How do you know when it’s time for a new furnace? Should you keep investing in repairs, or is it time for a new piece of equipment? We’ve put together a list of the 5 most common signs you might be in need of a new furnace. As an HVAC & heating oil company with over a decade of experience, our strategy is focused on saving our customers’ money. If you have more than one of these warning signs, it’s likely that you need to replace your furnace. Let’s get started.
The Age of Your Heating System Is Greater Than 15 Years
According to Consumer Reports, the typical lifespan of a gas furnace is 18 years. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it with one of the new models on the market that are more energy efficient than older ones. However, many well-maintained furnaces can last up to 30 years. Contact a trusted heater installer and learn about a furnace’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, which measures the furnace’s energy efficiency, to get a better idea of how much money you could save by switching to a new, more energy-efficient furnace.
Cost of Your Heating Expenses Has Gone Up
An increase in your monthly energy costs can have a number of causes. However, if you have professional annual maintenance performed and have properly sealed your air ducts, you should not see a significant increase in your energy bill.
Your furnace may be on its last leg if you have noticed a gradual but steady increase in your monthly heating bill over the years. Your gas and electric bills could be increasing due to worn internal components. In this case, you should contact the best heater installer in your area. Investing the extra money you spend on gas and electricity into buying a new heating system will go much further than continuing to deal with increased monthly expenses.
Your Heating System Requires Frequent Maintenance
The last two years of a furnace’s life are when it needs the most maintenance and repairs. An old furnace requires so many visits from the repairman that it soon reaches the point where the cost of keeping it running is no longer justified.
If you have made more than two repairs to your furnace in the last year, it might be time to consider a new furnace. If the cost of repairs is more than fifty percent of the cost of a new furnace, you should replace it rather than repair it.
You may also be having trouble adjusting the thermostat. Some of your rooms may get too hot or too cold. To maintain a pleasant temperature, you may need to adjust the thermostat frequently. If this is the case, the problem may be caused by your furnace’s inability to distribute heat effectively throughout your home.
A trusted HVAC specialist in your area can determine whether the problem is with your furnace or thermostat.
Your Furnace is Making Odd Sounds
When you turn on your heating system, do you hear any rattling, popping, or banging sounds coming from the system? Older furnaces make a variety of strange noises when they reach the end of their life.
Many households don’t even go near the furnace very often, but sometimes just looking at it can tell you a lot about its current condition. Check it for corrosion and cracks while listening for unusual noises. Squeaks and screeches are signs that the blower needs an adjustment. However, other noises, such as grinding or banging, indicate that it needs to be repaired or completely replaced.
You should also pay attention to the smell in the furnace room. You should expect a musty smell when you turn on the device for the first time in the new season. However, if the smell lasts more than a few days, you should contact a heater specialist as soon as possible to schedule service.
Also, does the blower turn on and off frequently by itself? Does it blow cool air? This is another indication that you should have your furnace replaced by a local heating installer as soon as possible.
Flame Turns Orange Instead of Blue
If your furnace’s flame is yellow rather than blue, this may indicate that it is releasing carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly gas. At the very least, the fuel is not burning as efficiently or cleanly as it could. Any color of a furnace’s flame other than blue may indicate incomplete combustion and a potentially dangerous scenario, such as a gas or carbon monoxide leak.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by the combustion of all types of fuels. It is also a hazardous gas. The effects of carbon monoxide exposure can be fatal.
Below are some signs that your heating system is producing carbon monoxide:
- Traces of soot around the furnace
- Lack of updraft in the chimney
- The presence of excessive moisture on windows, walls, or other cold surfaces
- Rust on flue pipes or other pipe connections
If your heating system shows signs of carbon monoxide emission, you should immediately vacate the premises and contact the appropriate utility company to have the gas supply shut off. If the problem is serious, you should consider a new furnace from the best heater installer in PA.
Does Your Furnace Show These Replacement Signs?
How many of these warning signs do you see in your furnace? The more these signs, the more urgently you should consider buying a new furnace from a reliable heating company.Also, remember that even if you buy a new furnace, you will not save much money if the installation is not done correctly. Contact us to inquire about available furnaces, all of which have high AFUE ratings. Talk to our experts at Bucks County Fuel before making a decision.
