6 Signs that is May Be Time to Replace Your Furnace
Keeping your home heated adequately throughout our brutal Canadian winters is crucial for your family’s comfort. If your furnace is struggling to circulate heat throughout your home during the winter months, then it might be time to replace it. You may have difficulty determining whether it genuinely needs replacing or is simply in need of repair. However, the more signs your furnace exhibits, the greater the likelihood that it is time to look into a new heating and cooling system.
Signs that You May Need to Replace Your Furnace
Your furnace is more than 15 years old
The average lifespan of a furnace is 15-20 years, but there is no way to know for sure when the expiry date of your furnace will arrive. While regular HVAC maintenance and repairs will increase the longevity of your furnace, it is a good idea to begin thinking about replacing it about 15 years after its installation. You may find it helpful to start budgeting for a new furnace as it enters the final few years of its life so that you can be ready for when it eventually breaks down and needs to be replaced. However, if your furnace is old but otherwise fully functional, it is unnecessary to replace it based simply on age alone.
Your furnace is making unusual noises and has visible signs of wear
If your heating system is running smoothly, it should produce little sound aside from its regular hum. However, if you notice other noises such as rattling, popping, or screeching, this could be a sign that your furnace needs repair or replacing altogether. You can also give your furnace a quick visual inspection for cracks, corrosion, or rust to gauge its current state.
The thermostat setting never keeps you comfortable
As a furnace ages, it loses its ability to distribute heat evenly throughout your home. You may notice that some rooms are significantly cooler than others or that your regular temperature control setting is now too cold where it was once comfortable. If your furnace is approaching the 15-year mark and you notice it becoming less efficient, it may be time to start researching new furnaces.
Your energy bills and repair visits are increasing
The furnace is one of the largest energy consumers in modern homes. Therefore, as your furnace ages and begins to have trouble circulating heat throughout your home, you will notice an increase in your monthly energy bills compared to the previous winter. Before panicking, make sure to account for the possibility of an increase in energy rates! In addition, if your next repair or seasonal HVAC maintenance expense is approaching the price of a new furnace, this is a good indication that it is time to start shopping for a new furnace system for your home.
There is excessive dust, dirt, soot, or rust particles in your home
Dust and dander will always be present in a house, especially if you have pets. But if you notice an increase in the volume of dust in your home, despite regular cleaning, it could be that your furnace is not performing well. First, check to see if the air filter is clogged or dirty, and replace it if necessary. If this does not solve the problem, then it is possible that permanent damage to the furnace has occurred, and it is no longer capable of adequately filtering particles out of the air.
The burner flame is yellow instead of blue
A new furnace will always produce a blue flame to heat your home. If you check the flame and see that it is yellow instead of blue, it could indicate that your furnace is producing carbon monoxide, requiring immediate replacement. If you notice a yellow flame accompanied by a gas odour at any time, leave your house immediately. To further protect you and your family, install a carbon monoxide detector in your home, which will alert you to this dangerous, odourless gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning must be taken seriously, as it is lethal.
On their own, most of these indicators do not necessarily mean that your furnace needs to be replaced, especially if it is still in the first decade of its life. It’s more likely that the furnace filter needs to be changed or that your furnace requires only minor repairs. Yet, if you notice several of these indicators and your furnace is getting along in years, it is probably a good time to look into purchasing a new furnace. Yes, it can be expensive, but your peace of mind and a comfortably, safely heated home is worth the cost.