Even if you take good care of your furnace, it’s only built to last so long. When it comes time to replace your furnace, there are several signs that you need to look out for that indicate an early replacement is necessary. Some of these signs may be obvious or even preventable with regular maintenance, but the sooner you catch them, the better off your family will be in terms of comfort and cost savings during the upcoming winter months.
1) Your furnace is more than 15 years old
If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it might need to be replaced soon. As time goes on, the efficiency of a furnace will decrease and the costs will increase. Many furnaces can last longer than 15 years, but they will require extra care and will need to monitor energy costs to see if it would be more affordable in the long run to replace the unit sooner rather than later.
2) Your energy bills have been increasing
If your energy bills have been increasing and it seems like you’re constantly running your furnace, then it’s likely time for a new furnace. If your energy bills are going up, it could mean that the efficiency of your current system is declining. Plus, as furnaces age they require more maintenance and repairs; at a certain point, the increased cost needs to be factored into evaluating when it would be best to replace your furnace.
3) The furnace is making strange noises
Another sign that your furnace might need to be replaced is when it starts making strange noises. If you hear a squeak or a clanking sound when the furnace turns on, it could mean that something has come loose and needs to be tightened. Getting your unit serviced by a professional can help take care of small repairs before they become bigger and more expensive.
4) The furnace doesn’t seem to be heating evenly
Another sign that your furnace needs to be replaced is that it doesn’t seem to be heating evenly. If you notice that one section of the room is too hot while another is cold, this could mean that the furnace isn’t working properly.
5) The furnace is cycling on and off more frequently
If you notice your furnace cycling on and off more often, you may need to replace your furnace. This is a sign that the furnace has reached its lifespan or the filter needs cleaning. If the system continues to struggle even after being serviced, it might be time for a new unit.
6) The furnace is emitting strange smells
If your furnace starts emitting strange smells, it can indicate a deeper problem. A couple of things to look out for in particular are a strong sulfuric smell when turned on, or the vents in the house having a musty odor even after the unit has been run for an extended period of time. These signs could signal that there is an issue with corrosion in the combustion chamber, which may lead to corrosion within the ductwork as well.
What are the next steps?
If you have noticed any of these signs then it can be a good time to reach out to the experts at Twin Air. We can help you evaluate the most cost-effective option to replace your furnace, whether that means extending the life of the furnace with maintenance and repairs or whether replacement is the better option. Give us a call today to schedule an evaluation.