Knowing the signs you need for a new furnace is essential. Only if your heating unit is functional will you stay warm, cozy, and safe this winter. Replacing a furnace that’s showing signs of failure is the only way to avoid trouble.
At C & C Heating & Air Conditioning, we can install a new, reliable, and energy-efficient unit. Here are seven signs you should replace your furnace as soon as possible:
1. Your Furnace Is Showing It’s Age
You might not need gas furnace replacement for 15+ years (electric models can last longer). However, it’s the signs of age you must look for. Most furnaces, even high-end models, aren’t as effective after 15 years. They stop producing as much heat and cannot keep up with the demand.
Furnaces also decrease in efficiency over time. If the unit is running longer but delivering less heat, you’ll spend more on energy this winter. It can also break down when you need heating the most. An older heating appliance may also have visible signs of aging, such as cracks or rust.
Here are some other tips for insights into its age:
- Check the owner’s manual for the year it was manufactured.
- Look for details on the unit’s expected lifespan.
- Find the unit’s model number and look it up on the manufacturer’s website.
2. The Pilot Light Has Turned Yellow
A blue flame is a sign of normal combustion. However, a yellow flame indicates a combustion or ventilation problem. Your furnace may also be leaking carbon monoxide. Turn off the unit and call a local heating contractor to determine if it’s time to have your furnace replaced.
A yellow flame often means there are multiple underlying problems. It can occur with a pilot light or an electronic ignition. Most newer furnaces don’t have pilot lights; if your unit has one, it’s probably old enough to consider replacing.
If a gas odor accompanies a discolored pilot flame, leave your home, call the gas company or local emergency services, and then contact an HVAC professional to replace your furnace.
3. Poor Indoor Air Quality
Good indoor air quality is essential for your health and well-being. When air quality begins to decline, the effects can range from increased allergy symptoms to various health complications. Having clean air to breathe can help you live comfortably and avoid certain illnesses.
Your furnace plays an important role in maintaining indoor air quality. Seeing lots of dust, dirt, and dander can be a sign your furnace is going bad. If soot and rust are visible around your home, there’s likely a problem with the unit. Issues with humidity control can also occur; if your home is too humid, mold can grow, but if it’s too dry, wood floors and furnishings can be damaged.
4. Higher Energy Bills
If your gas or electric furnace is functioning normally, it won’t use too much energy to heat your home. A sudden increase in your monthly utility bill can mean your furnace is becoming less efficient. Therefore, if your energy bill is higher but you’re not using your heating system more, consult with a furnace replacement or repair professional.
A furnace repair can often restore efficiency. However, if the system is near the end of its lifespan, a new furnace will save you on repairs and utility costs. Having a furnace replaced should lower your energy bill; installing a high-efficiency model can have an even more substantial impact.
5. A Noisier Furnace
Most furnaces are relatively quiet. If your once-quiet unit is now producing lots of noise, call a heating professional. They can determine whether repairs are possible or if you need a new furnace.
If the system was recently serviced and is still noisy, it may be on its last leg. Many types of noise justify calling an expert for an inspection and diagnosis. Call for help if your furnace makes the following sounds:
- Rattling: Your aging furnace may have loose components, connections, or ducts.
- Popping: Temperature fluctuations in the unit are affecting internal parts.
- Screeching: An older furnace may have a damaged belt, pulley, or blower motor.
- Booming: This is often due to an ignition delay and may signal a gas emission problem.
- Humming: Increasingly louder humming indicates the blower motor may be failing.
6. Your Heating System Blows Cool Air
It’s time for furnace replacement if the system isn’t heating your home, some rooms are colder than others, or the unit is running but blowing cold air. You may be tempted to turn up the thermostat setting. But when your furnace is still churning out cool air, there’s likely something seriously wrong with it. Try replacing the filter. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you probably need a new furnace to keep you warm and comfortable this winter.
7. The Unit Needs Constant Repairs
Any furnace will eventually require a repair due to wear and tear, even with annual maintenance. Consider replacing a unit that’s had multiple repairs in the last year or two. Frequent service calls can make your heating system costly to maintain.
The cost of repairs vs. the cost of furnace replacement matters. If fixing the unit costs more than half the price of replacing it, a new furnace will save you money over time. Once our technicians install it, expensive repairs are unlikely and your energy bills should be lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Does a Furnace Need to Be Replaced?
Consider gas furnace replacement if the unit has reached or exceeded the 15-year mark, even if it’s engineered to last 20 years. Some electric furnaces can run efficiently for up to 30 years. Your heating unit should be inspected by a technician at least once a year. They can advise you on when to replace the furnace.
Should You Replace a Furnace Before It Breaks?
Frequent repairs can exceed the cost of a new furnace. Decreasing efficiency is another reason to replace your aging heater. Doing so can avoid having to call a contractor in an emergency, which can be inconvenient and expensive. Replacing your furnace now also helps plan and make informed decisions so your new one meets your heating needs.
Can DIY Furnace Replacement Help Me Save?
A DIY furnace replacement won’t save you money. Improper installation can damage the unit and at the very least reduce its efficiency, increasing long-term costs. You could also violate local building regulations. Hiring a professional to install a new furnace prevents costly mistakes, keeps the warranty valid, and avoids various safety hazards.
Call for a Free Furnace Replacement Estimate
A functional furnace makes your home warm and cozy during the cold season. But like any appliance, it can last only so long. The seven signs above can help you decide when to schedule furnace replacement before you’re without heat or mold, poor indoor air quality, or carbon monoxide causes harm.
Call C & C Heating and Air Conditioning if there are signs you need a new furnace. Our licensed and trained technicians inspect the unit, make the necessary recommendations, and help select and install a new heating system. Aside from electric and gas furnace replacement, we service air conditioning systems, heat pumps, and ductwork. We also offer humidifiers, air filtration equipment, and other indoor air quality solutions.
To request 24/7 emergency service, schedule an appointment, or learn about rebates, tax credits, and financing options for your new furnace, contact C & C Heating & Air Conditioning today!
