When the temperatures start to dip, most people turn to the furnace to keep the house warm and cozy. With continued use, the furnace will begin to experience natural wear and tear. Despite the model or how well you care for your unit, the furnace will eventually fail at one point. This can be very inconvenient, especially if it stops working in the middle of the cold season. Therefore, it’s a good idea that you watch out for warning signs and replace your unit early enough. Here are a few indications that you need a new furnace.
1. When You Notice an Unexplainable Rise in Utility Bills
The furnace is one of the highest energy consumers in households, and once it loses its efficiency, you will notice a significant increase in your energy bills. If you have been keeping up with regular maintenance, your energy usage shouldn’t increase dramatically. Scrutinize your monthly bills, and if you notice that you are paying too much compared to the previous years, your furnace needs attention. Once the internal components of the furnace begin to wear out, the energy consumption rate increases steadily. In such a case, have a trusted HVAC technician assess the condition of your unit, and they may advise that you replace it.
2. If Your Unit Is Old
A furnace lasts between 15 and 20 years. If your unit is beyond this age limit, consider replacing it with a new one. Look for the furnace’s manual, or search for the furnace model number, to determine its age. Work with a qualified technician, and they will guide you in choosing a suitable unit for your house.
3. If the Furnace Fails to Warm Your House Adequately
If you notice that some rooms appear somewhat colder than others, it signifies furnace failure. Note that this can also happen in case of leaks or a faulty thermostat. It’s always a good idea to have a professional assess the issue and advice you on the best cause of action. Once the furnace reaches the end of its lifespan, it begins to lose the capacity to evenly distribute the heated air throughout the house. A new furnace will help maintain a steady, comfortable temperature in all the rooms.
4. When the Furnace Begins to Produce Strange Sounds
A properly functioning furnace shouldn’t make too much noise while in operation. In fact, most modern furnaces have noise reduction properties. As the unit ages, it may begin to produce some annoying noises which signify parts failure. A rattling sound could mean loose screws, metal sheets or unsecured ductwork. If the blower fan gets out of balance, the furnace can also produce rattling noises.
Once the furnace sensor and igniter begin to fail, they make a clicking sound. A loud humming noise signifies a failing blower motor fan which calls for furnace replacement. Your unit may also produce a popping sound due to temperature fluctuations, while a booming sound is a sign of severe gas emission within your furnace. Screeching noise means a damaged blower motor, belt, or pulley. While repairs can address some of these issues, consider getting a new furnace if the noise is persistent or the level of damage is too much.
5. If Your Furnace Requires Frequent Repairs
Furnaces incur most repairs towards the end of their lifespan. Look at your unit’s repair history, and if it keeps breaking down even after the routine maintenance, it might be time for an upgrade. Add up the repair costs in the past few years, and if it’s above 50% of a new furnace’s price, consider a replacement. While the cost of getting a new furnace may seem relatively higher, the long-term savings associated with a new model are worth the investment.
6. When the Furnace Begins to Produce Yellow Flames
The flames in your furnace should always be blue. When they turn yellow, it’s an indication of dirty burners that require attention. The yellow flame could also mean improper combustion, carbon monoxide production, or dangerous gas leak. This is a potentially hazardous situation, so turn off the furnace, leave the house immediately and call a professional to assess the issue. A yellow flame in an old furnace accompanied by strange odors calls for an immediate furnace replacement.
7. Once You See Signs of Rust, Cracks and Soot
Give your furnace a visual inspection from time to time. If you notice signs of rust, prepare to replace it soon. Excess soot builds up near the furnace grille, and register means that your old unit emits too much carbon dioxide. Old furnaces will also show signs of crack before they eventually break down. Replace your furnace once you notice signs of disintegration on the exterior before it becomes more hazardous.
8. If the Furnace Cycles Frequently
When your furnace stops cycling normally, it might be time to consider a replacement. Once you turn on the furnace, it should cycle till to raise the temperature to the desired range, turn off and turn on later when need be. But if your unit cycles continuously or turns on and off frequently, there is a problem. This is a sign that some vital parts are failing, so the furnace struggles to meet the house heating demands. Call a technician to inspect the issue, and they might recommend getting a new furnace.
9. When You Notice Reduced Indoor Air Quality
Inspect your unit if you begin to spot more dust, pet dander, and other particles in your house surfaces. The issue could be a result of a clogged filter. Instead of the furnace drawing out contaminants from your indoor air, it blows them back into the house. So, no matter how much you try cleaning the surfaces, you can never adequately get rid of the dirt particles. The first thing is to clean or replace the furnace filter. However, if you neglected the filters for an extended period, they could have caused permanent damage to the furnace’s internal parts, calling for a replacement. Keep in mind that poor indoor air quality can compromise the health of your house occupants. This is even more severe if you have family members with allergies or compromised immunity. When replacing your furnace, ask your technician for options designed to improve indoor air quality.
Are You Concerned About the Condition of Your Furnace?
If you have noticed any of the above signs, contact your HVAC technician and plan for a replacement. Remember that a well-working heating system during winter will help keep your family members comfortable and safe. New furnaces also offer high efficiency, and you will save a substantial amount of money in the long run. A new unit operates quietly. It has fewer issues and comes with some extra convenience features. Ensure that you leave the installation process to a qualified technician to ensure peak performance.
If you need a new furnace, reach out to BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair. We offer top-notch furnace and cooling systems installation, tune-ups, and repair services. Our company also provides plumbing services, and you can count on our team for indoor air quality services. We serve Las Vegas, NV, and the nearby areas. Give us a call today or contact us online to book an appointment.
