Are you wondering when you should replace your furnace? Or if it is already time to get a new one? When a furnace arrives at the end of its serving time, you can spot signs that say it’s time to get a new one.
You can often recognize those signs by yourself, but if you are unsure if your furnace needs to be replaced, Hurliman Heating can help you by inspecting your system and giving you the proper advice.
What are the signs that it is time to replace your furnace?
Before the furnace breaks down completely, you can figure out that there is something wrong by other clues. Sometimes it is just a matter of age, nothing lasts forever, and at some point, any furnace needs to be replaced. The good news is that a furnace can last for a really long time.
Here is what you have to look for before deciding if it is time to get a new furnace:
1. The age of the furnace
You probably inherited the furnace with the house you are getting, then the furnace could have been in place for many years already. It is always a good idea to verify its age to figure out how long it can still perform.
In general, a furnace can last between 15 and 25 years, depending on how well it was maintained and how much it was used. If your furnace is approaching 20 years or has already passed the 20 years, then it is almost time to replace it.
The age is only an indicator, but paired with other signs appearing when using the furnace, you could conclude it is time to get a new one.
2. Increasing energy consumption
Another clue is the increased energy consumption reflected in higher bills. If the furnace is not working correctly, it is less efficient and needs to run longer or work harder to have the house reach the desired temperature.
The increase in bills is hard to notice at times, but it could be a significant increase if you compare your current bill with the same one a couple of years back. If you did not increase the usage drastically, you could figure out other reasons for it, such as a faulty system.
3. Unusual noises
Noises coming from the furnace are never a good sign. If there are broken elements inside the furnace, they could be the source of the noises. On the other hand, a single occurrence, such as dirt and dust at the moment the furnace is turned on, can cause the noises.
However, if the noises are consistent and last for a while, the situation might be more complicated.
If you hear clanging and banging, it is time to call for a professional to do an inspection and advise whether you should repair something or if it is the time to replace the furnace.
4. Unusual smells
An old furnace with some of its parts not working correctly could have leaks. If you smell gas or other strange odors, you should turn off the furnace immediately and call for assistance. Leaks pose serious dangers such as fire, explosions, and even gas poisoning.
5. Repeated repairs
If you have to repair your furnace often, it is probably time for a new one. For a more extended period, having a new furnace can be more convenient than keeping repairing the old one with the danger of having to replace it anyway.
You can expect a furnace to experience several repairs toward the end of its life. In addition, if you observe that new parts for your furnace are not readily available by your technician, you know that it is getting too old.
If you have to run too many repairs, you know that your furnace can be dangerous if it leaks, and it is safer to have a new working system.
6. Uneven rooms temperature
Another clue that your furnace has a problem is that you have to adjust the thermostat regularly, since the temperature in the house is not the same in every room.
It could signify that the furnace can’t handle the load and work as efficiently as before.
7. Other factors
Other clues that your furnace is not as efficient as before are:
- The presence of dirt and rust building within the house
- The presence of constant humidity in the house
When is it the best time to replace the furnace?
If you have to replace your furnace, the best time to do it is when you are not using it during spring, summer, or fall. It is also an excellent time to work on your furnace because you can get a discount for the installation from most contractors.
What to do to make the furnace last longer?
If you want to make your furnace lasts as long as possible, you can do the following things:
- Get a high-quality furnace to start with (if you are the one getting it)
- Control the humidity level in the house (humidity can affect the lifespan of the furnace)
- Clean the filters regularly to prevent unwanted particles from damaging the furnace
- Do the yearly maintenance to ensure everything is fine and prevent more severe problems.
Even if the furnace is old, if it is running correctly, and you keep the maintenance done regularly, it is unnecessary to replace it just because of its age. But once it requires repairs and becomes dangerous and costly to maintain, it is time to get a new one.
Conclusion
A furnace can last for a really long time, but it has to be replaced at some point. When a furnace arrives at the end of its life, you can spot signs that will tell you that the system is not working as it should and require repairs. When the repairs are too many and too costly, the furnace is to be replaced.
If you are not sure about your furnace’s health and want to have assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us.