be repaired or replaced. For more information, visit a site like http://www.alwaysreadyrepair.com/.