When Should I Replace My Furnace or Heating System

HVAC Repair Man

A quality furnace makes your home more energy-efficient and is easy to maintain. However, even the best furnaces must be replaced after so long. The question is, how can you tell when it’s time to go shopping for a new one? Here are a few signs that you should replace your furnace.

   1. Energy Bill Increase

You can tell how efficient your furnace is based on how well it converts fuel into heat. If you own an older furnace, it’s going to take twice as much fuel to heat your home than would a newer model. And this is often reflected in your energy bill. If you’ve noticed that you’re paying more for utilities lately, then it’s a good indication that it’s time to replace your furnace. Replacing your furnace now will save you a lot of money in the long run.

   2. Always Cold

In some cases, no matter what you set your thermostat to, it’s always cold. You may even be able to hear the hum of your furnace and still feel no heat. If you have already changed the filters, ensure that the thermostat is working properly, and there are no problems with your ductwork, then it’s time to replace your furnace. This will ensure that your home remains comfortable all winter long.

   3. Constant Repairs

Sometimes all your furnace needs is a simple repair. Perhaps your filters are clogged. Maybe you need a new motor. You could need a new belt. These are all issues that a qualified repairman can handle. However, the problem comes in when these repairs become more and more frequent. If you spend a significant amount of time scheduling repairs for your furnace, then it’s a sign that it may not last much longer and should be replaced.

   4. Noises

A common complaint among homeowners is the noise that their furnace makes. From pops and bangs in the ductwork to humming and whistling, most of these noises are nothing to worry about. You need only to call a repairman. However, if you’ve noticed that these noises are starting to become louder despite the repairs, then it’s a sign that your furnace needs to be replaced. The components of your unit are likely starting to wear out.

   5. Yellow Flames

If your furnace is in good shape, when you check the burner compartment, you’ll see a blue flame. This blue flame is a sign that your furnace is producing complete combustion. However, if you notice that the flame is yellow or pale orange, it’s a sign of incomplete combustion. This can easily lead to excess carbon dioxide, so it’s a good idea to replace your furnace.

   6. Dust

It’s normal for dust particles to enter your home’s airflow. Luckily, the air filter traps the dust so that it doesn’t build up in furnaces. However, if the filter becomes clogged, the dust particles will bypass the filter entirely and build upon your furnace components. If you’re noticing more dust in your home, then it means that your furnace isn’t able to remove the particles. And it may be beyond repair. In this case, it needs to be replaced.

   7. Cracks and Corrosion

Have you noticed that your furnace has cracks or corrosion? Well, this is a sign of aging, and it can be dangerous. Corrosion can eat away at your furnace, and cracks can lead to carbon monoxide leaks. “If you notice these signs, then you should look into hiring an HVAC company,” says Allred furnace repair Kent WA.

   8. Unpredictable Cycling

Another sign that your furnace needs to be replaced is unpredictable behavior. You may notice that your system cycles off and on a lot. There also may be times in which it stays on for long stretches of time without ever cycling off.

   9. It’s Over 10 Years Old

If you’ve had your furnace for over ten years and it’s experiencing problems, then be prepared to replace it. Sure, you can check with a professional to find out if it’s possible to repair, but the older your furnace, the more likely you’ll need a new one. It can save you a lot of time and frustration.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several ways that you can tell if you need to replace your furnace. The key is to pay attention to details. The sooner you invest in a new system, the more money and stress you’ll save yourself in the long run.

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