11 Signs You Need a Furnace Replacement
Your home's furnace is one of those things you don't really think much about — until something goes wrong. While occasional problems and required fixes aren't usually that much of a cause for concern, there are some signs that it may be time to consider a full furnace replacement.
Here are 11 signs a furnace replacement may be imminent.
1. It's More than 15 to 20 Years Old
Your furnace's age may be the clearest indication that you need to start shopping for a replacement.
Most furnaces last between 15 and 20 years — if they've been properly maintained along the way. In some cases, furnaces can last up to 30 years, but their efficiency may decline rapidly once they pass 20 years.
If you have a furnace that's past or approaching that 20-year mark, you may want to look into your replacement options sooner rather than later. The better you can prepare for a preemptive furnace replacement, the less likely you are to have to pay an emergency HVAC contractor to replace your furnace in the dead of winter.
2. Your Home Isn't Staying Warm
The main purpose of having a furnace is to heat your home so your family is comfortable during colder months. If your furnace isn't effectively heating your space, it's a sign that you may need a new system.
But it's more than just your furnace not heating your space at all; if you find yourself having to set your thermostat higher than you used to to achieve the same results, your furnace could be declining.
3. Your Energy Bills Are Increasing
As HVAC systems age, they lose their effectiveness and efficiency. This means it will take more energy for the system to operate at the same level it used to, increasing your energy usage.
If you've noticed that your power bills are rising without obvious reasons, such as increasing your thermostat's temperature, your furnace's low efficiency may be to blame.
Replacing your air filter and getting a professional furnace tune-up can help temporarily, but eventually you'll need to replace the furnace to decrease your energy bills.
4. It's Not Moving Air the Way It Used To
When your furnace generates heat, it then blows that hot air through your home's ductwork and into each room to warm them up. But as your furnace ages, it becomes less effective at moving that hot air through the ducts and into your spaces.
If you notice that the force of the air coming out of your vents, especially in rooms farther away from your HVAC system, you could have a problem.
First, try replacing the air filter. Too much debris on an older filter can cause a decrease in airflow. But if the problem continues after you've replaced the filter, it could be a clear sign that your furnace is failing and needs to be replaced.
5. Your Rooms Aren't Heating Evenly
A properly operating furnace heats all rooms in your home evenly, reducing cold spots and rooms that are too warm. But a furnace that isn't working well will not be able to effectively heat all the rooms in your home, especially those farther away from the system itself.
You can try cleaning your ductwork or replacing the air filter to see if the problem gets better, but uneven heating that persists after you do these things could mean you've got a bigger issue.
6. It Cycles On and Off Frequently
Typically, your furnace will kick on when the thermostat detects that your home's temperature is below the set point, and it runs until it reaches the desired temperature.
However, if you're noticing that your furnace is frequently cycling on and off, consistently adjusts or runs for extended periods of time, that means something isn't working right. It may be an easy fix such as a dirty sensor, or you could be facing a full replacement.
7. You're Frequently Calling for Repairs
Some level of repairs and maintenance are expected on a furnace, no matter its age. Changing air filters, cleaning out ductwork and dealing with occasional problems are usually nothing to worry about.
But if you're finding yourself calling your HVAC technician once a season or more, or your repairs are getting increasingly more complex and expensive, it may be time to consider a new furnace.
8. Your Air Quality Has Dropped
Your furnace's air filter is meant to trap dust, hair and other small particles as air leaves your furnace, preventing them from being released into your home. If you've noticed your air seems less fresh and replacing your air filter doesn't help, you could have a furnace problem.
The older your furnace gets, the less effective it will be at filtering out those airborne particles, even with a brand new air filter.
9. You Notice Musty Odors or Concerning Sounds
Furnaces burn gas to produce heat, and that hot air is blown through your home's ductwork to heat your space. When your furnace is working properly, it shouldn't smell or make too much noise.
But if you detect a musty or burning smell from your furnace, that could indicate an issue with your system. Additionally, if you hear thumping, grinding, rumbling, popping or banging sounds, it could be a sign that you'll need a furnace repair or new furnace entirely.
10. You See Visible Rust, Cracks or Corrosion
If you see visible rusting, cracking, soot or corrosion on or around your furnace, it's one of the surest signs it's time for a new furnace.
Rust and corrosion gradually break down the metal on your furnace, leading to leaks and other issues, including cracks. If your furnace already has one or more cracks, it's essential to act quickly for a replacement.
Soot on the inside or outside of your furnace could be a sign that it isn't efficiently burning gas, which could lead to carbon monoxide production. Because carbon monoxide poisoning is a severe danger to your family, it's important to quickly respond if you see soot.
11. You're Planning to Sell Soon
Even if your furnace hasn't completely failed yet, replacing an outdated system before you list your home for sale could pay off in a higher sale price. According to Realty Times, a new HVAC system can add between 5% and 7% to your home's value, and can impact a potential home sale by increasing your home's appraised value, boosting buyer perception and allowing you to highlight enhanced energy efficiency and comfort as selling points.
If you're planning to list your home for $350,000 prior to replacing the furnace, for example, a new system could pay off by fetching you between $367,500 and $374,500 — a significant increase that likely will pay for the cost of the furnace itself.
Your Trusted Partner for Furnace Replacement in Raleigh
Whether your furnace is costing you hundreds a year in repairs or it's just reaching the end of its life, the team at Heating + Air Paramedics of Raleigh can help you find a replacement furnace that fits your needs and budget. Our technicians quickly and correctly install your new system, getting you back to normal faster. Call today!
