When the time to replace a major appliance comes, it’s never a fun task. However, there are warning signs that may help indicate when you will need to replace your furnace. If you want to avoid a mid-winter furnace breakdown, continue reading to learn about the following symptoms.
When a furnace is 15-20 years old
A furnace commonly runs for 15-20 years, given they are routinely maintained. Some can carry on for up to 30 years depending on environmental elements and how often they are used. It may be time to upgrade your furnace if it has already hit the 15-20 year mark. Your energy bills can be lowered by getting a newer, more efficient furnace model.
Need frequent repairs
Constant repairs on a furnace can add up in costs quickly and, over time, adds to the cost to keep it running. Since most of the parts are no longer in production and are not kept on hand, an older furnace may be more difficult to repair. If a repair is going to cost you more than half the original price of your furnace, it’s time to get a new one.
Energy bills are skyrocketing
If you can’t figure out why your energy bills have been climbing, it might be that your furnace is having to work too hard to keep your home comfortably warm. It’s possible that only a simple repair is needed, but you should be aware that your furnace may have reached the age that not even a repair or tune-up will make it operate efficiently enough to decrease your energy cost. You could use the additional funds on a newer and better furnace and save on your energy bills.
Furnace making strange noises
Unexpected strange noises emanating from your furnace are never a good sign. Sometimes it warrants a call to a certified professional right away. Squealing sounds, banging, or popping could be caused by a mechanical issue of some sort, or a clogged burner. An experienced technician will look at the mechanics and decide whether a simple fix or complete replacement will solve the noise problems.
Carbon monoxide is present
If your furnace is placed near a carbon monoxide detector, then you can know immediately if you have a leak. Of course, there are other things that can help you determine if you need to replace your furnace. One way to know that you have a carbon monoxide leak is if you and/or your family has been having flu-like symptoms, including frequent headaches, nausea, and disorientation.
If you see moisture on the inside of the windows in your home or rust on the pipes connected to your furnace, there may be a carbon monoxide leak.
Inconsistent or inadequate heat
Conflicting heating temperatures between different rooms in the home, or lack of warmth regardless of how much the heater is running, are certain issues that need tending to. Common reasons for such furnace problems include a dirty air filter, faulty thermostat, or blocked ducts. Sometimes, the problem is the wear and tear on the heating elements, a faulty pilot light, or burnt components.
A professional can inspect everything about the unit to figure out the issue. It may be more cost-effective to replace the device than to fix the furnace if it is already about 2 0 years old.
