Is your home not heating as effectively as it should? Your heating system may be at the end of its lifespan. See the top signs it’s time to replace it.
Most furnaces don’t just stop working overnight — instead, they tell us in “furnace speak” when they’re struggling to keep up with heating demands!
You can avoid a mid-winter furnace meltdown by paying attention to these signs and addressing an upgrade early (before installation schedules get booked with people getting last-minute system replacements).
Do three out of these eight signs apply to your furnace? If so, you might start looking at an upgrade.
1. Your home doesn’t heat evenly (and it used to)
When a furnace loses output, rooms that used to be comfortable may now feel colder than the rest of the house, leaving it drafty and slow to warm up.
2. Your energy bill has grown
Your furnace may appear like it’s in full working order if there are no obvious signs of failure, but furnaces lose efficiency over time. If your bill rises, but the outside temps haven’t changed much, the furnace could be working harder and running longer to do the same job.
3. Repairs are becoming a yearly event
Repeat repairs can signal that parts are wearing out across the system. Furnaces tend to decline gradually, so you can help prolong their life for a while, but eventually, the parts that are declining will outpace their ability to be repaired.
We suggest the general rule of thumb that if a repair costs a significant portion of what it would cost to replace a 15+ year-old furnace, the replacement usually makes more sense.
4. Furnace always on the run
Well-functioning furnaces cycle on and off, but an aging system struggles to keep up, causing more wear and tear on an aging system. Some signs to watch out for include:
- Short cycling (turning on and off repeatedly)
- Running for very long periods
- Never quite reaching thermostat setting
5. Strange sounds creeping your family out?
As furnace components age, new and worsening sounds often indicate wear. From bangs and rattles to squeaks, hums, or popping noises, the sounds of a furnace in decline could be the soundtrack to a horror film.
6. Yellow flame, blue flame?
If you’re seeing a yellow flame, it can indicate combustion issues that may produce carbon monoxide, which should be checked immediately. Contact a technician for a home visit.
7. Dust and dryness abound
Reduced airflow and filtration occur when a furnace struggles to perform. This leads to:
- Poor airflow from vents
- More dust
- Dry air
- Increased circulation of allergens
8. You’d had the same system for 15 years
If your system is over 15 years old, pat it on the back: it’s had a good run.
Now is your chance to get ahead by upgrading before you experience complete system failure. You’ll also be pleased with the efficiency and performance of modern systems, as technology gains over the last two decades have significantly improved home comfort.
Face the cold with confidence
An emergency replacement can be stressful and more expensive. And if you feel anxious each time the temperature drops because it’s unclear whether or not your furnace will stand up to the challenge, it’s time to secure your comfort — and your peace of mind. Talk with a trusted HVAC company about which heating equipment best suits your needs.