Imagine it’s a cold night and you hurry to get inside. Thankfully, it’s warm. The furnace is running and you quickly get comfortable.
Then you wonder: Have I had my furnace for too long? How will I know when to replace it?
Don’t wait until the worst case scenario. Here are 7 signs it’s time to replace a furnace.
1. It’s Old
Is your furnace around 15 years or older? If so, it’s time to think about getting a new one. It’s likely the heating system has been in the home even before you moved in.
Either check the model number on the furnace or look in the owner’s manual to find out the age of the system. A furnace can last up to 20 years if it’s regularly maintained.
2. Higher Heating Bill
Your furnace may be on its way out if you notice an increase in your heating bill. There are a number of reasons why the system is working so inefficiently.
Neglecting annual professional maintenance can build up problems with the furnace. The heat will leak from air ducts that aren’t properly sealed and dramatically add to heating costs.
A steady increase in billing could mean that the furnace is getting old, and there’s an internal issue that’s hindering its performance.
3. Frequent Repairs
Look back on the last two years at how many times you’ve paid for furnace repairs. There are two ways to know if it’s a frequent number of times.
You’ve had at least two repairs in one year, or the amount of money you’ve spent is 50 percent or more of the cost of a new furnace.
This usually happens when heating systems are reaching the end of their life. At this point, you’ll actually save money in the long run by investing in a new furnace.
4. Unusual Noises
Hearing strange noises coming from your furnace isn’t something to ignore. They won’t go away, and the longer you wait for the more money you’ll probably have to spend on repairs. There are situations when you’re better off buying a new system.
A bang like a gunshot could mean there’s a problem with the ducts, burners, or there’s a crack in the furnace, which can be very dangerous. Rattling could come from a loose screw, but it could also be from a crack or leak.
Gas burners that need to be cleaned can cause rumbling. If the flame color has other colors besides blue, this indicates the furnace is inefficient. Yearly maintenance is important to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
5. Rooms Heat Unevenly
If some rooms are cooler than others, this may be due to an old furnace. Some systems have trouble evenly distributing heat as they get older.
The problem could also be with the thermostat. A thermostat is supposed to control the amount of heat sent into your home, and if it breaks heating will be uneven or it could stop altogether.
6. Frequent Cycling
Short-cycling occurs when a furnace goes on and off repeatedly rather than staying on until the temperature reaches that of the thermostat. You can also figure out if your furnace is short-cycling by counting the number of cycles.
It’s normal for a system to go through 2-3 cycles every hour. Possible causes are the thermostat, the filters, and uneven heating.
7. You Smell Gas
Immediately turn off your furnace and the gas valve inside if you smell gas. Keep the lights off, don’t light any flames, and call an HVAC professional right away.
A gas leak could be from a damaged heat exchanger. Carbon dioxide, carbon, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide are substances that could be polluting the air in your home.
System overuse and improper airflow can make it more likely for the heat exchanger to crack.
Don’t Hesitate to Replace a Furnace
When it’s time, it’s time. Keeping a damaged or old furnace is dangerous and cost-inefficient. Experiencing any of the above warning signs may mean it’s better to invest and replace a furnace.
Remember to get regular yearly maintenance checks to prolong the life of your furnace. Contact us by form or email with any questions. Feel free to call us at (615) 794-2518.
