The best time to replace your furnace is before it begins costing more in repairs than a new unit would. Typically, 15 years is the cutoff point for replacing a furnace.
If you notice areas of your home are not warm or your thermostat settings are working overtime, your furnace may need to be replaced.
Few things send homeowners into a frenzy like the words, “you need a new furnace.” It’s a major financial hit, and even the most well-maintained furnace will eventually need replacing. But knowing the signs of a failing furnace and working with a trusted heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) service company can help you avoid the pitfalls of this expensive home project.
If you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills over time, this may indicate that your current furnace is struggling to maintain optimal efficiency. This can lead to higher than usual energy costs, and opting for a more efficient furnace replacement could save you money in the long run.
Uneven heating in different parts of the house is another possible sign that it’s time to replace your furnace. This can be caused by improper ducting or an old, inefficient furnace that struggles to evenly distribute heat throughout the house. A skilled HVAC technician will be able to identify the problem and recommend either repair or replacement.
Furnace makers like Carrier and Trane claim that a new high-efficiency gas furnace can reduce home energy bills by up to 35 percent. Of course, it depends on a lot of other factors, including the location of your home and the cost of fuel. If you’re thinking of replacing your furnace, it’s a good idea to consult with several local contractors and ask them to provide estimates for both the new furnace and installation services. Be sure to ask what equipment markups are included in their labor prices, and be wary of low-ball contractors who may be hiding additional costs somewhere in the process.
Poor Air Quality
If your furnace isn’t working properly, it may be contributing to poor indoor air quality. This is because the furnace can collect dust over time and send it back into the house to circulate, which lowers air quality. This problem is usually solved by regularly changing the filter (both air and heat go through this) or installing a technically advanced device like the Aerus Air Scrubber that eliminates surface and airborne contaminants.
Faulty furnaces can also emit carbon monoxide, which is a dangerous and potentially deadly gas that poisons people when inhaled. Carbon monoxide is produced during combustion and vents out through the flue, but if this is blocked by debris, it can build up inside the house.
Malfunctioning furnaces can also cause inconsistent heating within the home, creating cold spots and leaving some areas too warm. In addition, they can increase humidity in some rooms, which encourages the growth of mold and allergens. These issues are often difficult to resolve without a replacement, and they can significantly impact the health and comfort of occupants.
Furnaces with higher energy efficiency levels can promote better indoor air quality by reducing the amount of pollutants released into the environment. They also produce fewer harmful fumes and can save on energy costs in the long run, which helps reduce utility bills.
Getting rid of old furnaces and replacing them with newer models that adhere to strict emission standards can help reduce the risk of contaminating indoor environments with toxic gases. In addition, the reduction in emissions will enhance breathing comfort for occupants and contribute to enhanced respiratory health. This is particularly important for households with children and elderly individuals who are susceptible to the adverse effects of exposure to harmful gases.
Uncomfortable Temperatures
If certain areas of the home aren’t warming up as they should, or the whole house feels colder than usual, a lack of warm air could be the result of faulty heating. Depending on the extent of the problem, it may be possible to fix it with repairs. However, if the issues are persistent or ongoing, the property owner might be better off replacing their furnace.
If the flame burner in a furnace turns yellow or flickers, it’s a sign of incomplete combustion that can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a dangerous situation and requires prompt attention from an HVAC professional.
Frequent humming or rattling noises from a furnace can be indicative of mechanical problems. Generally, the noises are produced by a clogged filter or airflow restriction – addressing these issues can fix the issue. However, if the sound is constant and doesn’t disappear, it could be a sign that the bearings within the furnace’s motor are wearing out. This can lead to sudden, uncomfortable temperatures and require replacement of the system.
Another common cause of unwelcome noises from a furnace is a faulty pressure balancing valve, which affects the temperature of hot and cold water in the home. This valve can be fixed by shutting off the water supply, removing the thermostat and blowing compressed air through the valve’s interior to remove any debris, and turning electricity and gas back on.
A tripped or blown breaker could also prevent a furnace from powering on. In this case, it’s important to check the breaker box and replace any fuses that are blown before trying again.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory problems in sensitive individuals. It is estimated that the concentrations of pollutants inside homes can be up to 2-5 times higher than outdoors. These contaminants can cause breathing difficulties, aggravate allergies and asthma, and trigger other health issues after prolonged exposure.
Old furnaces that do not function properly can contribute to the pollution of indoor air. For example, a malfunctioning furnace may produce carbon monoxide, which is a dangerous colorless gas that can cause health problems in people who breathe it over time. Furthermore, clogged and dirty filters allow dust, debris and allergens to circulate freely in homes, worsening the air quality.
Furnace replacement helps to improve indoor air quality by reducing the circulation of pollutants and enhancing ventilation. Furthermore, newer models have advanced filtration systems that effectively trap harmful particles to protect the indoor environment from contaminants.
A home’s humidity levels also play a role in maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Too much humidity can increase the chances of mold growth while too little can create a dry and uncomfortable indoor atmosphere. Furnace replacement can help to regulate humidity levels by ensuring that the furnace is operating correctly.
If you have noticed a buildup of soot around your furnace register or grille, this is a common indicator that your older furnace is producing too much Carbon Dioxide. This is a clear sign that it is time to replace your furnace and install a newer model with better emissions standards. In addition, you should also consider investing in a humidifier or dehumidifier to help improve indoor air quality. These advanced solutions are effective at preventing moisture accumulation, reducing respiratory problems and eliminating foul odors.
High Maintenance Costs
Furnace repairs can add up quickly, especially if you have an older model. If your furnace is reaching the end of its lifespan, or if you’ve experienced a lot of breakdowns in recent years, it may make sense to invest in a new model.
A professional HVAC expert can help you determine whether repair or replacement is the best option for your home. They will consider factors such as the extent of damage, your current furnace’s age, energy efficiency and upfront costs to help you choose the right solution.
There are a few telltale signs that your furnace is nearing the end of its life. One is if it starts to break down often, or if the cost of repair exceeds 50% of the price of a new unit.
Another sign is a popping noise during shutdown. This indicates that airflow is restricted and could indicate a clogged blower wheel or belt. You might also hear rattling or screeching sounds during operation, which could indicate the presence of debris in your furnace. The circuit board, which controls the operation of the motors and sensors, is an essential part of your furnace. Its failure can prevent your furnace from starting, which can be dangerous in a gas-powered home.
The flame sensor monitors the pilot light for ignition, and if it fails, your furnace won’t turn on. The ignitor, which ignites the gas to burn the pilot light, can also become faulty. It’s important to maintain these components through regular cleaning and replacement to avoid costly repairs.