As the temperatures begin to cool, you may be wondering if your furnace has what it takes to keep your home warm this winter. Ideally, it would be best if you replaced your furnace before it has the opportunity to put you in a bad position, and waiting until your furnace needs a significant repair could create a significant hassle. Here are eight signs that it’s time to upgrade to a new furnace.
Rising Bills
Your energy bill will indicate that you’ve got worsening issues accumulating over time. If you notice a slow rise in the amount you pay each month, it’s not necessarily a cause for a whole furnace replacement; sometimes, a repair will fix the issue. However, it’s also possible that if you see a gradual increase or sharp spike in your bills, your furnace is no longer capable of performing efficiently.
Fluctuating Temperatures
Another sign that your furnace is failing to perform its function is temperature inconsistency. This issue comes in two forms. The first form is the temperature of the room you’re in changing throughout the day despite the temperature you’ve set. The second is different temperatures in different rooms. Both are possible signs that you need a new furnace.
Noisy Furnace
Anytime your furnace begins to make loud noises, it’s a sign that something is malfunctioning or has come loose. Noises like humming, rattling, popping, or screeching should be taken very seriously. If you experience any of these noises, it’s important that you call an expert immediately.
Any noise that sounds like a loud booming is a potential health risk. This noise is sometimes accompanied by a gas odor, meaning that gas has escaped into the area surrounding the furnace or into the rest of your home. If you experience booming, you should not only replace your furnace but also clear the area and consult the local fire department about what steps you should take next.
An Old Furnace
After 10 years, your furnace has likely accumulated wear and tear, increasing the chance of needing replacement. If your furnace has been warming your home for 20 to 30 years, your furnace is near the end of its expected lifespan.
Yellow Flame
The flame coming from your pilot light should be blue. That means that your furnace is operating correctly and efficiently. A yellow flame is an indicator that your furnace is either producing carbon monoxide or is leaking gas. Both of those scenarios require immediate attention from both an HVAC professional and your local fire department.
Furnace Damage
Rust and cracks could begin to form on your furnace as a result of wear and tear. Damage to your furnace will not always be a sign that your system needs to be replaced. However, depending on the amount of rust or cracks surround our furnace, it may be time for an upgrade.
Moisture and years of erosion can cause small issues that grow over time. If these issues go unchecked, they can potentially spread to a point where it’s negatively affecting the efficiency of your furnace. By this time, your furnace may be past the point of repair, and you should contact an expert about replacing it.
Damage To Your Home
Along with the accumulation of carbon monoxide associated with an old furnace comes effects that could take a toll on your home. A homeowner with this issue could expect to see things like damage to wood surfaces, dead plants, and dry air. The most visible indicator of this problem will be soot and dust accumulating in various areas of your home.
Constant Repairs
Another obvious characteristic of a failing furnace is the increasing amount of repairs throughout the months and years. Wear and tear are, unfortunately, an unavoidable part of owning a furnace. However, when it is so far gone that it costs a substantial amount of money to keep it operational, it’s much more worth it to upgrade to a new one. The rule of thumb is that if you spend 50% of the cost of a new furnace on repairs, you should replace your furnace.
Ask Us About Your Furnace
Medcalf Heating & Cooling is your heating, cooling, water heater, and indoor air quality specialist. For over a decade, we’ve provided service to the citizens of Terra Haute, Indiana, that helps people save money on their utility bills. So if you feel that your furnace may be in need of repair or replacement, contact us today.
