Many homeowners don't realize that their furnace may be nearing the end of its lifespan and need replacing. Waiting for too long can result in costly repairs that will only serve as temporary solutions. In the end, you’ll still need to replace the furnace, and you may be out the cost of major repairs that could have been avoided had you decided to replace the unit sooner. But how do you know when it's time to replace your furnace?
In this blog, we'll discuss signs that indicate it may be time for a new furnace in your home. When you know what signs to look for, you will be better equipped to make the call between repairing or replacing your heating unit.
Warning Signs that Its Time to Replace Your Furnace
Your Furnace Is More Than 15 Years Old.
Many furnaces are designed to last for at least 15 years, but if yours is older than that it is likely time for a new one. As your furnace begins to age, you may notice that it starts to become increasingly unreliable and inefficient. You may also start noticing problems like loud banging or clanking noises, poor air quality in your home, yellow flames on the burner instead of blue, and burning odors when you turn on the furnace. Additionally, your energy bills may start increasing due to an aging unit. If any of these signs are present, it is a good indication that you need to replace your furnace with a newer model.
Your Energy Bills Are Higher Than Usual.
If you have noticed that your energy bills are higher than usual, it may be a sign that you need to replace your furnace. An aging furnace may not be operating as efficiently as it once did, leading to an increase in your energy costs. Additionally, a worn-out furnace is more likely to break down or malfunction, requiring costly repairs or even replacement of component parts. If you find that your energy bills have been gradually increasing over time, it may be due to an older furnace not running up to its full efficiency and this could be a sign that it’s time for a replacement. A new, more efficient model can help save you money on your energy bills in the long run.
You Hear Loud Banging and Clanking Noises Coming from Your Furnace.
If you notice any loud banging or clanking noises coming from your furnace, it may be a sign that you need to replace it with a newer model. These intrusive sounds could be due to one of the components inside the furnace being close to breaking down. A failing component can cause unbalanced air flow, leading to noises such as banging, clanking, and whistling. Additionally, older furnaces may contain parts that were designed for fewer cycles and therefore wear out faster than newer parts. If your furnace is creating excessive noise, it may be time to replace it with a newer model to ensure proper functioning and reduce costs in the long run.
The Air Quality in Your Home Is Stuffy or Poor.
If the air quality in your home seems stuffy or poor, it could be a sign that you need to replace your furnace. An aging furnace may not be able to produce enough air flow to evenly heat the rooms throughout your home, leading to an uncomfortable atmosphere. Additionally, older furnaces may contain parts that are worn out and thus not operating as efficiently as before. This can lead to dirt and dust particles being circulated in the air, resulting in stuffy or poor air quality in certain rooms of your home. Replacing your furnace with a newer model will help ensure optimal air flow and improve the overall air quality inside your home.
You Have Noticed a Yellow Flame Instead off Blue on the Burner.
If you notice a yellow flame instead of a blue one on the burner, it may be a sign that you need to replace your furnace. A yellow flame could indicate that the fuel and air mixture is off balance, which can lead to higher levels of carbon monoxide being emitted from the furnace. This is especially true with older furnaces, which may contain components that are not designed to operate efficiently or with fewer cycles than newer models. In addition, a yellow flame can result in inefficient heating or cooling due to inaccurate temperatures being produced by the furnace. Replacing your furnace with a newer model can help ensure your home remains safe and comfortable while avoiding unnecessary energy bills.
You Smell Burning Odors When You Turn on the Furnace.
If you smell burning odors when you turn on the furnace, it could be a sign that you need to replace your furnace. Older furnaces may contain components that have started to wear out, meaning they no longer operate as efficiently as before. This could cause the burner or heat exchanger to overheat, resulting in a burning smell. Additionally, a clogged air filter can cause the furnace to run longer than necessary and result in a burning smell. Replacing your furnace with a newer model will help ensure optimal performance and prevent dangerous odors from being emitted in your home.
Your Thermostat Doesn't Seem to Work Properly Anymore.
If your thermostat doesn't seem to be working properly, it could be a sign that you need to replace your furnace. This is especially true for older furnaces. Inaccurate temperature readings from the thermostat can cause your furnace to not heat or cool efficiently, leading to higher energy bills. Additionally, an unresponsive or malfunctioning thermostat could indicate a problem with the control board, which needs to be replaced in order to restore proper operation of the furnace. Replacing your furnace with a newer model will help ensure that your home remains comfortable while avoiding unnecessary energy costs.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your Furnace
When it comes to your furnace, you may be wondering whether it's time to repair or replace. While deciding between the two options can be tricky, there are some key factors that can help you make an informed decision. The deciding factor will ultimately come down to the cost of repairs and the lifespan of your unit. If it’s old and/or the cost of repairs totals half (or more) of what it would cost to replace the furnace altogether, it’s likely best to go with a new unit.
John Stevenson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can help you make that decision. Contact our professionals today to schedule an assessment + free estimate. We’re available 24/7. Dial (760) 276-6690 to get started.