As the weather begins to cool, you may be wondering if your furnace will last throughout the winter. Unfortunately, as more time passes, the easier it becomes to forget that your furnace is getting older and eventually will expire. You can also forget that regular maintenance is essential for owning a furnace. Eventually, those problems can catch up to you and leave you with an unreliable heating source.
That’s why it’s essential to know the signs that will tell you that it’s time to trade your old furnace for a new one. The noticeability of these warning signs ranges from subtle to obvious. Either way, they should be taken seriously and seen as an opportunity to avoid an unfortunate situation this winter. Therefore, here are the seven signs that you should replace your furnace.
Signs of External Damage
When your furnace begins to reach the end of its lifespan, you may see small cracks and rust forming on your furnace. When you first start to notice the erosion, it doesn’t mean that you should immediately call for a replacement. However, as time passes, the issue will grow, and eventually, you’ll see other signs of age from your furnace.
Your Furnace Age
Speaking of age, the amount of years your furnace has been active is a clear sign of when your furnace needs replacement. As your furnace begins to age, you’re likely to experience a decrease in efficiency, meaning it’s time to upgrade to a newer one. You can expect your gas furnace to last approximately 15-20 years. After 15 years, you should begin searching for a replacement for your aging furnace.
Yellow Flame
The blue flame that comes from your burner when it’s first lit signifies that your furnace is working efficiently. However, an increased level of carbon monoxide could cause the flame to become yellow, meaning that your furnace is beginning to fail. It also could be accompanied by a gas leak, so if you smell gas in areas of your home, take extreme precautions.
Temperature Changes
When you set the temperature for the comfort of your home, your furnace should soon warm your home to a relatively consistent level. That level of consistency is a huge part of ensuring your system is efficient. If you begin to notice changes in your home’s temperature, your furnace may be in the beginning stages of breaking down.
Also, the distribution of the heat in your home should be somewhat even. If you notice the temperature changing from room to room, that’s a warning sign as well. Of course, the issues that cause temperature changes don’t always mean you will need a replacement. That’s why you should call a professional and have them assess your furnace and give you their professional opinion on what steps you should take.
Strange Noises
When your furnace begins to reach the end of its lifespan, you may notice strange noises. Booming noises could mean you have a gas emission issue that is potentially dangerous. In addition, sounds resembling humming, screeching, or popping could mean you need repair or replacement. You may need to consult an experienced HVAC technician on which solution you’ll need.
Increasing Repairs
When your furnace begins to age, you may find that the number of repairs needs will increase over the years. Increasing repairs happen naturally due to the wear and tear accumulated over the years. However, there comes the point when simply replacing your furnace is a better option for both your home and your wallet. In addition, HVAC technology improves each passing year, so you will likely upgrade to an even better furnace that will help avoid some of the issues you had with your last one.
Soot in Your Home
Soot around the register and grille of your furnace results from carbon dioxide that’s produced by your furnace. You may also begin to see soot in other areas of your home, damaging your furniture and plants. This is a sign that you need a new furnace, at least for the sake of your home.
Experience Is Key
IBBOTSON Heating & Air Conditioning Co. brings over 74 years of experience in heating, cooling, and indoor air quality to Arlington Heights and surrounding areas. Our highly trained staff will handle your issues efficiently and effectively. Our staff also offers services for boilers, water heaters and humidifiers. If you feel that your furnace has run its course or you need another service, call us today.
