When the temperatures drop, nothing is more comforting than curling up next to a warm fire. But if you don’t have a fireplace, your furnace is likely the source of your warmth and comfort. While furnaces typically last for 15-20 years, there are times when it might be time to replace yours before the end of its projected lifespan. Here are six signs that you may need to invest in a new furnace.
Increased Utility Bills
If you have noticed an increase in your monthly energy bills but haven’t made any changes to your overall usage, then it might be time to replace your furnace. As furnaces age, they become less efficient and begin working harder than necessary to provide you with the same amount of heat as before. This can lead to higher utility bills because older furnaces require more energy in order to work properly. This is often the first sign it’s time to call a furnace specialist, such as American Air Heating & Air Conditioning.
Strange Noises
If you are hearing strange noises coming from your furnace like banging or rattling, this could be a sign that something is wrong with the unit and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. It could also mean that some of the internal components are worn out or need repair which could cost more than replacing the entire unit altogether. If there is nothing immediately visible that could be causing the sound, you’ll likely need to consult a professional to assess the issue.
Humidity Problems
If you have noticed an increase in humidity levels in your home even though you haven’t changed anything else about your lifestyle, this could be a sign that something is wrong with your furnace. An old furnace will not produce enough hot air during cold weather months which can cause excess moisture build-up due to condensation inside walls and other areas of your home.
Yellow Flame
A yellow flame on the burner indicates that there is too much carbon dioxide being produced by the burning fuel; this means there is an incomplete combustion process happening inside the unit and it should be replaced immediately as this can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide inside your home which can cause health issues over time if left unchecked.
Age of Unit
As mentioned above, most furnaces will last between 15-20 years so if yours is getting close to or past its projected life span, then it might be time for a replacement. Otherwise, you might find yourself without heat during wintertime when temperatures start dropping outside. Another consideration is that older units may not be as effective or energy efficient as newer models.
Dusty Air Quality
If you notice an increase in dust particles floating around in rooms throughout your house even after regular cleaning sessions, then this could indicate that something is wrong with your furnace or ductwork system and should be inspected by a professional for further advice on what needs repair or replacement immediately. Sometimes this could be as simple as having your HVAC system cleaned out by a professional. Otherwise, it could indicate serious issues with your furnace and require a complete overhaul of your system.
Knowing when it’s time for a new furnace can save money in both energy bills and potential repairs down the road due to malfunctioning parts or poor efficiency ratings caused by age-related wear and tear on components inside older units. By paying attention to warning signs such as increased utility bills, strange noises, humidity problems, yellow flames, age of unit, and dusty air quality one can determine whether their current furnace needs replacing sooner rather than later.
