Is it time to replace your furnace?
Every homeowner knows the significance of making their house a comfortable and cozy place for their family. The health of your furnace is a crucial consideration if you want to keep your home warm and secure throughout winter. In fact a furnace warms the air pumped by your HVAC system.
One of the main concerns a homeowner might face is whether or not to stop fixing heating systems and switch to replacing them. Another important topic is how long a furnace lasts. It’s not simple to answer these questions, and there’s no overarching rule that applies to all furnaces.
There are several indications that it’s time to replace your old furnace with a new energy-efficient system, including the age of the system, abrupt temperature swings, high running expenses, and loud sounds. This article will help you in determining whether it is time to replace your furnace.
Warning signs to replace the old furnace
It may be time to replace your gas furnace if it fails to keep you warm throughout the winter or if it just stops working, but you shouldn’t rush into it. It is often more cost-effective to have a furnace repaired rather than replaced when it has only been in operation for a short while and this is the first time it has malfunctioned.
If it’s older and not functioning as well as it should, though, you should be on the lookout for these signs that fixing it is no longer the best option:
- Age of the furnace
To begin, verify the age of your furnace. Most furnaces have an expected lifespan of 15–30 years if properly installed and maintained. It’s unlikely that your heating system would suddenly quit operating on the day it reaches 15. However, based on past observations, this is about the period when furnace issues increase.
Furnaces that formerly ran perfectly require additional maintenance and service as parts wear out and energy-efficiency measures lose function. Hiring a professional expert to conduct annual maintenance and repairs on your furnace can extend its life. But it is suggested to start looking for a furnace replacement 15 years after the first installation.
There are several things you can do to make your old furnace last longer. Replace filthy filters in your furnace on a regular basis to guarantee efficient operation. Sealing windows and doors could also enhance house warmth without installing a furnace. In addition, buying a programmable thermostat may help your furnace run more efficiently.
- Extremely loud furnace noises during normal operation
It is normal for furnaces to create some noise because of the volume of air they circulate. However, any extremely loud or strange sound, like popping, rattling, shrieking, or clicking, indicates that something is not functioning correctly. Also, inefficient furnaces may create excessive carbon dioxide, which leaves soot near air registers. These are the clear indications that a new furnace is needed.
- Home temperature swings
Significant temperature differences across rooms indicate that your furnace may be losing its ability to distribute heat. Over its 15th year of use, a furnace will gradually lose efficiency and become less effective at heating the higher and lower levels of the home uniformly. In this instance, first ensure that there are no leaks in your ducts. Unless there are leaks, replace the furnace.
- Soaring cost of energy
If your energy costs have been rising, it may be a sign that your system is not functioning as effectively as it once did. Since the efficiency of your furnace decreases with time, it will have to work more to heat your home, which results in energy costs.
Check the sum you’ll have to pay for your next furnace repair if you want to know whether it’s time to replace the unit. If repairing your furnace costs more than half the price of replacing it, it’s time to update.
- Excessive levels of soil and soot
A new furnace should be installed if you see an increase in the accumulation of dust, dander, soot, rust, or filth in your house while it is in use. The presence of excessive dust and soot around the house indicates that your aging furnace is creating an impressive amount of carbon dioxide.
Typically, soot accumulation is around furnace registers and grilles. In many cases, the presence of dirt or soot surrounding the furnace register is an indication that a professional should be called in to replace the furnace.
- Frequent repairs
Examine your maintenance expenses from the last two years and count the number of times you have to hire an HVAC professional to fix your heating system. If repairs have become more regular and costly, it becomes financially prudent to replace your furnace.
- Yellow furnace flames
A clear blue flame is indicative of a high-performance furnace that will effectively heat your house. Your outdated furnace may produce carbon monoxide if the burner flames are yellow. A hazardous gas leak that has to be fixed or an inefficient combustion process might both be indicated by yellow flames. Call your technician right away if you see yellow flames in your old furnace and smell gas.
- Indoor humidity issues
In the winter, everyone is concerned about humidity in their homes. If you notice dry air throughout your home, this shows that your furnace is not functioning properly.
- Rust or cracks in or around the furnace
When rust or fractures appear in or around your, it’s time for a replacement. As your furnace becomes older, this happens inevitably over time.
Conclusion
Having a functional heating system in the winter is crucial for the sake of your family’s safety. If you’re currently spending money each year to repair your old furnace, you may eliminate those costs quickly by buying a new one. Remember that faults with your furnace might result in health problems from breathing in things like carbon monoxide, dust, and pet dander. Contact our licensed HVAC technician immediately if you have observed any of the following signs from your furnace.