Furnaces are built to last about 20 years. Unfortunately, aging furnaces don’t always run as efficiently as they have been designed to do so nowadays. How does a homeowner know when it is time to upgrade from his or her existing furnace?
By being aware of the common signs that a furnace needs a replacement. It can be challenging sometimes to know when a furnace needs service or replacement. Some of the common warning signs that a furnace needs to be replaced are:
- Heat output (heating capacity) has decreased significantly:
Most furnaces are rated in terms of their “heat output,” or the amount of heating capacity they provide. If a furnace has been on for hours but is not producing enough heat to meet all the demands of a particular home, it may be time to replace that old unit regardless of its age.
- The furnace never turns off:
One sure sign that a furnace is not working well is if it does not cycle on and off to maintain the desired temperature. If your furnace runs nonstop (no matter what settings you use), it’s time for a new one.
- Furnace frequently sets off home safety switches:
A switcher automatically turns the heating system off when some problem occurs. A furnace typically trips a safety switch if it overheats, which can damage the unit and cause a fire. If your home’s furnace frequently sets off these alarms, it’s a good idea to have a professional investigate the problem.
- Excessive noise:
If you hear chirping or whistling noises from your furnace when it runs, this may indicate that there is an obstruction in the gas flow or other parts of the system. In some cases, loud banging or knocking sounds could indicate that one part has broken loose inside the unit and may warrant having a new furnace installed immediately.
- Furnace no longer produces enough hot water:
In homes with multiple occupants who take showers and baths, low levels of hot water production can indicate that a furnace is struggling to meet the home’s heating and hot water demands. If the unit is more than 10 years old, it may be time for a furnace replacement.
Benefits of installing a new furnace:
Installing a new furnace can offer many benefits, from improved energy efficiency to increased comfort. If you’re considering replacing your furnace, here are some of the top reasons to do so.
A new furnace can:
- Reduce your heating expenses and increase your energy efficiency.
- Enhance the comfort of your home’s interior temperature and humidity levels.
- Effectively meet all your household’s heating needs, even when temperatures fall below freezing outside.
- Improve your indoor air quality by reducing humidity, moisture, and pollutants.
- Add value to your home through increased energy efficiency, which is included in most modern homes’ construction plans.
An older furnace has a shorter lifespan than a newer model, so the decision to replace an existing unit with a new one can be an important step for homeowners who want longer-lasting heaters that can remain cost-efficient over time. Replacing an old furnace with a high-efficiency unit will help protect the environment as well as lower utility bills long-term.
Despite good care of your furnace, it will only last about 20 years so you should consider replacing it after this time. Apart from being aware of the signs of an inefficient furnace, have it inspected professionally every year or so for cleanliness—as dust can restrict airflow and damage your unit if left uncleaned.
Also, ask a qualified technician to inspect each new furnace installation to ensure proper ventilation and safety measures are followed during construction. And if your unit is older than 20 years old, look into powering your existing system with a high-efficiency model that will improve operating costs, comfort levels and enjoy lower utility bills.
Perhaps it is time to do some research for a new furnace. It would be wise to obtain quotes from reputable contractors nearby so you can choose the best option available for your home’s unique needs.
